Author Topic: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?  (Read 2760 times)

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Cindaykook

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Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« on: January 08, 2022, 02:50:55 PM »
Planning a Tampa pro trip for this year with some homies. The plan was go to the contests each day for a bit then go skate some local spots or parks then go enjoy the nightlife. What I’m wondering is if it’s really worth it for 4 guys in their 30s?

Tampa has always just seemed like a wild vibe but as a spectator (old ones at that) wondering if we might be better off just going on a skate trip somewhere else. Anyone that’s been before please chime in.

Chatbot

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #1 on: January 09, 2022, 07:22:10 AM »
Where would you be traveling from?

I’m also interested in hearing some input from others as I’ve been thinking about a trip here for ages. But also seeing the turnout the last few years, I get the impression the Tampa hype has peaked long ago.

cherry

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #2 on: January 09, 2022, 08:15:01 AM »
A dime contest would be 10,000,000 times more fun.

Personally want to go to Copenhagen pro. Tampa seemed pretty lame this year.

Imagine Steve crying about a nipple picture at dime or that someone is ruining jagger eatons big moment lol fuck that scene

Cindaykook

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #3 on: January 09, 2022, 07:10:04 PM »
Where would you be traveling from?

I’m also interested in hearing some input from others as I’ve been thinking about a trip here for ages. But also seeing the turnout the last few years, I get the impression the Tampa hype has peaked long ago.

Coming from Ohio. Planning to get there Wednesday so I can skate the park before it’s closed to the public.

CossRooper

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #4 on: January 09, 2022, 11:39:21 PM »
I went I think in either 2016 or 2017 and it was still quite a vibe. free beer and literally everyone from the industry is right next to you. Skating is on another level and insane to see in person, and nothing quite like that rickety ass shed of a park lit up with applause. you will be surprised how many people do some of the best skating you've ever seen and not even get top 10.

 Ybor City is a shitshow 52 weeks a year so you can bank on that. Go to the Bricks or Reservoir Bar and i'm sure you'll be blacking out with some industry people.

Tampa is fun to skate too, i had a good time pushing around downtown and the waterfront with my friends.

Tasty ass cuban food and warm weather as well.

honestly I think it's a really great contest, park, and weekend

Fhk

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #5 on: January 10, 2022, 08:10:52 AM »
I'm going for the first time this year, and judging by pictures my homies send me every year...it will be worth it

twic3

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #6 on: January 10, 2022, 11:16:54 AM »
you will be surprised how many people do some of the best skating you've ever seen and not even get top 10.

I only go Friday and Saturday because of this.

Being in my 20s, I think Tampa is a boring ass city compared to Orlando, but my parents love going there every weekend so im sure you'll enjoy it. Alot of the nightlife there is aimed towards the older crowd.

Go gamble at the hard rock casino, clearwater beach is one of the best beaches in FL, enjoy the strip clubs, cigar city brewing is my favorite brewery in the state.

Cindaykook

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #7 on: January 11, 2022, 10:28:05 AM »
I appreciate the replies. Sounds like still a solid trip choice. If anyone knows of any good spots or parks to visit while I’m there, lmk.

jorge

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #8 on: January 11, 2022, 10:56:56 AM »
Expand Quote
you will be surprised how many people do some of the best skating you've ever seen and not even get top 10.
[close]

I only go Friday and Saturday because of this.

Being in my 20s, I think Tampa is a boring ass city compared to Orlando, but my parents love going there every weekend so im sure you'll enjoy it. Alot of the nightlife there is aimed towards the older crowd.

Go gamble at the hard rock casino, clearwater beach is one of the best beaches in FL, enjoy the strip clubs, cigar city brewing is my favorite brewery in the state.
Am I missing something or is Orlando one of the worst cities in the United States? 
Also make sure you do the moat race when you get to Tampa!

donkey

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #9 on: January 11, 2022, 01:04:12 PM »
I appreciate the replies. Sounds like still a solid trip choice. If anyone knows of any good spots or parks to visit while I’m there, lmk.
if you're going to tampa make sure to hit bro bowl as well. also a great diy in tampa that you will definitely be glad i told you about is turtle ditch (you can google it). go to st petersburg as well and hit up campbell park

Fhk

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #10 on: January 11, 2022, 01:11:24 PM »
I appreciate the replies. Sounds like still a solid trip choice. If anyone knows of any good spots or parks to visit while I’m there, lmk.
My buddy lives in Brandon, and he says there are a shit ton of parks in the area.

Salad farmer

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #11 on: January 11, 2022, 02:01:21 PM »
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you will be surprised how many people do some of the best skating you've ever seen and not even get top 10.
[close]

I only go Friday and Saturday because of this.

