Longboarders in New York City are always on the hunt for fresh, untapped skate spots. If you’re tired of the same old crowded locations, it’s time to venture out to Long Island. While it may seem like a trek, the reward is well worth the effort, offering a chance to skate in a less congested environment with some unique obstacles. With the help of Four Wheels Rolling, who have meticulously mapped out Long Island’s skate spots over the years, we’ve compiled a list of locations that are definitely worth checking out.
And if you ever find yourself in need of supplies or just looking for local skate knowledge, be sure to check out Bunger Skate Shop, Chapman Skateboards, or Sweet Impact Skate Shop. A dozen bagels might just be your ticket to some truly secret spots.
Disclaimer: All train directions are from Jamaica Station. However, all Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) lines also depart from Penn Station and most stop at Atlantic Terminal, East New York, and Woodside, giving you flexibility in starting your journey.
Roslyn Banks
Obstacles: The main attraction here is a slanted manual pad, a feature that’s been showcased in several skate videos. The pad varies in steepness and has some sections that are bondo’d. You’ll also find a set of six, seven, and eight stairs with handrails, along with a parking lot offering flat ground and waxed curbs for extra fun.
How to get there: Take any LIRR train that connects to the Oyster Bay line. Ride four stops to Roslyn. The spot is located in the train station parking lot.
Security: There is typically no security presence. Sometimes cars may park in your preferred skating area, but there are plenty of manual pads to go around.
Pro Tips: Before you head out, it’s worth watching some skate videos to see what tricks have been done here. This spot has been around for a while, so try to get creative if you’re looking to film something unique.
Nassau Community College
Obstacles: This location features a perfect 10-stair with a handrail and a large hubba. Throughout the campus you will find additional manual pads, curbs, and ledges for diverse trick options.
How to get there: Take the Port Jefferson LIRR line five stops to Westbury. From there, take the n35 Baldwin via NCC bus six stops to Endo Blvd and Stewart Ave. Building P is where the spot is located.
Security: Security is very active during regular hours, so aim to skate late at night or early morning for minimal interference.
Pro Tips: Blend in by walking your board around campus to avoid drawing attention. If confronted, claim to be a student filming a project. This might work about 15% of the time.
Capital One Gap
Obstacles: This spot has a six to seven-foot grass gap with a great run-up. The crack before the gap has been filled with bondo, which should help with speed.
How to get there: Take the Port Jefferson or Ronkonkoma LIRR train to Hicksville. Transfer to the n79 bus in the train station parking lot and ride it to Woodbury Rd and Carnegie Ct. From there, it’s a 15-minute skate to the spot.
Security: This spot is heavily patrolled during weekday work hours but is usually clear on weekends.
Pro Tips: If security threatens to call the cops, it usually gives you about 30 more minutes of skate time. Suffolk County police are usually not in a rush to deal with skateboarders.
Merrick Ledges
Obstacles: Two very long, well-waxed ledges with smooth blacktop for easy skating. There is a small two to three-foot gap at the end of the ledges.
How to get there: Take the Babylon LIRR train six stops to Merrick. From there, it’s about a ten-minute skate to Birch School.
Security: Since this is an elementary school, skate at night or on weekends when school is not in session. The spot is usually open during the summer.
Pro Tips: Bring your own wax. While the ledges are usually good for slides and grinds, the local shops sell more of a different kind of “grind” product.
Two Manual Pads
Obstacles: Two manual pads with a two-foot drop. One pad is higher but shorter in length, and the other is shorter but longer. Choose your preference!
How to get there: Take the Ronkonkoma LIRR train five stops to Pinelawn. From there, an Uber or a hitchhike might be your best option.
Security: This spot is only suitable for Sundays. During the week, workers are present, and security will likely kick you out.
Pro Tips: Don’t give up on getting your manual trick. You came all this way to skate, so get your clips.
