10 Things Not To Do At A Skatepark
FatTony
- November 19 2009
- 72 comments
Every skatepark is kind of like its own tiny little country. Most parks have their own rules and their own culture, but almost all follow the same basic etiquette. Here are ten things that you always want to avoid when sessioning a skatepark.
1. Don’t Be A Snake
In simple terms, this means, “Wait your damn turn!” If someone else just dropped in, you have no idea where he’s going. He may transfer back and forth across the park for a solid 45 seconds, or he may hit one quarter and pop out back on deck. But if you drop in while he’s riding he also may smash right into you. So pay attention when other people are riding and don’t be a snake.
Nobody likes a snake.
2. Don’t Take Marathon Runs
I know you are only 12 and have the stamina of a frickin’ wildebeest, but buddy, you gotta know when your time is up. If you are actually good enough to do a lot of lines, transfers, and tricks, then occasionally it’s all right to take a lengthy run. But if you are pedaling across the park, carving halfway up a six-foot quarter, then cranking up the mellow bank before popping a wheelie, then you have to keep your runs short and sweet so other people can get in there and shred.
Don’t be this guy.
3. Don’t Ask A Million Questions
You may want to know if that good kid who just did a Nathan-Williams-inspired no-hander is sponsored, if he can do a backflip, what kind of frame he is riding, what kind of frame he thinks you should buy, and where he got his skinny jeans and shoestring belt, but those kinds of questions can get really annoying when he’s trying to have a chill session. If you must ask a question, make it a good one-one being the key word. It may make it easier on you too if you compliment him first, and thank him after he answers. (Example: Hey man, that no-hander was rad to the power of sick! What kind of frame do you ride? Oh, cool. Thanks. See ya later…)
4. Don’t Use The Flat Bottom To Learn 180s
Basic tricks like flat ground 180s and manuals should be learned in a place where you have absolutely no chance of getting in someone’s way. You know, like your driveway or something. Not at a crowded park.
If you want to work on your hang fives in a straight line, take it to the parking lot and get out of the way of people sessioning the park.
5. Don’t Be A Jerk To The Young Kids
Everyone has to start somewhere, and even though it may be frustrating that there is a six-year-old with a huge, bulbous helmet learning to pedal up a wedge while you are trying to land your first flyout tailwhip, if you are a complete jackass to the lil’ chap he may decide to pick up a scooter and leave his bike in the garage. Then by the time you are pro, that’s one less shredder Timmy out there watching your Vimeo video and buying your signature grips. Be patient with the kids and try to help them on occasion. And if their parents are around, maybe give them some advice, too, on how their kid can safely ride the park with everyone else. It’ll help the parents, it’ll help the little kid, and it’ll help you get in your runs without having to be worried about bicycular manslaughter.
Yes, I know seeing a sight like this at the park is annoying, but try to be patient. When he’s old enough to read, help him out by sending him a link to this article.
6. Don’t Be A One-Upper
If you see someone trying a trick over and over again, don’t go do it right in front of him just to show him how easy it is for you. That’s like a slap in the face. If you know how to do the trick, you can offer to help him out. Or if you want to try the trick, too, you can ask him if he minds if you try to learn it together. Then you can both learn from each others’ mistakes, and by the time you both pull it you have a made new friend to add on Facebook and poke the next time you are going to the park.
One ups were cool in the days of Mario and Luigi, but at the skatepark they are just lame.
7. Don’t Disrespect The Locals
This one covers a lot of ground and includes things like not leaving trash at the park, not messing up the ramps or ledges, and understanding how the park runs itself. If you show up to a park for the first time, chances are you are riding into someone else’s home away from home, so you need to treat that place with respect. You may never go back there again, and you may not care if the ledge gets chipped when you try your 180 to backwards feeble, but the people who ride there every day of the week want to keep their spot in tip-top shape for as long as possible. The vibe of the place and watching how the locals treat the park and each other will give you a pretty good idea of how you should act there.
