Skateparks are communal spaces built for skateboarders, BMX riders, scooter riders, and other action sports enthusiasts to gather and enjoy their sports. With people zipping around on wheels at high speeds, skateparks require some basic etiquette and common sense rules to keep everyone safe and happy. Follow this skatepark etiquette guide to avoid injuries, arguments, and angry locals.
Watch and Learn Before Dropping In
If you’re new to a skatepark, take some time to observe and understand the flow before dropping in. Every skatepark has its own unique lines, traffic patterns, and norms that develop organically over time. Before skatepark etiquette you want to watch where skaters are taking off from, where they are landing, and the paths in between. Try to identify the “starting zones” where skaters line up to drop in on ramps or bowls. Also look for busy areas where advanced skaters are attempting difficult tricks – stay clear of those danger zones as a beginner.
Advanced skaters have put in hours of hard work to earn their place at the top of the food chain. Remember skatepark etiquette and show them respect by not getting in their way. Wait your turn or ask someone when it’s okay to drop in. Learning to “read the room” at a new skatepark takes time but pays off in safety and new friendships.
Use Your Eyes, Ears, and Voice
Your eyes, ears, and voice are critical tools for following skatepark etiquette and avoiding collisions. Keep your head on a swivel and constantly look around to see where other riders are. Listen for the sounds of skaters dropping in behind you. And don’t be shy about using your voice to call out things like “Dropping!”, “On your left!”, “Board!” if your skateboard gets away from you, etc. Clear communication keeps everyone aware of each other’s’ presence and movements. Remember that not everyone can hear well, so mix verbal call outs with hand signals when passing other skaters.
Take Turns and Don’t “Snake”
Cutting someone off on a ramp, ledge, or other skatepark feature is known as “snaking” and is a major skate etiquette faux pas. Every skatepark has a flow, and locals will have an established order for taking turns. Pay close attention to who has been waiting the longest for a given obstacle and follow that order. If you’re not sure, ask someone “Is it my turn?” or “Are you going?” Being patient and not snaking people will earn you respect, while cutting in line will frustrate others and could even lead to confrontations.
Respect Pedestrian Areas and Watch Your Speed
Most skateparks have separate zones for skaters/riders and pedestrians. Be mindful of young children, parents, and non-participants walking around the perimeter of the park. Slow down and give them a wide berth. Refrain from doing tricks in pedestrian zones. No one wants to get slammed into by a skateboarder flying through at high speed. Pay attention to any posted speed limit and warning signs in the park.
Keep Your Board Under Control
An out-of-control skateboard zooming across the park is a hazard for both skaters and pedestrians. Keep control over your board at all times. If you do lose control and your board starts speeding away unmanned, yell “Board!” to alert others. Don’t throw your board down in anger – a runaway board could seriously injure another skatepark user. Leashed belts and stomp pads can help you keep control over your board so you don’t violate skatepark etiquette.
Only Wax With Permission
Wax is used to reduce friction on metal rails, ramps, and ledges, allowing skaters to slide and grind more easily. But waxing requires consent from the other skaters present, as it permanently modifies that skate feature. Ask around before applying wax to see if others are okay with it. Be aware that unexpected wax could lead to falls and injuries for unsuspecting skaters. Use wax sparingly and scrape off any big globs when finished.
Keep Your Belongings Off Obstacles
It’s easy to mistake a skatepark bench or ledge for a regular seat or table. But anything in a skatepark is liable to get skated on. Keep your personal belongings contained in your backpack, pockets, etc. Never leave items sitting on ramps, rails, boxes, or other skate features, as they can obstruct skaters and cause them to crash. Keep the obstacles clear for their intended purpose.
Clean Up After Yourself
Nobody likes a dirty skatepark covered in trash. Always clean up after yourself and throw away any empty bottles, food wrappers, etc. in the proper receptacles. If you see other litter lying around, do a good deed and pick that up too. Taking care of the park shows you respect the space and will earn you respect from locals in return. Leaving trash behind is a quick way to get labeled as an inconsiderate beginner. Keeping skatepark etiquette in mind, you want to leave the place cleaner than you found it.
Keep Your Volume Reasonable
Loud music from portable speakers ruins the mellow vibe at most skateparks. Keep your volume at a reasonable level or use headphones. Not everyone shares your musical taste, and loud music makes it harder for skaters to hear each other’s’ call outs. This could lead to collisions. Don’t be that oblivious person blasting their playlist and forcing everyone else to listen to it. Turn it down or turn it off.
No Bikes, Scooters, or Other Vehicles
Most skateparks prohibit vehicles like BMX bikes, razor scooters, and motorized vehicles. If the park has a bike section, stay there and out of the skate-only area. Scooters and young kids on bikes can pose a serious safety hazard to skaters due to their lack of control. Unless specifically allowed, keep bikes, scooters, and anything with a motor out of there. That’s part of basic skatepark etiquette that keeps everyone safe and reduces conflicts.
Never Film or Photograph People Without Consent
Like with music, assume people don’t want to be forced to appear in your video footage or photos without granting permission first. It’s creepy and invasive to record skaters without their consent. Instead, if you want to film someone’s tricks, ask them directly. Say something like “That was an awesome kickflip, can I get a clip of it for my Instagram?” They’ll likely say yes, and might even ask you to send them the file. This makes filming at skateparks collaborative and social instead of annoying.
No Dangerous or Destructive Behavior
Skateparks are for skating, not seeing how much destruction you can cause. Never engage in risky stunts like throwing firecrackers, smashing bottles, fighting, etc. This should go without saying, but sadly some people try to ruin the fun for everyone else. Any behavior that could injure others or damage the skatepark is unacceptable. Report destructive individuals to park management or police before someone gets hurt.
Be Patient with Beginners
It’s intimidating learning skatepark etiquette and ramp skills as a new skater, especially with more advanced skaters zipping around unpredictably. If you’ve been skating for a while, lead by example and show patience toward less experienced newcomers. Offer them tips and let them know when it’s their turn. We were all beginners once, so lend a hand to help welcome them into the skate community. With guidance they’ll get the hang of skatepark etiquette and grow into better skaters.
Respect Locals
Local skaters who frequent a park often take ownership of it. They look out for each other and may be wary of newcomers who violate etiquette. Show respect to regulars and defer to them for directions if you’re unsure about anything. With time and respect, you can become part of the crew. Until then, lay low and follow their lead.
Follow Park Rules and Staff Instructions
In addition to organic skatepark etiquette, most parks post official rules and guidelines. Read these upon arrival and follow them. Failure to do so could get you kicked out by staff. Respect any directions given by park employees or security guards – they’re just trying to maintain a safe, inclusive environment. Staff have final say when disputes arise between skaters. Causing problems makes skaters look bad and reflects poorly on the whole community.
In summary, following skatepark etiquette comes down to consideration, communication, patience, and respect for fellow skaters and the park itself. Lead by example for younger riders. Experienced skaters should welcome and guide beginners. With an inclusive community mindset, we can keep skateparks fun for all experience levels.
