No more Cave: City’s skate community left without a home

Bengaluru

The skating community of Bengaluru has recently lost a beloved space, the Cave Skatepark. The inability to continue paying rent forced Holystoked, the skateboarding collective that built the park, to take the difficult decision to return the space to its owners and demolish the ramps back in January. The entire skateboarding community has since been grieving the loss of this cherished hub. When asked to contribute to this article, skaters poured their hearts out. Amit Subba said, “Cave was our home.

It was the only place where we could do whatever we wanted, the way we wanted; unlike anywhere else in the world. Just like our own house, where we live on our own terms. We saw history happen in front of us. Watching pro skaters like Lizzie Armanto, Ben Broyd, and my personal favourite Sox, among many others, was incredibly inspiring and a huge learning experience. Cave was fire, literally.” Siddhanth Wanave said, “For me, it was the first skatepark I ever went to and it found a place in my heart. Cave had its own atmosphere, vibe, and energy.

It didn’t matter what you were going through in life; once you in the park, you forgot everything. Cave was a healer.” Poorna of Holystoked said, “It’s heartbreaking. It was a special place that lasted nine years — for a community and for the future. The closest comparison I can make is the loss of a family pet; it was that dear to us. It had a great vibe built over the years. There are so many memories, experiences, and unforgettable moments tied to it. And it evolved through the years as well.” Over time, the skatepark hosted bands, food trucks, parties, skating competitions, and educational events. It remained open to all, with no entry fee; a rare, inclusive space in the city. Arjun said,

“The Cave wasn’t just a spot; for many of us, it was home. I lost a lot in this industry — sponsors, income, and stability. Logically, I know I should move on, but I still can’t detach emotionally. That place raised me. Every session, every slam, every person I met there is part of who I am. When it went, it felt like a part of me was demolished with it. The skater fraternity lost more than concrete; we lost our common ground, our church, our temple, our spiritual space.” The concrete park was built by Holystoked and lovingly adorned by graffiti artists and patrons.

Over the years, members of the collective have gone on to build several other skateparks across India and beyond.  However, the Cave remained uniquely special. “I didn’t realise how quickly the years passed. The exposure to so many things; free surfing lessons from the community, travel during detour trips, YouTube activities, sharing tents, tricks, food, bonfires, yoga, jamming sessions, dance, fire poi; there was so much. Life moves on, but I’m grateful to the community for letting me be part of it. I can never forget the faces of those people,” said Rakesh.