Skate Park Etiquette: The Ultimate Guide of Unwritten Rules, Do’s, Don’ts, and Must-Knows (For Beginners)

The skate scene has its own set of unspoken rules. Some are really obvious, but many are not. So strap in, ’cause I’m about to drop some knowledge that’ll keep you from becoming the park pariah.

If you’re a visual learner, here is a video titled “Skatepark Etiquette – BASICS with Spencer Nuzzi” to help reinforce the key points of skatepark etiquette.

Before diving too deep into the list, let me get some dos and don’ts out right away if you need some quick information.

Dos

• Be aware of your surroundings and other skaters
• Wait your turn and respect the line
• Yell “Board!” if your skateboard goes flying
• Help maintain the park by picking up trash
• Ask permission before filming others
• Offer help or advice to beginners (if they want it)
• Respect park staff and follow park rules
• Use wax sparingly and responsibly

Don’ts

• Don’t snake or cut in line
• Don’t leave your gear scattered around obstacles
• Don’t bring non-skating activities to the park
• Don’t play loud music without consideration for others
• Don’t film people, especially kids, without permission
• Don’t be mean to beginners or less skilled skaters
• Don’t litter or damage park property
• Don’t overuse wax or make obstacles dangerously slippery

Table of Contents

Toggle

1. Know before you go: Park basics for the clueless

xBefore you even think about setting foot in the park, do a little homework. Every park has its own flow. First up, park layout. Most spots have distinct areas for different skill levels. That mini ramp? It’s not your personal learn-to-drop-in zone when there’s a line of groms waiting their turn. And that massive bowl? If you can’t pump to save your life, maybe don’t hoard it.

Something that’s super annoying to just about everyone is when people bring their kids in there and just stay in the pool like it’s their own private skate park. Not cool.

You should also familiarize yourself with the skate park schedule. Wanna avoid getting snake-bit on every run? Hit the park early morning or during school hours if you can. Weekends and after-school hours? That’s when it’s gonna be a zoo.

Pro tip: Don’t just bring your bored

For the love of all that’s holy, bring more than just your board. Water, sunscreen, a basic tool kit – be prepared or be the guy everyone hates for constantly borrowing stuff. Trust me, nobody likes that guy.

2. The golden rule: Awareness (or how not to be a human missile)

Listen closely ’cause this is the heart and soul of skatepark etiquette: Awareness. It’s not just about you and your tricks. It’s about reading the room – or in this case, the park.

First things first, learn to spot the traffic patterns. It’s like a choreographed dance. Watch how others are flowing through the park. Are they taking turns on the quarter pipe? Is there a line forming for the rail? Get the rhythm before you jump in.

Pro tip: Know your place in line

Keep your head on a swivel. That means eyes up, not glued to your phone between runs. And for the love of all that’s holy, don’t sit on obstacles unless you want to become a human speed bump.

Now, knowing when it’s your turn is an art form. If you’re not sure, wait. Better to miss a run than to snake someone and become the park’s newest persona non grata. When in doubt, make eye contact. A nod means go, a head shake means wait your turn, kook.

3. Respect the line! Snaking and other major deadly sins

Alright, time to talk about the cardinal sin of skateparks: snaking. For the uninitiated, snaking is when you cut in line or take your turn before someone who’s been waiting. Do this, and you might as well paint a target on your back.

Here’s how it works; pay attention! You see a line forming for the half-pipe? Get in it. Don’t try to be slick and sneak in a quick run while someone’s setting up. That’s bush league, and it’ll earn you more enemies than friends.

Now, there’s an exception to every rule. On longer runs, like in a big bowl, it’s cool to “rotate in” with other riders. But – and this is a big but – you better ask first. A simple “Mind if I hop in?” goes a long way. And if they say no? Respect it and wait your turn.

Respect the line, and you’re building a community. Simple as that. But also, don’t tailgate. Riding too close to the person in front of you is not only annoying, it’s dangerous. Give people space to bail if they need to.

Pro tip: Know your place in line

When in doubt, make eye contact. A nod means go, a head shake means wait your turn.

Now, about conflicts. They happen. Someone snakes you one too many times, or some kook keeps getting in everyone’s way. Here’s how you handle it: Calmly. Firmly. Without escalating. Remember, we’re all ambassadors for skating. You start a fight, and suddenly we’re all the “troublemakers” in the eyes of the outside world.