Being in my 20s, I think Tampa is a boring ass city compared to Orlando, but my parents love going there every weekend so im sure you'll enjoy it. Alot of the nightlife there is aimed towards the older crowd.

Go gamble at the hard rock casino, clearwater beach is one of the best beaches in FL, enjoy the strip clubs, cigar city brewing is my favorite brewery in the state.
[close]
Am I missing something or is Orlando one of the worst cities in the United States? 
Also make sure you do the moat race when you get to Tampa!
Orlando is my least favorite city I've ever been. They have decent spots and a good skate scene but everything about the place just sucks. Tampa is definitely more fun.

ihatejulio

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #12 on: January 11, 2022, 03:58:04 PM »
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you will be surprised how many people do some of the best skating you've ever seen and not even get top 10.
[close]

I only go Friday and Saturday because of this.

Being in my 20s, I think Tampa is a boring ass city compared to Orlando, but my parents love going there every weekend so im sure you'll enjoy it. Alot of the nightlife there is aimed towards the older crowd.

Go gamble at the hard rock casino, clearwater beach is one of the best beaches in FL, enjoy the strip clubs, cigar city brewing is my favorite brewery in the state.
[close]
Am I missing something or is Orlando one of the worst cities in the United States? 
Also make sure you do the moat race when you get to Tampa!
[close]
Orlando is my least favorite city I've ever been. They have decent spots and a good skate scene but everything about the place just sucks. Tampa is definitely more fun.

Damn, I like living in Orlando. What made you hate it?

Cindaykook

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #13 on: January 11, 2022, 04:09:34 PM »
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you will be surprised how many people do some of the best skating you've ever seen and not even get top 10.
[close]

I only go Friday and Saturday because of this.

Being in my 20s, I think Tampa is a boring ass city compared to Orlando, but my parents love going there every weekend so im sure you'll enjoy it. Alot of the nightlife there is aimed towards the older crowd.

Go gamble at the hard rock casino, clearwater beach is one of the best beaches in FL, enjoy the strip clubs, cigar city brewing is my favorite brewery in the state.
[close]
Am I missing something or is Orlando one of the worst cities in the United States? 
Also make sure you do the moat race when you get to Tampa!
[close]
Orlando is my least favorite city I've ever been. They have decent spots and a good skate scene but everything about the place just sucks. Tampa is definitely more fun.

A few years back was planning my first trip to Orlando to take my kids on vacation. The night I was leaving was the night of the mass shooting at the night club. Thought “wow that’s fucked but Disney will be cool.” Went to Magic kingdom and on the boat ride back to the car saw the helicopters out looking for the kid that was eaten by a gator. Orlando is wild

Salad farmer

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #14 on: January 11, 2022, 05:22:06 PM »
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you will be surprised how many people do some of the best skating you've ever seen and not even get top 10.
[close]

I only go Friday and Saturday because of this.

Being in my 20s, I think Tampa is a boring ass city compared to Orlando, but my parents love going there every weekend so im sure you'll enjoy it. Alot of the nightlife there is aimed towards the older crowd.

Go gamble at the hard rock casino, clearwater beach is one of the best beaches in FL, enjoy the strip clubs, cigar city brewing is my favorite brewery in the state.
[close]
Am I missing something or is Orlando one of the worst cities in the United States? 
Also make sure you do the moat race when you get to Tampa!
[close]
Orlando is my least favorite city I've ever been. They have decent spots and a good skate scene but everything about the place just sucks. Tampa is definitely more fun.
[close]

Damn, I like living in Orlando. What made you hate it?

Too much traffic for a Florida city, toll roads, every time I worked a job that was out there for the day people were terrible to deal with. All my friends living there were in places you'd have to drive to get to the bar or restaurants, downtown scene sucked with hipsters and club people, architecture was boring and it's kind of expensive for central Florida. I was in the minority of people I knew though, lots of my friends loved Orlando and would go to I bar or Bar BQ bar every other weekend. It always felt like a headache to me, I'd go for concerts or when my friend had free NBA tickets but after a while I'd only go out there to visit my cousins or grandparents.

ihatejulio

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #15 on: January 11, 2022, 08:47:56 PM »
Expand Quote
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you will be surprised how many people do some of the best skating you've ever seen and not even get top 10.
[close]

I only go Friday and Saturday because of this.

Being in my 20s, I think Tampa is a boring ass city compared to Orlando, but my parents love going there every weekend so im sure you'll enjoy it. Alot of the nightlife there is aimed towards the older crowd.

