SKATEPARK ETIQUETTE
A skatepark is a safe place however there are dangers. Before entering any skatepark it is important to know skatepark etiquette. Everyone wants to enjoy their time at a skatepark and understanding a few simple rules makes everyone’s experience better. It will help you or your child to understand how to prevent negativity situations, or worse potentially injuring yourself, child or other skatepark users. It has also taken years for scooter riders to rid a negative image of the sport. Don’t be the parent or rider that let’s everyone down!
A skatepark is not a playground
Families and young people have just as much right to be at a stakepark as anyone else, and are very welcome. However, it is not a place to let kids run around without their scooters like it’s a playground. It’s not!
This is simply poor etiquette and poor parenting. It endangers other riders and will annoy everyone. There, we’ve said it!!!
Respect
Respect goes along way in a skatepark. Show none and you won’t be welcome. Be nice. Accept mistakes will be made and that some people simply aren’t as switched on as you.
Awareness
Stay alert when you’re on the ramps or crossing the skatepark. Don’t just look directly ahead of you, look around like you would if crossing a road. Standing on ramps in any skatepark is very dangerous as riders flow at speed between ramps. Standing in the middle of a riders path can cause accidents. If you run into anyone make sure you apologies and check they are OK. Mistakes do happen.
Be aware not to hang around on the skatepark chatting. This is dangerous but probably annoying other riders too.
Snaking | Dropping in
Snaking happens when someone drops in on another rider while they are in the middle of their run. It is the largest cause of collisions and is dangerous. It is important to wait your turn. You should let everyone who was waiting before you ‘drop in’ and make their run. Go for it when it is your turn, when you have finished your run then just repeat the process. This gives everyone a chance to use the park and keeps it safe.
If you accidentally snake another park user, make sure you move out their way and to a safe spot as soon as you can. There is no harm in apologizing too.
Don’t hang scooter on coping
The metal pole at the top of of most quarter pipes is the coping. You will see many riders across all skateparks sports using it for grinding and stalling. It’s very important that you don’t hang your scooter over the coping while waiting your turn to drop into the ramp.
2 step rule: Not sure how far to stand back. Use the 2 step rule.
YES
NO
Ability
Scooter ride within your limits and don’t try something above your ability. You should gain experience and build up to tricks. Of course you can push yourself to get better but don’t go crazy. If your learning to tailwhip, then may don’t try a backflip over the box! You will be at serious risk of injury or could injure someone else. Seek some advice from a professional or member of staff, or why not take a lesson. Don’t perform a big trick if you’re on your own. If you hurt yourself and no one is around, then the situation has just become 100 times worse for you.
Hogging the skatepark
Be respectful here and try not to spend too long on a run as this means people just have to wait for you and it’s unfair. Be aware of the people who are waiting and judge your run accordingly.
Use of skatepark
If you’re learning a tailwhip then you don’t need to be doing it at the bottom of the halfpipe. Use the correct areas of the skatepark. If you’re learning to tailwhip then find a flat or beginner section.
Education
If you spot someone not understanding the etiquette, then the chances are they have no idea. By politely educating them you will be doing the sport and everyone at the skatepark a favour. If you prefer, tell a staff member who will handle the situation. No rider needs to lose their nut.
BOOK A LESSON
If you have never been to a skatepark then why not take a lesson first. Learn skatepark etiquette and safety. Search for your local skatepark and see what offers they have.