Lindenhurst Middle School
Obstacles: This spot offers an eight-stair with a handrail, as well as several manual pads. There are also two four-stairs for those interested in smaller obstacles.
How to get there: Take the Babylon train line 14 stops (less if it’s express) to Lindenhurst. It’s a five minute skate from the station to the school.
Security: Security is strict on weekdays, but weekends are usually clear. Most guards are relaxed and will allow you a few tricks before asking you to leave.
Pro Tips: If there’s a game going on, expect a lot of kids and parents around the eight-stair. Be respectful and don’t cause problems, as they will report you to security.
Grummans
Obstacles: This spot has two seven-stairs with kinked rails and out ledges, a nine-stair with a skateable handrail, bank to ledges, and a bank to a cellar door for more creative lines.
How to get there: Take the Ronkonkoma or Port Jefferson LIRR one stop to Hicksville. From there, take the n80 Sunrise Mall bus eight stops to Hazel St and Jeffrey Ln. The spot is about a ten-minute skate from there.
Security: This spot is heavily patrolled on weekdays during business hours. Weekends and weeknights are the best times to skate here.
Pro Tips: The ledge to banks can be rocky, so bring a broom to sweep away any pebbles.
Water District Gap
Obstacles: Two ledges with a three-foot gap in between. Be cautious of the sewer cap on the landing.
How to get there: Take the Port Jefferson LIRR line four stops to Carle Place. The spot is a short two-minute walk from there.
Security: There isn’t any security, but be aware that you’re technically trespassing.
Pro Tips: You’ll have to hop a fence to access this spot, so be prepared for that.
Stony Brook University
Obstacles: This campus has a lot to offer. There’s a three-stair outledge, an eight-stair and eight-stair handrail, manual pads, knee-high ledges, a handicap rail, a curved ledge, and a three-flat-three double set.
How to get there: Take the Port Jefferson LIRR train seven stops to Stony Brook. The campus is just a five minute skate from the station.
Security: On weekdays, there’s about a 50/50 chance of being asked to leave. Weekends are usually clear.
Pro Tips: If driving, park in the LIRR commuter lot or near the Island Federal Credit Union for easy access to the spots.
Curved Ledge
Obstacles: A long, smooth curved ledge.
How to get there: Take the Babylon LIRR train seven stops to Wantagh. From there, it’s a 10 to 15-minute skate to the spot.
Security: This is a public park, so security is rarely an issue. However, angsty teens might pee on you if they’re upset.
Pro Tips: Bring plenty of wax!
Ledge to Bank
Obstacles: A rough ledge that goes into a bank, as well as a seven-stair with a decent handrail.
How to get there: Take the Hempstead LIRR train until you reach Hempstead. Then take the n25 bus 31 stops to Northern Blvd and Schenck Ave. The bus drops you off very close to the spot.
Security: This is best skated on a Sunday, as security is usually more relaxed.
Pro Tips: The ledges are great for slides but might be too crusty for grinds.
Piccolo Ledge
Obstacles: A ledge with skatepark-style angle iron and a smooth run-up on one side. There is also a quick two-stair manual pad after the ledge.
How to get there: Take the Babylon LIRR train 6 stops to Bellmore. The spot is directly across the street, behind the Piccolo restaurant.
Security: Sometimes restaurant staff will come outside, but they usually don’t ask you to leave. Be respectful to them.
Pro Tips: Be aware of cars if skating in the street. Cars sometimes speed around that corner and might not see you attempting a kickflip over the sewer cap.
Long Island offers a wealth of skate spots for every type of rider, from manual pads and ledges to gaps and stair sets. Be sure to check these spots out and add some new tricks to your repertoire! Remember to be respectful of the locals and the spots themselves, and always skate safe.
Words by: Larry Lanza
Spots by: Sammy Ruggiero, Larry Lanza, and Matt Dardano
Illustration by: Nic Dobija-Nootens
Photos by: Four Wheels Rolling and Matt Dardano