Go gamble at the hard rock casino, clearwater beach is one of the best beaches in FL, enjoy the strip clubs, cigar city brewing is my favorite brewery in the state.
[close]
Am I missing something or is Orlando one of the worst cities in the United States? 
Also make sure you do the moat race when you get to Tampa!
[close]
Orlando is my least favorite city I've ever been. They have decent spots and a good skate scene but everything about the place just sucks. Tampa is definitely more fun.
[close]

Damn, I like living in Orlando. What made you hate it?
[close]

Too much traffic for a Florida city, toll roads, every time I worked a job that was out there for the day people were terrible to deal with. All my friends living there were in places you'd have to drive to get to the bar or restaurants, downtown scene sucked with hipsters and club people, architecture was boring and it's kind of expensive for central Florida. I was in the minority of people I knew though, lots of my friends loved Orlando and would go to I bar or Bar BQ bar every other weekend. It always felt like a headache to me, I'd go for concerts or when my friend had free NBA tickets but after a while I'd only go out there to visit my cousins or grandparents.

All valid reasons to dislike the city for sure. Traffic is a bit much on surface streets and the drivers are some of the worst in the nation. It's pretty spread out as you mentioned, you need a car to do anything around here since public transportation is nonexistent. Those are some of my biggest gripes. Other than that, I have found the people to be pretty great and friendly overall with occasional assholes every so often but that's a given no matter where you live. I don't really hang out in the touristy areas that much. Downtown I like actually, not as much the nightlife. But going there during the day has been fun and there are tons of spots to skate.

I have mostly been in the Baldwin Park/Milk District/Mills area, that's more my pace. I think people who live here have a bit of a different experience so I could see how it would be frustrating to visit from aways away. It is absolutely getting more expensive but that's a nationwide problem at this point.   

Fhk

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #16 on: January 12, 2022, 12:08:37 PM »
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you will be surprised how many people do some of the best skating you've ever seen and not even get top 10.
[close]

I only go Friday and Saturday because of this.

Being in my 20s, I think Tampa is a boring ass city compared to Orlando, but my parents love going there every weekend so im sure you'll enjoy it. Alot of the nightlife there is aimed towards the older crowd.

Go gamble at the hard rock casino, clearwater beach is one of the best beaches in FL, enjoy the strip clubs, cigar city brewing is my favorite brewery in the state.
[close]
Am I missing something or is Orlando one of the worst cities in the United States? 
Also make sure you do the moat race when you get to Tampa!
[close]
Orlando is my least favorite city I've ever been. They have decent spots and a good skate scene but everything about the place just sucks. Tampa is definitely more fun.
[close]

Damn, I like living in Orlando. What made you hate it?
[close]

Too much traffic for a Florida city, toll roads, every time I worked a job that was out there for the day people were terrible to deal with. All my friends living there were in places you'd have to drive to get to the bar or restaurants, downtown scene sucked with hipsters and club people, architecture was boring and it's kind of expensive for central Florida. I was in the minority of people I knew though, lots of my friends loved Orlando and would go to I bar or Bar BQ bar every other weekend. It always felt like a headache to me, I'd go for concerts or when my friend had free NBA tickets but after a while I'd only go out there to visit my cousins or grandparents.
[close]

All valid reasons to dislike the city for sure. Traffic is a bit much on surface streets and the drivers are some of the worst in the nation. It's pretty spread out as you mentioned, you need a car to do anything around here since public transportation is nonexistent. Those are some of my biggest gripes. Other than that, I have found the people to be pretty great and friendly overall with occasional assholes every so often but that's a given no matter where you live. I don't really hang out in the touristy areas that much. Downtown I like actually, not as much the nightlife. But going there during the day has been fun and there are tons of spots to skate.

I have mostly been in the Baldwin Park/Milk District/Mills area, that's more my pace. I think people who live here have a bit of a different experience so I could see how it would be frustrating to visit from aways away. It is absolutely getting more expensive but that's a nationwide problem at this point.
My brother lived in Altamonte Springs(sp) while attending Full Sail many years ago. I loved that area. I remember there was BadLands nearby and plenty of other spots to skate. I would love to move to the Orlando area.

twic3

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #17 on: January 13, 2022, 10:02:37 AM »
I didnt know my comment would become such a hot take lol. Typically when I go to Tampa its just to skate, concerts, go to ybor, busch gardens, or the hard rock. I've spent alot more time in Clearwater, Bradenton, St.Pete, and Sarasota than in Tampa itself so maybe I'm just ignorant on what more there is to do within the city other than what I've mentioned.

I could understand why someone not from here would not like it though. Our only public transportation besides the bus is the sunrail and it doesnt even run on weekends besides for special events... If you dont live next to I4, driving is a pain in the ass. The area south of downtown is one big tourist trap.

At the same time there is so much development going on recently and it feels like there's always something new to look forward to. I always tell people who moved away and haven't been back in years that Orlando will seem like a whole new city to them and they do end up being surprised and wanting to move back.



