Skatepark etiquette for beginners: taking turns, snaking and staying safe

TUREFF• •0

A skatepark can look chaotic the first time you visit: people rolling in from every side, boards flying, nobody calling out turns. In fact most parks run on a set of unwritten rules that regulars follow without thinking. Learn them and you will be welcome, safer and far less nervous.

Read the park before you roll

Spend a few minutes watching before you ride. Notice:

Lines: the paths people take through the park, from one obstacle to the next. Skaters often link several features in one run.
Where people wait: usually at the top of a ramp or on a deck, standing at the edge.
Busy and quiet areas: there is often a flat corner or a mellow bank nobody is using. That is your space while you learn.

Taking turns

Wait at the edge until it is clear, then go. Do not stand in the middle of a run or on a landing.
Generally one person rides a feature at a time. On a bowl or mini ramp, the people waiting take turns in rough order.
When it is your turn, go. Hesitating at the edge holds everyone up; if you are not ready, step back and let someone else drop in.
Keep your runs reasonable when it is busy. A long run while five people wait is noticed.

Snaking

Snaking means cutting in front of someone who has already started their run, or dropping in when it was someone else's turn. It is the most frowned-upon thing at a park, and it causes collisions. If you snake someone by accident, a quick apology is all it takes; everyone has done it once.

Staying out of the way

Never sit or stand on a landing, at the bottom of a ramp or in the middle of the flat where people roll out.
Move your board: a loose board in the park is a hazard. If yours shoots away, shout "board!" so people look up.
Watch for loose boards coming at you and stop them with your foot if you can.
Phones and filming: film from the edges, never from the middle of someone's line.
Scooters, BMX and inline skates often share the park. The same turn-taking applies to everyone.

Beginners are welcome

Regulars started where you are. Most are happy to see new people, especially those who clearly know the etiquette. Go at quieter times to learn, such as weekday mornings, and ask "is anyone going?" before you drop in if you are unsure.

When to wear what

Helmet: always, but especially on ramps, bowls and anything with height.
Wrist guards: while learning, and anywhere you are likely to fall forwards.
Knee pads: whenever you are learning ramps or bowls. They let you fall safely by sliding on your knees, which is a skill worth practising on purpose.
Elbow pads: useful on transition and for younger skaters.

Many parks post their own rules, sometimes requiring helmets or pads for riders under a certain age. Read the sign at the entrance.

Simple safety habits

Warm up with a few easy laps before trying anything new.
Check your board before you ride: loose wheels or trucks are an accident waiting to happen.
Avoid riding wet ramps; they are slippery.
Stop when you are tired, and drink water on hot days.
If someone falls hard, check on them. That is also part of etiquette.

What unwritten rules does your local park have? Share them, or ask about your first visit, in the comments below.