Having Proper Skatepark Etiquette
Learn the basics of skateboarding or roller skating before going to a skatepark. You should be at least an intermediate level before you attempt going to the skatepark. Practice on your board or skates by yourself, learning how to balance and stay upright while in motion, and jump with them. Be sure to know the basics of riding the board and at least one trick you can do. A few good tricks to know are the ollie, the pop shuvit, and the kickflip.
Take short and sweet turns on the equipment. One “run” on a piece of the park’s equipment should not last for longer than a minute, or you will be tying up the line of other skaters wishing to go. Especially if you’re just going through the basics, try to get a few tricks in under that time, before coming back and getting in line again if you would like another run. A long run is alright on occasion, but not every time. If you do go for a long one, make sure you time it right so you’re not blocking off anyone else. If it’s a run through multiple pieces of equipment, be careful not to cut anyone off as you move along.
Keep the park equipment clear. Although it may be alright to temporarily sit on a ledge or a bench, most flat surfaces in the park are there to be skated on. Move your gear out of the way of the equipment to avoid any other skaters from tripping over it. See where any other skaters who are taking a break are, and join them if you need somewhere to stand around in between runs. If you can’t find a spot in the park to take a break, going outside of it will have places you can rest where you won’t have to worry about blocking other skaters.
Find out if your skatepark allows bicycles before riding one there. Some city’s skateparks, such as Seattle’s, don’t allow bikes to be used in them. If your local skatepark allows bikes, make sure it doesn’t have metal pegs on the front or back wheels that can damage the equipment. A bike is a lot larger and more damaging than a skateboard or someone on skates if it’s involved in a collision, so be sure to avoid others while performing tricks. Wash the tires of your bike if they have dirt or mud on them before you come to the skatepark.
Be inclusive towards everyone who is at the park. Everyone is entitled to the space, no matter if they’re on a board, skates, scooter, or bike (if it’s allowed). It should go without saying, but don’t say someone shouldn’t be at a skate park based on their race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. Anybody who wants to be there should be allowed to be there.
Skating around Others
Go to the skatepark in the morning to avoid crowds. Afternoons and after school especially will be busy periods for a park, so if you want to practice when there are less people, try going in the mornings before 10:00 AM. Certain parks may also be busy certain days and dead on others, while it may be the reverse for another park nearby. Go when the crowd size makes you most feel most comfortable: less packed for beginners, more dense as you get better.
Take your turn to not cut others off as they skate. Cutting someone off is called “snaking,” and it’s the most common cause of collisions. Wait as the other skaters use a piece of equipment before taking your turn. Learn the rhythm for when you should go and how long you should take each time. Apologize to anyone who you accidentally snake and try to avoid it as much as possible, or risk getting a bad reputation in the park.
Call out to other skaters if you plan to skip or take your turn. Don’t linger on the edge of the bowl or the lead up to a ramp, as others will be trying to skate there. If you’re waiting your turn and decide not to go, say “Dropping.” If you’re off to the side and want to take your turn tell the others there “I’m in.” Always do your best to telegraph your actions to the other skaters before you make them. Call out “Board!” to other skaters who might get in your way while skating to let them know you’re there.
Practicing Safety
Wear the proper skating gear. You’ll thank yourself later when you fall over numerous times practicing a new move by wearing elbow and knee pads, wrist guards, and a helmet. Properly fitted skates should be worn that are sturdy and offer good ankle support, and should always be buckled securely. Wear a mouth guard to keep your teeth safe through each fall. Check the wheels on your board or skates to make sure they’re firm and tight, as well as not damaged. If your wheels are in a state that would compromise your ride, replace them immediately.
Perform only what you’re comfortable with pulling off. Work your way up the skill level of the equipment your park has until you master each, before moving onto the next. Try out a mini ramp when you first get there, before working up to the larger, shared vert ramp (AKA “the bowl”). If you ask other skaters for help, make sure you pay attention: they don't want to spend their whole time helping you, but will be willing to give you some useful tips.
Get up quickly if you fall. If you’re not injured from failing a trick, you should get up as soon as possible to prevent being struck by another skater. If you’re seriously hurt, let others know so they can help you or get medical assistance.
Warm up before and cool down after skating. Start out your routine each time by stretching on your board and seeing the different ways you can manipulate your body on it while keeping balance, potentially to make a new trick. Try it at first while in place, then in motion, and perhaps let it serve as a good launching point for what you want to practice that day. When you’re coming down, skate around gently for a bit before stopping and doing some in place stretches with your arms and legs.
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