8. Don’t Sit On The Ledges
No, those are not benches for you to post up for the afternoon and eat your Lunchables. People actually use the concrete rectangles for riding. In some instances it may be okey to sit on a ledge, and sometimes it may be okay to chill on the deck of a ramp, but before you get comfy, look around to make sure no one is eyeing up whatever it is you are sitting on. You’ll eventually develop a sixth sense for where riders are going and where the safest place to rest is, but until you fully understand it, stay far off to the sidelines when you aren’t riding.
“Cool antlers and all, but get the hell out of the way so I can try my Smith to 180.”
9. Don’t Vibe The Skaters
One of the most annoying things a skateboarder can do to a bike rider is stand on the coping with is board propped up on the tail, waiting to drop in. While this may make you want to air out and kick their board right out from under them, you have to understand that skateboarders ride differently than us, and to them, that’s perfectly acceptable. If you need that coping or deck space they are taking up, just give them a quick heads up that you are coming their way and they will probably move for you. Respecting everyone in the park, including skateboarders is always important. The more bike riders and skateboarders can get along at a park, the more parks bikes will be allowed to ride. Now, as for rollerbladers and scooter kids…you are on your own there.
10. Don’t Be Afraid To Apologize
If you slip up and break one of the rules above, don’t be afraid to apologize to people when you realize it. If you get plowed over because you were in the way, dust yourself off, make sure the other rider is all right, and tell him you are sorry for not looking out. He’ll be pissed that he crashed, but a simple apology goes a long way to fanning the flames of a hot head.
No need to make a big deal of an apology and bring flowers to the guy you pissed off; a simple, “My bad, dude.” should suffice.
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November 19th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Why don't they post THIS outside of the parks?
November 19th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
You know the sterotype about Asian drivers being bad drivers. Well put them on a skateboard or a bike, and they'll take it to a whole new level.
November 19th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
"Don’t Be A Snake"
the most important
November 19th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Thanks for making this post. I think a lot of people have no damn clue about how to ride in a skatepark, maybe, hopefully this will shed a little light.
November 19th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
good article Fat!
even though i am not a bike rider this article was entertaining/funny.
I am sure people will learn from it
November 19th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
the third and eight one are the most commom at my skatepark and probably the ones that pisses me off in general
November 19th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
DON'T DO STREET RIDING!!!!! go to the streets.
November 19th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
if ur a twat to the lil kids ur just a big twat
November 19th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
ride at odd times (8am) if you think its busy at saturday at 3pm
November 19th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Thanks for #9. I think its so sad when people think its cool to give skaters a hard time when they are out there trying to do the same thing we are, have a good time. Plus, when your out there riding your 20, you are representing everyone who rides a bike, so please dont make me and my friends look bad.
November 19th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
this is a HUGE problem everywhere. someone should make sure this winds up at their local park! not necessarily free parks, but the ones we PAY to ride.
November 19th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
been waiting for this one for a while. But i wish parents didn't take their kids to the park the day they learn how to ride on two wheels.
November 19th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
they dont post it because kids will just tag on it.
November 19th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Yep. Going by my park on Sunday morning at 8am, it's like a ghost town.
November 19th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
i think running kids over at the park is a great way for them to learn. at the very least they learn to stay out of the way of people who are going fast.
November 19th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
as long as you dont be a jock and take bmx serious the rest comes naturally
November 19th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
How about, Don't loiter in the way, PERIOD. To many people chilling, kills the skatepark flow. I see kids standing on hips, sitting on quarters, and generally douching out all over the parks. This is what benches are for.
November 19th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
GREAT IDEA, MOST KIDS REALY ARE CLUELESS ABOUT PARK RULES
November 19th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
hit every point perfect
November 19th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
wow i hate when people use the ramps for a place to sit. and also i dropped in a few days ago to do a flip and ride before i hit the jump someone came at the box that i was flipping backwards and i had to bail. at least i landed on my feet though. but its frustrating.
November 19th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
my original comment deleted + fixed typo = swept under the rug.