4. The subtle art of ‘My Bad’: Owning up to your screw-ups

Let’s face it, no matter how long you’ve been skating, you’re gonna mess up. It’s not if, it’s when. The difference between a respected skater and a park pariah? How you handle those mess-ups.

First off, if you cause a collision, own it. I don’t care if you’re Tony Hawk or Tony Alva, you say “my bad” and make sure the other person’s okay. It’s not just good manners. It’s basic human decency.

Accidental collisions happen, especially when the park’s crowded. But here’s the deal: one “oops” is an accident, two is careless, three and you better take a break, my friend. If you’re consistently causing close calls, it’s time to step back and reassess.

And if you knock someone down, help them up. Check if they’re okay, offer to take a look at their board if it got dinged.

5. Keep the park clean: Park maintenance isn’t just for park staff

Alright, here’s a hard truth some of you need to hear: The skatepark isn’t your trash can. See some trash? Pick it up. Even if it’s not yours. Yeah, I know, it’s not your job. But guess what? It’s our park. You wouldn’t trash your own living room, so don’t trash our shared space.

It’s not just about picking up trash. If you see a loose bolt on a ramp, tighten it. Spot cracks forming in the concrete? Let the park staff know. The reality is that many skate parks don’t have a lot of staff, and those who are there might not be fully tuned into our safety concerns. We’re the ones who know how dangerous a few pebbles on the pavement can be—most staff members have never stepped on a board, so they might not realize how easily we could go flying because of something that seems insignificant to them. Maybe that’s not the perfect example, but you get the point. We understand what safety means to us, so we can’t just rely on park maintenance. It’s on us to take the initiative and look out for each other.

So, consider organizing a cleanup day. Trust me, the park staff will appreciate it, and you might even score some goodwill for the skating community.

6. Filming and Photography: Don’t Be That Guy

Alright, let’s talk about cameras at the park. In this Instagram age, seems like everyone’s trying to get the clip, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.

First off, if you’re filming, you don’t get special privileges. You’re still part of the flow of the park. Don’t block obstacles, don’t make people wait extra long for your perfect shot. The park isn’t your personal film set.

If you need people to move for your shot, ask nicely. A simple “Hey, mind if I get a quick clip here?” goes a long way. And if someone says no? Respect it. Your social media clout isn’t more important than someone else’s session.

Pro tip: Always ask for permission first before filming

Doesn’t matter if they’re pulling off the sickest trick you’ve ever seen or eating it hard, it’s not cool to film strangers without their okay.

And here’s a pet peeve of mine: don’t film kids without their parents’ permission. I don’t care how cute you think that little grom’s first ollie is. It’s not your moment to share. Don’t be weird, dude.

7. Be a Mentor: Teaching and respectful learner

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it for decades like yours truly, there’s always something to learn in skating. And there’s always something to teach, too.

If you’re a newbie, don’t be afraid to ask for tips. But – and this is a big but – do it respectfully. Don’t interrupt someone’s run to ask how they did that trick. Wait for a natural break, make eye contact, and ask politely. Most skaters are stoked to share knowledge, but nobody likes a pest.

Now, for you seasoned shredders, remember we were all beginners once. If you see someone struggling with a trick you’ve mastered, offer some advice. But here’s the key: ask if they want help first. Not everyone’s looking for a lesson, and unsolicited advice can come off as condescending. Som be a mentor. See a kid struggling to drop in? Offer some encouragement. Notice someone’s board is in rough shape? Maybe you’ve got some spare parts you can hook them up with. These small acts of kindness are what turn a collection of skaters into a real community.

And if you’re the pro in the scenario, don’t be mean to beginners. We were all there once, remember? A little encouragement goes a long way in building a positive skate community and in your reputation at the park (people talk). And here’s a pro tip for both sides: Learning and teaching go hand in hand. You’d be surprised how much you can learn about a trick by trying to explain it to someone else.

8. Beyond the Board: Respecting Non-Skaters at the Park

Alright, let’s talk about something that separates the true skaters from the kooks: how you treat non-skaters at the park. Yeah, I know, sometimes it feels like they’re invading our turf, but here’s the deal: respect goes both ways.

