Stepping into a skatepark for the first time can be an exhilarating experience. The sight of smooth ramps and talented skaters performing impressive tricks is enough to get anyone’s adrenaline pumping. However, skateparks also have a set of unwritten rules, known as skatepark etiquette, that are crucial for ensuring a positive and safe environment for everyone. This guide will help you navigate these unspoken guidelines, allowing you to make friends, avoid conflicts, and fully enjoy your skatepark experience.
Navigating a skatepark involves more than just knowing how to ride; it’s about understanding the shared space and respecting the community within it. While most skateparks have their own posted rules about hours of operation, helmet requirements, and specific times for bikes or scooters, the real key to a smooth visit is understanding and adhering to the unwritten rules of skatepark etiquette. These are the customs that keep the park safe and fun for everyone.
1. Be Respectful and Courteous
When entering a new environment, whether it’s a skatepark, school, or workplace, politeness goes a long way. First impressions matter, and being friendly and courteous will often be reciprocated by others. If you act like you own the place or criticize other skaters, you’re unlikely to have a pleasant experience.
Simple gestures like saying “Hi” when you make eye contact, or complimenting someone’s trick, can create a welcoming atmosphere. Don’t hesitate to engage in friendly conversation; it’s a great way to meet fellow skaters. Also, remember the universal skater courtesy: yelling “BOARD!!” when you fall and your board goes astray. This alerts others to potential hazards.
2. Respect the Park: No Vandalism
Vandalism is not only illegal, but it’s also a major offense to the skatepark community. Damaging the skatepark is a quick way to earn the disapproval of local skaters. Avoid graffiti, littering, spitting, and throwing trash on the park surfaces. Nobody wants to roll through your discarded gum or other debris. Keep in mind that even something as small as a sunflower seed can act like a pebble and cause a wheel to stop unexpectedly, which is extremely dangerous.
Damaging obstacles can create hazardous conditions for everyone. A clean park is a safe park, and taking care of the skatepark’s features will help it last for years to come.
3. Don’t Add Wax Unnecessarily
Leave your personal wax at home. Chances are, the ledges and rails are already seasoned and waxed by regular skaters. Before applying wax, test the obstacle by sliding your hand or trucks across it. If it’s sticky in certain areas, you may want to wax your board or trucks instead of the park’s obstacles. Over-waxing an obstacle can ruin it, and adding wax without need can easily annoy locals.
4. Avoid “Snaking”
“Snaking” is cutting someone off while they’re attempting a line or learning a new trick. This dangerous and disrespectful behavior is a quick way to get on other skaters’ bad sides. Collisions at the skatepark can result in injuries.
Observe and follow the “flow” of the park. Skateparks often have a directional design, with downhill slopes and obstacles designed to be used from a particular direction. Take a moment to watch how other skaters are moving, the lines they’re following, and which obstacles they’re using. Once you understand the flow, integrate yourself into it respectfully. If you need to go against the flow, ask other skaters before doing so to avoid problems.
5. Don’t Hang Out on Obstacles
Skateparks usually have dedicated areas like benches or grassy patches for resting and hanging out. Don’t sit or stand on obstacles like fun boxes or ramps. This can easily lead to someone getting angry or, worse, a collision. You might also end up with unwanted wax on your clothing. If someone asks you to move, do so immediately. Watch what other skaters are doing and stay out of their way.
6. Understand “Ready Position”
This tip is about being aware of your body language at the skatepark. Experienced skaters look for signals that indicate when someone is ready to start their line to avoid cutting them off. For example, if you are at the top of a mini ramp, don’t let your board hang over the coping if you’re not ready to drop in. Having your board in drop-in position indicates you are ready to go. If you’re not ready, hold your board to your side.
Similarly, if you are about to start your run, telegraph your actions. Hold your board by the nose, indicating you’re about to run and jump on it. Avoid holding your board in a mall-grab or an unconventional way that suggests you’re not ready.
7. Keep Your Cool: Don’t Be a “Baby”
We all fall. It’s part of learning to skate. When you fall, avoid throwing tantrums, slamming your board, or rolling around screaming (unless seriously hurt). Such behavior makes a negative impression and won’t help you land the trick any better. Instead, laugh it off. Other skaters have been there too, and they’ll understand your frustration.
8. Avoid “Infinite Lines”
Kids can have a lot of energy, and sometimes they skate around the park for what seems like forever. This can be problematic for other skaters who can’t predict your movements or know when they can start their line.
Instead of endlessly rolling through the entire park, pick a section, skate a defined line, and then take a break. Impress people with your technical skills rather than your ability to continuously roll through the park.
9. Skate Responsibly
Skate within your limits. Trying new tricks and pushing your boundaries is part of the skateboarding experience, but there’s a right and wrong way to do it. If you’re just learning to ollie, it’s not the best idea to attempt a tre-flip down a large set of stairs.
Most skateparks have features designed for different skill levels, so work your way up gradually. Dial in your tricks on smaller obstacles before moving onto bigger ones. Getting hurt doesn’t help anyone improve, so skate smart.
10. Follow All Posted Rules
Most skateparks have posted rules about helmets, hours of operation, vandalism, and designated times for specific equipment. Following these rules is essential to avoid problems with locals, law enforcement, and potentially having the skatepark shut down.
Private skateparks usually charge a fee. Pay the fee! This small fee helps to keep the lights on and ensure proper maintenance of the facility. The cost of running a skatepark is substantial, so your contribution makes a big difference in their ability to stay open. Support the skatepark by being a paying customer.
Skateboarder dropping into a halfpipe
Related Questions
What are “Locals Only” Parks?
“Locals Only” parks are, as the name suggests, primarily for local skaters. This doesn’t mean you can’t ever visit, but you should make an effort to become welcome. Connecting with locals before going to the park will help you understand the vibe and be more likely to be welcomed.
If a local skater invites you to join them, you’ll likely be fine. However, make sure you behave well and respect their rules to avoid problems.
Why are Skateparks So Busy?
Skateparks provide a dedicated and safe space to practice skateboarding and improve one’s skills. With pristine obstacles and a community atmosphere, they can get busy. If you prefer a quieter experience, try visiting during off-peak hours. Weekday mornings and late evenings are often less crowded, especially when school-aged kids are likely not present.
By understanding and respecting the unwritten rules of skatepark etiquette, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a positive and rewarding skateboarding experience. Remember to be polite, respectful, and aware of your surroundings. Happy skating!
