Finding the perfect practice location can be challenging when starting out in parkour. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key features of a good spot and give you tips on how to find one. Understanding what makes a good parkour spot will help you build the confidence to take your practice outside.
What Makes a Good Parkour Spot? Parkour training is possible in a wide range of environments, from urban landscapes to parks and even forests. However, not all locations are suitable for parkour training. While good beginner spots can also be great for experienced athletes and vice versa, some spots lend themselves more to beginners than others.
Safety and accessibility should be your top priorities when choosing a spot. The best beginner spots are easy to get to and feature solid structures and different obstacles to interact with. Stay near public areas for convenience and safety, but avoid spots with heavy foot traffic, as it can disrupt your focus and increase the risk of collisions with others. Always be mindful of people and private property.
When choosing a spot, look for sturdy and reliable structures. If a railing gives way when you land on it, you risk injury and could be liable for damaging property. While England is known in the global parkour community for its grippy bricks, beware of thin single-brick walls. They are less sturdy than they appear! Always make sure to check the structural integrity of walls before jumping on them.
Another factor to consider when choosing your spot is grip. While a spot might seem promising at first glance, even typically comfortable jumps can become challenging if the walls lack grip. As you get more experience training at different spots, you'll develop a better sense of which surfaces offer good grip and make for ideal obstacles.
Good spots offer both easy and more difficult challenges. Spots that accommodate various skill levels allow you to progress and develop your abilities step by step. You don’t need to go for the biggest jumps or the highest walls right away. Start small, get comfortable, and then work your way up.
While spots that feature a mix of different obstacles offering endless possibilities can be exciting, having too many options can sometimes feel overwhelming. If that is the case, think smaller: Benches, a few walls, low rails, curbs and even a tree stump can make for a great spot to focus on specific moves.
Curbs, for example, are perfect for finessing your landing techniques for precision jumps, while a patch of grass is ideal for practising parkour rolls. A single hip-height wall offers plenty of opportunities to work on different vaults. A slanted wall is a great place to start if you’re looking to work on wall runs and climb-ups. And don’t forget about low rails. They are perfect for practising balance and improving foot placement in a safe and controlled way.
Sometimes, the simplicity of a smaller spot can help you focus on your technique, making your training more effective and less overwhelming. So, embrace those simpler spaces - they often offer more than meets the eye!
Good spots usually become well-known among practitioners, and they are often named after nearby landmarks or businesses. Some spots have become globally known and attract parkour athletes from around the world who travel to experience these iconic spots and grasp the scale of the jumps that have been achieved there. One such example, and arguably the most famous parkour spot in the world, is London IMAX. Finding famous spots is often as simple as a quick online search.
However, many good spots will only be known within local communities, such as “Mini Spot” in Brighton and “Secret Spot” in Bristol. These spots might not have global fame, but they are just as cherished by the communities that train there. The easiest way to find these spots is to connect with the local community and ask them to join their sessions. If you’d rather visit those spots alone, ask them if they are willing to drop you a pin. Another way is to search for spot maps online and download apps dedicated to helping you find local spots.
In parkour training, it is also typical to wander around and explore the surroundings in the hope of finding a new spot. Next time you head outside, keep an open mind and take your time to look around. Picture what you could do with that specific wall, rail, ledge or bench and visualise how you could connect certain movements to link different obstacles. Good beginner spots are often just around the corner. Think parks, playgrounds, and areas near schools, supermarkets, and hospitals. While some spots are great for training at any time of day, some might be better during off-peak and closure times. When training in public spaces, always be respectful of the area and the people around you. Don’t trespass or damage property, and be mindful of the fact that not everyone understands parkour.
While it is refreshing to switch up spots, training at old spots can benefit your practice: Revisiting the same spots allows you to track your progress by reattempting challenges you've previously tackled, but it also provides an opportunity for creative thinking and coming up with new ways to use familiar structures. Training with new friends at old spots and seeing them approach obstacles in ways you hadn’t considered can breathe new life into those spaces and inspire you to explore new movements.
Finding the right parkour spot can be an adventure in itself. Whether you're exploring new locations or revisiting old favourites, each spot can offer unique opportunities for growth and creativity. Remember to prioritise safety, start small, and gradually build your skills. Connect with the local community, stay respectful of public spaces, and, most importantly, have fun. Every wall, rail, or bench you encounter can become a stepping stone in your parkour journey. So get out there, keep your eyes open, and let your surroundings inspire you!
