Visiting a skatepark for the first time is a fun and exciting experience. Seeing those perfect ramps and obstacles will make you want to get out there as fast as you can. Before rushing out there and shredding it up it’s a good idea to know the rules of a skatepark.

There are the ‘written rules’ of a skatepark that usually include hours of operation, the use of helmets or pads, and sometimes even certain days that are dedicated to skateboarders, scooters, or bikes. In addition to these written rules there are the ‘unwritten rules’ that are associated with knowing skatepark etiquette.

Learning skatepark etiquette is very important and imperative for you to stay out of trouble and most importantly from getting seriously injured at the skatepark. Be sure to follow these skatepark tips listed below to ensure you learn proper skatepark etiquette to help you have a successful first session at a skatepark.

Learn Skatepark Etiquette Before Going To A Skatepark

1. Watch The Other Skateboarders At A Skatepark

Tips for visiting a skatepark

When you arrive at a skatepark for the first time it is best to watch the other skateboarders and see how they are using the skatepark. For instance most skateparks tend to have a direction of flow or a general direction the majority of skateboarders will skate. This is important to to take note of to ensure you don’t cut anyone off by going the wrong way or more so collide with another skateboarder and cause a serious injury for them or yourself.

Another tip is to take a walk around the skatepark to see all of the obstacles to ensure you don’t get any nasty surprises like big drops or stair sets you can’t see. Knowing your surroundings is the most valuable tool you can posses when going to a skatepark for the first time and every time thereafter.

2. Where To Skate At A Skatepark?

You might notice that skateboarders are focusing on a certain section or obstacle at a skatepark. If this is so it’s best to look for a part of the skatepark that is less popular or not as busy so you can stay out of the way of more advanced skateboarders. This is a great way to gain respect and be assured that skateboarders will notice your efforts of trying to steer clear of others. Once you become accustomed to a skatepark and its rythm then you will be able to use the entire area safely.

3. Know Your Limits At A Skatepark

Knowing your limits is extremely important not only for yourself but also other skateboarders at the skatepark. If you lose control, a wayward skateboard can reek havoc for an unsuspecting skateboarder.

Tips for visiting a skatepark

Skateboarding is already a dangerous sport and if you are a beginner your risk of injury is much greater. The best way to approach your first skatepark session is to start small! Look for smaller more forgiving obstacles to practice on where there is less consequence if you fall (and falling is inevitable).

Just remember you have nothing to prove when you are learning how to ride a skateboard and focusing on the basics should be your priority.

4. Don’t Sit On The Obstacles At A Skatepark

Sitting on obstacles is one of the worst things you can do when visiting a skatepark. The obstacles and features of the skatepark are for skating and should never be used as a seat or a place to leave your skateboard. This practice will infuriate other skateboarders as they might want to skate the obstacle you are sitting on.

Some skateparks will have obstacles or areas that are designated by the local skateboarders as seating due to the obstacle not being very popular or somewhat not useable. It will be easy to spot these designated zones as there will likely be a group of skateboarders sitting there along with their bags, boards, or other items. In this instance you are in the clear to sit there however, if you are still unsure don’t hesitate to ask someone if it’s ok to sit there.

5. Don’t Litter Or Vandalize A Skatepark

Vandalizing or littering at a skatepark is not cool and shows signs of disrespect. Skateboarders should take pride in keeping their skatepark clean and in good condition. Skateparks should be treated with respect and skateboarders should feel lucky to have one as many skateboarders don’t have the luxury of a skatepark in their home town.

Just remember to use the trash cans at the skatepark and do your best to take care of the space. Don’t be afraid to clean up the skatepark, even if it’s not your mess!

6. Be Courteous To Others At A Skatepark

Almost everything we have spoken about could be related to being courteous however, here are some more tips to take into consideration.

  • Never go to a skatepark with a bad attitude.
  • Smile and be polite to others.
  • Don’t make fun of others.
  • Don’t rage and throw your skateboard.
  • Don’t hog a feature.
  • Don’t wax obstacles (leave this to the advanced skaters).

Follow The Unwritten Rules Of A Skatepark

If you follow the unwritten rules we have listed in this article then your first visit to a skatepark should be a fun and successful one. Hopefully you will make some friends at the skatepark and become a regular ‘park rat’.

RELATED QUESTIONS

Why Are Skateparks So Busy?

Skateboarding has become very popular over the last ten-years and more recently due to it becoming an Olympic sport, so we are seeing a lot more people using skateparks now. Skateparks have also become so good these days with perfect transitions and extremely smooth concrete that older folks who once skated are making a comeback so they can take advantage of these awesome facilities.

If you are looking to miss the crowd we recommend going to a skatepark early in the morning. Most skateparks don’t start to get busy until later in the day. Peak times are usually from early afternoon until dark or later.

What Is A DIY Skatepark?

A “do it yourself” or DIY skatepark is a skatepark that has been built by skateboarders and usually with little to no funding or resources except for what they can round-up themselves. These skateparks are most of the time built out of desperation from not having a local skatepark. Most DIY’s are best suited to experienced skateboarders as the obstacles are usually imperfect and more challenging then a professionally built skatepark. If you are interested in DIY’s you can check out the best DIY skateparks in the U.S.

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