Across UK skateparks, more and more preteens and young children are picking up a board for the first time, a shift that's visible in the UK's own competition scene

Ask any skater, scooter rider or BMX athlete where they want to ride in Europe, and Barcelona comes up almost every time. The city hosts some of the continent's biggest action sports events, has a skate spot that's genuinely world-famous, and draws riders from across the globe every year. Here's what's actually behind that reputation.