XC - Climbing & Skatepark — Attraction in Dacorum

Incredible facilities at XC, but there are too many things in the skatepark that need improvement.

An indoor skatepark should be open whether it's raining or dry, but over 5 times now when I call up the skate park it has been closed due to condensation on the ramps making it even more slippy than it already is. An indoor park shouldn't have to deal with weather conditions, that's the whole reason people go to indoor skateparks! This is the only indoor park I experience these problems with.

Another issue is the wasted half of the skatepark, being a skateboarder I like to dip into the whole park, whether it's the mini, street section, big ramps or the bowls. But the concrete used to create these bowls are so dangerous.

Companies like maverick industries use spray concrete and it is pure perfection in terms of grip and smoothness, but whatever concrete is used here may as well be made of ice, the first time dropping in I could feel the board sliding under my feet, it would only take the smallest lean for the board to slip out and for myself to fall straight into the ramp. The design of the bowl is incredible and could be one of the most creative bowls I have skated, but being the material it is, you may as well transform it to another scooter build because that would get more use...

I wish I could say good things about this place as it has more potential than anywhere within a 50 mile radius but sadly there are just so many issues that need to be looked at and sorted. The one thing I will say is perfect is the mini ramp, I would not go to this place anymore if it wasn't for that mini.

If you're looking for a busy death trap on a scooter then maybe this is the...

Only to comment on the skatepark part of the XC - my best experience of a UK skatepark to date. A brilliantly designed indoor venue that's oddly lacking in skateboarders and plagued with scooters, which we all have to live with, like it or not. It would be great to see a bigger skate following in a place like Hemel XC - however it's a 23 mile trek out of London which may be too far (public transport = plenty of time and money unless you have a car, then the sessions will set you back at least a tenner a time). Still well worth the journey if you can get a three hour session in as there's loads to explore: an all-out street section (wooden) with blocks, rails and walls... a super wide mini ramp that's low and comfortable to practice on (also wooden). If you're up for it there's also a nice deep concrete bowl with a shallow end/snake run in, which spines into an authentic California backyard-style pool. Both are premium quality and smoothly surfaced, with decent coping and very fast action. The whole place feels big and buzzing with ideas - and when there's skaters around the spirit is transformed (sorry scooters, I'm a longtime skater and there's...

Interesting problems, nice patrons and staff there, not too busy due to Covid booking system, but...

I (an experienced boulder climber) took a new climber and was told they couldn't climb as they would need a 45 minute induction to boulder and no one was available to give them one.

I then said I was experienced and was going to supervise but they said this was not possible unless I could show them how to check a belay knot.

I explained we were just bouldering but they sad they couldn't help.

I understand if that is policy, however it's a completely arbitrary rule as we wouldn't be using belays anyway!

Very strange considering this is not the case at any other wall I've been to.

I also was not offered a refund. Disappointing.

Edit in response to reply:

To be clear I wasn't expecting a refund for my visit, just for my friend who was unable to climb. This was not offered... And still has not been offered in the response below. I probably will come again because it is local to me when I visit my mother, however I am still disappointed that I have had to pay £12 or so, for the privilege of my friend being...