Know Before You Go : Skatepark Etiquette

LEARN HOW TO PROPERLY AND SAFELY USE A SKATEPARK

IF YOU’RE NOT SKATING, STAY AWAY | It’s dangerous to stand in the middle of the action. If you’re a spectator, keep a safe distance as to not block the riders while they are using the space.

AVOID CRASHES, WATCH WHERE YOU’RE GOING | There could be dozens of skateboarders in a skatepark, simultaneously enjoying their time on the concrete floor. Make sure you pay attention to your surroundings and communicate.

BEGINNERS: CROWDS CAN BE INTIMIDATING | Although an inclusive structure, a skatepark can be an intimidating space to learn the basics when they are very crowded. If you’re new to the sport, don't get discouraged by the crowds! Come back during quieter times. The mornings tend to be less crowded than afternoons.

DON’T CUT ANYONE OFF | If a fellow skater is performing a run or dropping into the park, don’t cut them off. Wait for your turn.

GET UP FAST | If you have accidentally fallen off your board or were unable to land a maneuver, get up as fast as you can. There are other riders passing by. If you’re injured, call for help.

FAILURE HAPPENS | If someone is practicing a maneuver or trick and fails to complete it, be positive and encourage them. Skateboarding is all about experimentation and learning from failure - respect other’s frustration. Falling is partof the game.

RESPECT KIDS & BEGINNERS | Be kind to new visitors, even if they’ve done something wrong. Educate them or their parents, if needed. If you yell or are rude, they might leave the sport forever. Beginners are learning - everyone has to start somewhere!

FILMERS, STAY OUT OF THE WAY | If you’re filming a skateboard video, make sure you’re aware of where you are moving or standing.

PLAN YOUR LINES | Skatepark design often has a logic. There’s a natural riding flow between features, so try to perform your runs smoothly without unnatural or drastic course changes.

DON’T SIT OR REST ON OBSTACLES | Ramps, half-pipes, and bowls are speed zones. Avoid resting or standing on the coping while someone is doing their run.

YELL: “BOARD!” | Falling and wiping out is part of skateboarding. If your board is shot up in the sky while you’re trying to land a trick, warn others by yelling, “Board!”

SUPERVISE YOUNGSTERS | A skatepark should not be used as a drop off location for young kids. If you have children under the age of 12, supervise them from a safe distance.

APOLOGIZE | If, for any reason, you cut off or collide with someone, own it and apologize for your actions. Blaming doesn’t lead to solutions and results. Communicate, apologize, and share the space.

KEEP THE SKATEPARK CLEAN | Have you brought a bottle of water and a snack inside your pockets? Enjoy it. But don’t drop your litter on the floor. Keep the skatepark clean and free from flying plastics and trash.

VANDALISM & GRAFFITI ARE NOT OK | Keep your tags and graffiti out of the park. Not only does it take away from the beautiful work of art that is the skatepark, but it ruins the skating surface.