Do you know what’s more exhilarating than cruising down the busy streets of New York City on a skateboard? Finding the perfect skate shop to fuel your passion! As someone who has spent countless hours exploring the city’s skate scene, I’m excited to share my top picks for the best New York City skate shops.
We’re going to dive deep into the world of skateboarding in a city that never sleeps. From the history of skateboarding in New York to tips on buying the perfect skateboard gear, we’ll cover everything you need to know to hit the streets like a pro. So grab your board, put on your helmet, and get ready to join me on a wild ride through the skate shops of NYC. It’s going to be gnarly!
What are the top five best New York City skate shops?
Skateboarding is an integral part of New York City’s culture and has a rich history in the city. As such, many skate shops throughout the city cater to the needs of skateboarders, from beginners to professionals. I handpicked the top 5 skate shops in New York City that are worthy of this list.
1. KCDC Skateshop
Location: 80 N 3 Rd St., Brooklyn, NY
KCDC has been the go-to skate shop for skateboarders in Brooklyn since it opened in 2001. During the past 20 years, they have organized progressive events with some of the most well-known skating artists and tastemakers, including skate clinics, panel discussions, and art exhibitions.
The shop sells footwear, hard goods, clothing for men and women, skateboards, and other items. They have collaborated with international brands while supporting local ones unique to the Brooklyn skate scene. KCDC acknowledges its role as a cultural hub for the skate community and is grateful for the support of its visitors.
2. Labor Skateboard Shop
Location: 46 Canal St, New York, NY, 10002 & 282 Scholes St, Brooklyn, NY, 11206
Labor Skateboard Shop was established in 2012 and immediately gained popularity in the downtown Manhattan skateboarding community. They built a community that offers mentorship and community support to give kids a safe area to hang out and keep them out of trouble since they know that growing up in the city is not always easy.
You can find a wide range of trendy skateboard apparel and footwear, decks, wheels, trucks, and accessories when you visit this skate shop.
3. Terminal Skate Shop
Location: 235 Wadsworth Ave. Apt 5A New York, NY
Operating in the Washington Heights skateboarding scene in uptown New York City, Terminal Skate Shop stands out as an unconventional skate shop located inside the apartment of the founder’s living room. When Eugene Kang discovered how much bike stores were charging for skateboards, he decided to establish this store out of his Washington Heights apartment in 2006.
Kang provides clothing and equipment from neighborhood shops or small companies to support the local skate culture. This store undoubtedly offers a range of skateboard equipment and clothes. It’s open 24 hours, seven days a week, but make sure to call before visiting.
4. Uncle Funkys Boards
Location: 128 Charles St., New York, NY 10014
Uncle Funkys is known for its huge selection of longboards, cruisers, and street skateboards. They also offer a variety of trucks, wheels, bearings, and apparel. If you see a skateboard you like, Uncle Funkys will help you personalize it by customizing it to your preference. Uncle Funkys is low-key and approachable by design, in contrast to many skateboard stores that can be intimidating.
5. Skate Brooklyn
Location: 78 St. Marks Place, Brooklyn, NY
Founded in 2012, Skate Brooklyn offers a combination of quality gear, excellent customer service, passionate staff, and a devoted following of skaters that use the shop’s own ramp. Skate Brooklyn is known for having not just one but two mini-ramps at the back of the shop.
They have a curation of sweatshirts, hats, t-shirts, and other accessories you’ll need to get your board in prime skating condition. To introduce more people to skateboarding and foster a sense of community, this skate shop frequently hosts gallery openings, demos, and live music events.
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What are some tips for buying gear at a skate shop?
Purchasing skateboarding gear can be daunting. Here are some tips for buying skateboarding gear to help you perform at your best while keeping you safe.
1. Quality matters
Invest in quality gear that will last longer and provide better performance. Look for reputable brands that are known for their durability and functionality.
2. Determine your style
Skateboarding gear varies depending on the style of skating you want to do. For example, if you plan on street skating, you’ll need different gear than if you’re going to be skating ramps or bowls. Figure out what kind of skating you want to do before purchasing gear.
3. Research and read reviews
Before purchasing any gear, research and read reviews from other skaters. This can help you make an informed decision about what gear to buy.
4. Consider your skill level
Beginners may not need the most advanced gear immediately, so consider starting with basic equipment and upgrading as you progress.
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How did skateboarding become popular in New York City?
Skateboarding became popular in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s after the arrival of urethane wheels made the sport a safer and more practical activity. As skaters began moving away from pools and towards street skating, they started using ledges and sidewalk curbs as their preferred spots.
Today, skateboarding is a mainstream activity enjoyed by people of all ages. In fact, New York City has recently seen a surge in skateboarding popularity, with the city planning to build two new skate parks in Brooklyn.
As skateboarding continues to gain mainstream acceptance, it has become an even more integral part of New York City’s vibrant culture and identity.
Despite its current popularity, skateboarding was not always a prominent subculture in New York City. The city was considered less important to big skateboarding magazines in the late 20th century, leading some to view it as a backwater of the skateboarding world.
Skateboarding’s popularity in New York City can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the evolution of the sport itself, as well as changing attitudes towards non-traditional sports and physical activities. As skateboarding continues to gain mainstream acceptance, it has become an even more integral part of New York City’s vibrant culture and identity.
If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “The Skateshop run out of a Tiny NYC Apartment” from the Jenkemmag YouTube channel.
Conclusion
Well, folks, it’s been one hell of a ride! We’ve explored the best New York City skate shops, learned about the history of skateboarding in the city, and even got some tips on buying the right gear. So, did you pick up any new tricks? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment).
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, I hope this post has helped you discover new places to ride and gear to try. And hey, if all else fails, just remember: when life gives you grip tape, make skateboard art! Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, keep shreddin’ like a boss!
Key takeaways
This article covered the best skate shops in New York. Here are some key takeaways:
- New York City has a rich history of skateboarding, with many iconic skate spots throughout the city.
- Many great skate shops in New York City offer a variety of products and services to help skateboarders ride with style and precision.
- When buying skateboarding gear, it’s important to consider the quality, size, and style of skating you will do.
- To find the best skate shops in New York City, it’s important to research local communities and ask for recommendations from fellow skateboarders.
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