CossRooper

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #18 on: January 14, 2022, 11:09:12 AM »
I lived in Orlando for around 7 years, and it honestly took me around 4-5 to start feeling settled and find my little niche. The first four I lived out by UCF and the entire aesthetic was like a giant Applebees. Truly nightmarish. I can see how if you visited, especially if you just went downtown or stayed in the disney or UCF zones, it would seem like the worst place on earth.  I cannot stress enough how shitty the layout is. The whole 408/I4 bisection of the city and everything being 25 actual minutes away is such a disaster. Whole area to the south is just an absolute strip mall nightmare as @twic3 said.

However I think there is tons of interesting stuff in the Mills/50, Virginia Drive, Audobon park zone. In retrospect i did love living in that area and I do miss it, everything cool was within a 5-10 minute drive or uber, and it was a sea of snoozy well lit parking lots to skate. and the whole stretch of colonial, especially further out west and in the no mans land between Fashion Square and UCF, is true 1950's Weird Florida, imo in a good way.

Fhk

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #19 on: February 27, 2022, 05:11:23 PM »
Not really Tampa Pro related, but I am moving to Tampa in a few days, and I will be looking for some spots. Mellow shit really..as I am getting old and skate like I am even older.

fuhkin_powahfood_kid

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #20 on: February 27, 2022, 07:44:51 PM »
Not really Tampa Pro related, but I am moving to Tampa in a few days, and I will be looking for some spots. Mellow shit really..as I am getting old and skate like I am even older.

what the fuck are you moving to Tampa for?
If you plant ice, you’re gonna harvest wind

Fhk

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #21 on: February 28, 2022, 04:16:42 AM »
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Not really Tampa Pro related, but I am moving to Tampa in a few days, and I will be looking for some spots. Mellow shit really..as I am getting old and skate like I am even older.
[close]

what the fuck are you moving to Tampa for?
I’m a Rolling stone baby..nah I am going on a a mental health “sabbatical” bud. It likely won’t be permanent, but one never knows.

twic3

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #22 on: February 28, 2022, 08:29:43 AM »
Not really Tampa Pro related, but I am moving to Tampa in a few days, and I will be looking for some spots. Mellow shit really..as I am getting old and skate like I am even older.

download this app called spotsesh.

Fhk

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #23 on: February 28, 2022, 12:00:38 PM »
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Not really Tampa Pro related, but I am moving to Tampa in a few days, and I will be looking for some spots. Mellow shit really..as I am getting old and skate like I am even older.
[close]

download this app called spotsesh.
I will.. thank you man

fuhkin_powahfood_kid

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #24 on: February 28, 2022, 12:04:42 PM »
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Expand Quote
Not really Tampa Pro related, but I am moving to Tampa in a few days, and I will be looking for some spots. Mellow shit really..as I am getting old and skate like I am even older.
[close]

what the fuck are you moving to Tampa for?
[close]
I’m a Rolling stone baby..nah I am going on a a mental health “sabbatical” bud. It likely won’t be permanent, but one never knows.

been there, my man, been there.

holler at me anytime, man
If you plant ice, you’re gonna harvest wind

Fhk

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #25 on: February 28, 2022, 12:07:21 PM »
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Expand Quote
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Not really Tampa Pro related, but I am moving to Tampa in a few days, and I will be looking for some spots. Mellow shit really..as I am getting old and skate like I am even older.
[close]

what the fuck are you moving to Tampa for?
[close]
I’m a Rolling stone baby..nah I am going on a a mental health “sabbatical” bud. It likely won’t be permanent, but one never knows.
[close]

been there, my man, been there.

holler at me anytime, man
Thank you homeboy..I’ll take you up on that in the near future

FUBAR

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #26 on: March 13, 2022, 09:47:34 AM »


download this app called spotsesh.
[/quote]

Damn, good app! Just wasted an hour looking around on it.

QUIT SINNIN

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #27 on: March 13, 2022, 06:08:23 PM »
Came here to ask the same question. I’m 34 and have wanted to go since I was 12. Can finally afford to do stuff like this on a bit of a whim.

I’m more wondering if the scene is mostly young dudes? Not gonna lie, would be hoping to bump into or at least see older pros from the 90s and 00s hanging around.

biaherl

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #28 on: March 14, 2022, 02:27:57 PM »
I thought is was only old dudes that go

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwpwSBfsf10

Fhk

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Re: Tampa pro trip. Is it worth it?
« Reply #29 on: March 14, 2022, 04:22:58 PM »
I thought is was only old dudes that go

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwpwSBfsf10
This night was my first trip to SPoT and it was amazing. Met so many incredible people there. Definitely Lots of Not old dudes there as well.