November 19th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
I do all those thing
November 19th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
we call one-uppers roaches
November 19th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
hahahahahaahahahaha Hoang Tran begs to differ
November 19th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
i bet u do
November 19th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
I bet I can ride a bike better than you, I'm chinese.
November 20th, 2009 at 12:11 am
I bet Clint Reynolds Rides better than you. He's South Korean, and so am I.
Be careful when you say stuff like this, it didn't sound like you had much of a joking tone.
November 20th, 2009 at 12:13 am
he is not talking about style or trick difficulty level
November 20th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Tony, you forgot the golden rule. No open-toed shoes or Crocs!!! LOL.
November 20th, 2009 at 1:03 am
This is a great article, pretty surprising topic with really good content. Sounds like common sense, but seriously MUST know info.
November 20th, 2009 at 1:11 am
omg this is good, i get all this shit every day im happy everyonme knows the rules know
November 20th, 2009 at 1:12 am
A. It's obviously a joke
B. Threatening someone online does nothing
C. There's no point in saying someone's better then someone else because no one cares
D. Even if that Clint guy is better it doesn't effect what he said anyway because it had nothing to do with skill
November 20th, 2009 at 3:34 am
Thanks for all the positive feedback guys! Keep shredding!
November 20th, 2009 at 7:47 am
I hate going to a skatepark and the parents think its day care center, seriously i dunno how many 5-8 yrs old kids i see out there that have no clue what they are doing and it always ends up bad.
November 20th, 2009 at 9:00 am
dont forget ''leave the testosterone at home'' tired of going to the skatepark and every other kid on a bike is a hater for no reason whatsoever
cvs sells tampons for people like that
November 20th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Great info for those new to skateparks ! Too bad so many parents don’t realize that there is a certain basic level of skill required to ride or skate a park. At 43, I am usually the oldest user at my park and I help the little ones and try to “clue in” the parents if needed. I ride daily at my local park right after 30 + skaters do Skate P.E then leave. I get the whole place to myself and can link all my lines. Thanks for posting this ! The BMX community needs to get together and voice our needs and rights. As taxpayers, or sons n daughters of taxpayers, our $$ built these parks that we are excluded from. Skaters got together and organized long ago and it payed off. Are we too lazy or what ? Step up and be heard. Ramblings of an old man !
November 20th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Definetly right
November 21st, 2009 at 4:38 am
Seriously this pretty much covers it…
November 21st, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Yeah. That's rally not that cool. Little kids always tend to stay in the same general section too. The only problem I've ever had with them being at the park.
November 21st, 2009 at 8:59 pm
heh
SKATE
park..
buuut it is true, skateboarders and bikers need to get along
haha
"now as for rollerbladers and scooters…"
November 21st, 2009 at 8:59 pm
does that make sense?
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I was joking brotha.
November 22nd, 2009 at 5:04 pm
most important is Don’t Use The Flat Bottom To Learn 180s or other tricks…. that little kid is the reason i'm missing my two front teeth
November 22nd, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I'm a skater, and all of these things apply. Great post! The one I used to have trouble with as a kid was the "Don't as a million questions" one. But I learned the ways of the park eventually. Now I do more shooting than skating, but even there some of these rules apply.
November 22nd, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Regarding #9. You need to have a little more consideration. It's called a SKATEpark after all. Not a BIKEpark. You have the park BECAUSE skaters have fought the cops and security guards and asshole business owners for years. And public skateparks are the result.
November 22nd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I know a lot of skaters have fought for parks and all, but you'de actually be supprised how little skaters fight for the parks to open. It's mostly bikes at meetings because they know if there is a large outcome of bikers the city will take that into consideration and most likely allow bikes at the park. It's not only the skaters that fight asshole security guards either. Notice the signs that say "No skateboarding" if you look below that it also says "No Bikes." It's been that way for years. Bikes donate money for skate parks to, so if it weren't for both sides the parks would never open. You'de think after all these years bikes and skateboards would come to the conclusion that they should start getting along. They go through the same struggles on a day to day basis. It's like 2 brothers always fighting against each other. If they'de quit battling each other and team up, it's an unstoppable force haha.
