The Enduring Allure of the Nude Bowl: From Nudist Resort to Skateboard Mecca
This piece tells the story of the Nude Bowl, a legendary kidney-shaped pool located in the California desert. Originally built for a nudist resort, it became a haven for skateboarders in the 1980s.
Nudist Beginnings:
- In the 1960s, a couple established a nudist resort named Desert Garden Ranch, complete with a swimming pool.
- The resort thrived for over a decade before mysteriously shutting down in the late 1970s.
Skateboarder Discovery and Epic Sessions:
- In 1982, skateboarders stumbled upon the abandoned pool and nicknamed it the Nude Bowl, a nod to its history.
- The remote location and perfect size made it a premier skateboarding destination, attracting top professionals.
- Throughout the 1980s, the Nude Bowl hosted legendary skateboarding sessions with late-night parties fueled by generators.
Buried and Unearthed:
- The wild parties attracted unwanted attention, and by the late 1990s, someone filled the pool with dirt.
- Determined skateboarders resurrected the Nude Bowl in 2001, but it was reburied soon after.
- In 2015, skateboarders dug it out again, and this time it received unexpected protection.
Enduring Legacy and Potential Protection:
- The Nude Bowl is now part of the Sand to Snow National Monument, offering some level of conservation.
- While not officially designated as a historical landmark, its contribution to skateboarding culture is being considered.
- Skateboarders from all over the world continue to visit the Nude Bowl, paying homage to its unique history.
The appeal of the Nude Bowl lies in its remoteness, perfect form for skateboarding, and the community it fostered.