Parkour, also known as "freerunning", is an exciting discipline that promotes the art of moving efficiently in urban environments. Obstacles are overcome by running, jumping, climbing and rolling. Gran Canaria, with its impressive natural landscape and variety of urban areas, offers a unique setting for parkour enthusiasts. In this article we take you on a journey of discovery through the parkour scene in Gran Canaria and tell you where you can find the best spots and training opportunities.
- Parkour hotspots on Gran Canaria Gran Canaria offers a varied selection of parkour spots that are suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Some of the most famous places to practice parkour on the island are:
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Las Palmas: The capital of Gran Canaria is a paradise for parkour lovers. Here you will find numerous public parks, squares and buildings that are perfect for exercising. Popular spots are the Parque de Santa Catalina, Parque Doramas and the Parque Romano.
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Vecindario: Close to Las Palmas, Vecindario is a thriving town with a growing parkour community. Vecindario's skate park and surrounding streets offer excellent training opportunities.
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Maspalomas: Located in the south of Gran Canaria, in addition to its famous dune landscape, Maspalomas also offers interesting parkour spots in urban areas such as the Parque Urbano del Sur.
- Parkour Training in Gran Canaria For those who want to learn parkour in a structured environment or want to improve their skills, there are several parkour schools and courses in Gran Canaria. Some of these offer regular training and workshops led by experienced traceurs (parkour practitioners). The most well-known parkour schools in Gran Canaria include:
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Parkour Canarias: This school offers parkour courses for all ages and abilities and also hosts workshops and events in different parts of the island.
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Escuela Canaria de Parkour: The Escuela Canaria de Parkour is another renowned parkour school in Gran Canaria that offers courses for beginners and advanced.
- Safety and Parkour Etiquette Parkour can be a risky endeavor, especially for inexperienced tracers. Therefore, it is important to take safety precautions and observe proper etiquette. Some basic tips are:
- First, train under the guidance of an experienced traceur or join a parkour school.
- Warm up and stretch before exercising to prevent injury.
- Learn how to fall and roll properly to reduce impact forces and minimize the risk of injury.
- Practice new techniques and movements at a low altitude or in a safe environment first before attempting them on higher or more complex structures.
- Respect the environment and the privacy of other people. Avoid trespassing on private property and do not leave any marks or damage.
- Always train in groups or with a partner to ensure assistance in the event of an emergency.
- Parkour Events and Community in Gran Canaria The parkour community in Gran Canaria is very active and regularly organizes events, meetings and competitions. Such events offer traceurs the opportunity to show their skills, learn from each other and network with like-minded people. To stay informed about upcoming parkour events in Gran Canaria you can follow the social media channels of the local parkour schools and groups or connect with other traceurs in online forums and groups.
With its diverse landscape and vibrant urban environment, Gran Canaria offers an exciting backdrop for parkour enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned traceur or just starting out, the island has a growing parkour community and plenty of training opportunities.
Note: If you are interested in trying parkour in Gran Canaria, we have a special recommendation for you! We offer a parkour taster course perfect for tourists who only have a short time on the island. This one-day course will teach you the basics of parkour and allow you to learn about this fascinating discipline in a safe and fun environment. This way you can make the most of your stay in Gran Canaria and take home an unforgettable experience. For more information and bookings just contact us!
With a combination of safety, respect for the environment and sharing within the parkour community, you can get the most out of this fascinating discipline in Gran Canaria.