First up, dealing with other wheeled folks. BMXers, roller skaters, and yes… even scooter kids – yeah, they might not be on a board, but they have as much right to be there as we do. Unless the park rules say otherwise, learn to coexist. Who knows, you might even pick up some new perspectives on the obstacles.

Now, about those parents and spectators. They’re not trying to cramp your style. They’re just looking out for their kids or enjoying the show. A little courtesy goes a long way. If they’re in a bad spot, politely let them know instead of getting all aggro.

Pro tip: Be respectful to all who wander in the park. You don’t know where they may be.

The skatepark doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of the community. Treat it and everyone in it with respect, and we all benefit. Who knows, that kid you were cool to might be the next city council member voting on skatepark funding.

Park staff? These folks are our allies, not our enemies. They’re the ones who keep the park running, who advocate for upgrades and repairs. Build a good relationship with them. Follow the rules, report problems, and for the love of all that’s holy, don’t give them attitude. Your behavior could be the difference between getting new features or getting the park shut down.

And let’s talk about the general public. Yeah, sometimes they wander into the park not knowing what’s up. Instead of being a dick, take a sec to educate them. Explain the flow of the park, point out safe viewing areas. Be an ambassador for skating, not a gatekeeper.

9. Don’t overdo the wax: Use it sparingly

Alright, let’s talk about something that can make or break a spot: wax. Yeah, that little bar of magic that can turn a sticky ledge into a buttery dream. But here’s the thing – like most good stuff in life, too much of it can be a real problem. I know you want that ledge to slide like it’s made of ice, but excessive waxing is a major no-go. Here’s why:

1. It ruins the spot for others. Not everyone wants to slide at mach 10, you speed demon. Some folks are just learning or prefer a bit more grip. Your excessively waxed ledge could send them flying. I have found this to be especially true for board slides.
2. It can make obstacles dangerously slippery. Ever seen someone eat it hard because they didn’t expect a rail to be that slick? It ain’t pretty, and it’s on you if you’re the wax bandit.
3. It damages the park. Too much wax can actually degrade the surfaces over time. You want your local spot to last, right?
4. It pisses off park management. You know who has to clean that stuff off? Not you. Excessive waxing is a quick way to get your park shut down or restricted.

So, how do you wax responsibly? Here are some pro tips:

• Use it sparingly. A little goes a long way. Start with less than you think you need – you can always add more.
• Ask before you wax. If others are sessioning the spot, check if they’re cool with you adding some slick. It’s just common courtesy.
• Clean up after yourself. If you’re done with a spot and it’s dangerously slippery, try to clean some of it off.
• Consider alternatives. Some parks are cool with skaters using wax, others aren’t. If waxing is frowned upon, look into board slides or other tricks that don’t require additional lubrication.

I remember this one time in NYC, we had this perfect ledge that everyone loved. Then some kook decided to turn it into a slip ‘n slide. Next session, a younger kid who didn’t know it was waxed went for a basic boardslide and ended up with a broken wrist. The park banned wax after that, and we lost a great spot. Don’t be that guy!

10. You’re Not Furniture: Keep Your Gear in Check

That ledge isn’t a shelf. And that quarter pipe? Definitely not a place to prop up your backpack. When you scatter your gear all over the park, you’re not just being inconsiderate – you’re creating hazards.

It’s not just about safety, though that’s a big part of it. It’s about respect. Respect for the park, for the obstacles, and for your others.

So where should you put your stuff? Some parks have designated areas – benches, cubbies, or the edges of the park. Use them. If there’s no obvious spot, create a pile with your crew’s gear well out of the way of the skating areas. And always keep an eye on your stuff – don’t make it someone else’s problem to watch your gear.

Remember, we’re all here to skate. The more space we keep clear, the more room we all have to rip. So keep your gear in check.

Final thoughts

Remember, at the end of the day, the most important rule is to have fun. Yeah, we’ve listed a lot of don’ts here, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying yourself. Skateboarding is about freedom, creativity, and community. Just make sure your fun isn’t coming at the expense of someone else’s. Skatepark etiquette isn’t about a bunch of stuffy rules. It’s about respect. Respect for the sport, for the space, and for each other.