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Fuck skateboarders. Plenty of those pricks dont abide by anything you wrote above and couldnt give 2 shits about BMXers. Stop trying to get along with them and sucking up their faggot arses and take the power back.
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:56 pm
rule 11 dont wax all the fuking copings and rails!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =)
November 25th, 2009 at 12:20 am
its all more encouraging and helpful than the no bikes, no scooters, no music, no dogs, no riding between 9:30 and 10:30 am, no bbq signs they post as if they dont get covered in graffitti and stickers anyway.
November 25th, 2009 at 7:09 am
Why snack if you tease any animal reply will be same .Because whether it animal or human don't like it
Force Factor
November 25th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Well done Fat!
November 26th, 2009 at 3:17 am
if your a douche your still going to do this dumb shit. its a great set of etiquette but some people just dont learn.
November 26th, 2009 at 3:59 am
the million questions is some funny ass shit i had to comment remember that gromms
November 26th, 2009 at 4:02 am
good shit
November 26th, 2009 at 9:24 am
"Don’t Be A Jerk To The Young Kids" Bullshit the only reason why the little kids are there is because they think its a daycare. Because most parks are by baseball parks or something, and they think that they can just fuck around in the skate park.
November 26th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
did that little kids bike have directors???
November 26th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
I solute you sir for still riding
At 43! My Dad's that young
Long Live Bikes
November 26th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Thank you, Etiquet is a non-writen law that have to be followed. I do my best to be an exemple, everybody should, the worst part. Is that people who need those advice are not gona read it….. =( pass the word.
November 26th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
if only all kids read this.. should print it out and hand it out. damn kids.
November 27th, 2009 at 4:01 am
as manager of a park, COPY/PASTE!!!
November 29th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
They got it all down in one post.
This should be in every park, everywhere. Sick.
December 6th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
dick move
December 7th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
This is some pretty sick stuff tony, I used to be a sk8er so I kno both sides of it and like it gets uber annoying wen u tell little kids to politely get off a ledge and then first time u try it they move bak on and u can’t really get any good seshs, in southern BC my town built a bike park down the street from the sk8park and that’s where all the little kids and scooterers come and once again UBER annoying wen u almost kill yourself trying to avoid the little kids.
December 9th, 2009 at 1:17 am
good 1 but it dose piss meoff sometimes when little kids dos nake you but its not a big deal were other peoplewill be assholes about it
December 9th, 2009 at 8:19 am
i hate seeing one douche bag ruining the park for everyone why cant we all just get along were after the same thing
December 9th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
This is some pretty sick stuff tony, I used to be a sk8er so I kno both sides of it and like it gets uber annoying wen u tell little kids to politely get off a ledge and then first time u try it they move bak on and u can’t really get any good seshs, in southern BC my town built a bike park down the street from the sk8park and that’s where all the little kids and scooterers come and once again UBER annoying wen u almost kill yourself trying to avoid the little kids. But every skatepark should hav this printed up on a sign
December 21st, 2009 at 3:35 am
what about no trains? idk how it is at all of your parks but at mine there is like alwase a group of 15 kids doing the same line right after each other trying to hit the fly out. i would rather be snaked then have one kid going two mph in front of me and another droping in right after me. then they do little 180s not even a foot off the ground. its so annoing.
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:18 pm
seriously, when i was a kid and learning how to scate, ppl never followed this stuff!!
January 7th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
dude i printed this list and put it up in glass at my dads skate park thx dude
January 20th, 2010 at 1:51 am
Well we all know one sterotype of asians thats true;) hahahahha
January 30th, 2010 at 3:24 am
helll yeah! thats what plastice pegs are forr. makes everyone happier
February 5th, 2010 at 2:34 am
some kid did a bad 1 ,i ran over him LOL