To most athletes of various board sports such as skateboarding or longboarding, ‘stoked’ refers to the feeling of exhilaration and excitement, or a certain kind of high.
For Doha-based nurse-paramedic Bruce Azarraga, to be stoked is “very rewarding” – to feel “pure joy and belongingness.” Azarraga is among the many skaters in Doha who are calling for the establishment of more facilities that cater to extreme sports like skateboarding, longboarding, BMX, and aggressive inline skating, among others.
“As in any sports, skateboarding is a fun and rewarding activity that creates a strong bond between people of different ages and background. 
“Just like a basketball court is to a basketball player, a skatepark is for down-to-earth, fun loving individuals who just want to hang out and spend time doing the thing they love most,” Azarraga told Gulf Times yesterday. XRebels head of operations and Doha Longboard Crew member Gustav Brandt said having more skateparks in Doha gives residents, both young and the young at heart, “something to look forward to after work or school.”
Brandt noted that skateparks are also good for group activities, bonding, and a proper venue to teach skaters and BMX riders. “It’s a place that we can all get along and to be there for the beginners, help and train them to upgrade their skills, do competitions and invite all the communities for support,” he said. On National Sport Day, B Square Mall hosted its first ‘Street Style Skate Competition’ and gathered throngs of visitors, especially members of various skateboarding communities in Doha. 
Events co-ordinator Patrick Malit Paule said the concept behind B Square Mall’s new skate park, which is open to the public, is to unite all the skaters here in Doha by providing a proper facility. 
“We need more skate parks in Qatar. There are a lot of riders here whether for longboarding, skateboarding, BMX, or inline skating. 
“In fact, providing designated spaces for these types of activities is the best way to create a community and will help minimise accidents and damage to private property, as well as other safety hazards to riders and motorists,” he said.
According to Azarraga, one of the major benefits of having more skateparks in Qatar is safety. “There are still many skaters and BMX riders in the country who are playing in the streets where safety and legality is always a primary concern,” he said. Doha-resident Patrick James I Cruz said skateboarding used to be frowned at and considered a dangerous sport. 
“Today, however, more and more people are seeing it as an activity with many benefits and a great form of exercise. But most importantly, skateboarding also teaches focus and determination, especially when learning new tricks. It teaches people to get up after taking a fall. It is a great life lesson,” Cruz said.
Skateboard enthusiast Tammy Lucar added: “Proper education and information dissemination would be able to make people see that skateboarding is an activity that can be enjoyed regardless of age, gender, and social status as long as you are willing and able to learn it.”