Skatepark etiquette

Skateparks get crowded, and everyone is moving fast in different directions. A few unwritten rules keep people from crashing into each other and keep sessions fun. Nobody hands you a list, so here it is.

Take turns

• Wait your turn at the deck or the top of a run.
• Don't drop in on someone. If someone's already riding the bowl or the ramp, wait until they're done.
• Rotate fairly. If there's a line of people waiting, don't take three runs in a row.

Watch lines

A line is the path a skater takes through the park. Before you go, look around:

• Where is everyone going?
• Is anyone about to cross your path?
• Is someone already on the feature you want?

If you're not sure, wait a moment. Better to lose a few seconds than cause a collision.

Don't snake

Snaking is cutting in on someone's run: going when it's their turn, or dropping in when they're already riding. It's the biggest etiquette fail in skating. If you accidentally snake someone, say sorry and let them go.

Clear the landing

If you fall, get your board and yourself out of the way fast. Don't sit in the landing zone or the middle of a run. Somebody's probably already rolling toward it.

Look out for kids and beginners

Little kids and new skaters don't always know the flow. Be patient. Give them room. If someone's in your way, slow down and go around, or wait.

A worked example: a crowded bowl

Leo arrives at a busy bowl. Five skaters are waiting at the deck. He waits his turn, watches who's riding, and when it's his turn, he drops in and does his run. When he's done, he rolls out, picks up his board and steps back to the deck. Next skater goes. No one gets cut off, and the session keeps flowing.

Being new

If you're new to a park:

1. Watch first. See how the flow works before you jump in.
2. Start in a quieter area.
3. Ask if you're not sure whose turn it is.
4. Say hi. Parks are communities.

Calling your line

At busy parks, some skaters call out before they go, or make eye contact with others waiting. It's not required everywhere, but it helps: everyone knows who's next. If two people start at once, one usually backs off. A quick "go ahead" or "you go" keeps it friendly.

Sharing features

Some features get crowded: a popular ledge, a mini ramp, a bowl. If a bunch of people want to skate it:

• Take one run or a few tries, then step back.
• Let others go.
• If you're working on a trick, don't hog the spot for ten tries in a row while people wait.

At less crowded times, you can session something longer.

Respect the space

• Pick up your trash. Parks are shared, and trash gets parks shut down.
• Don't damage the park. No digging, no burning, no spray paint where it isn't allowed.
• Follow posted rules. Some parks have hours, pad rules or no-bike rules.
• Keep bags and water bottles out of the way, at the edges, not in the flow.

Bikes, scooters and other riders

Many parks are shared with BMX bikes and scooters. The same rules apply to everyone: take turns, watch lines, don't snake. If a park has separate sessions or areas, stick to yours.

If you hit someone

Accidents happen. If you crash into someone, check they're okay, apologize, and help them up. Then be more careful with your lines. Most people will be cool about it if you're cool about it.

Etiquette at street spots

Street spots don't have posted rules, so the unwritten ones matter more. Skate when the place isn't being used for its actual purpose, keep noise down near homes, don't wax up ledges that aren't meant for it, and leave if security or the owner asks. A spot that gets complaints gets capped with skatestoppers, and then nobody can skate it.

Common mistakes

• Going without looking. Always check lines.
• Sitting in the landing zone. Move out of the way.
• Snaking. Wait your turn.
• Hogging a feature. Rotate.

FAQ

What's the worst etiquette fail?

Snaking: going when it's someone else's turn, or dropping in while they're riding. It's the one that causes the most crashes and the most arguments.

Can I skate if I'm not good yet?

Yes. Everyone starts somewhere. Just watch lines and stay aware.

What if someone keeps snaking me?

Say something calm, like "I think I was up". Most people didn't notice. If it keeps happening, skate a different area for a while.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Many parks have their own rules posted at the entrance. Check them, and wear one in transition either way.

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