10 Things Only Skaters Understand + Stuff that Skateboarders Do that Just Makes Sense!

Dive deeper into skateboard culture with these 10 unique insights only skaters grasp. Part 2 of your skateboarding guide!

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Ever wondered what makes a skateboarder tick? The congregations at local skate parks, the shredded jeans, and the inexplicable fear of small rocks make sense when you’re part of the skateboarding community.

Living the skating lifestyle isn’t just about riding a board; it’s about embracing an entire subculture with its slang, etiquette, and unspoken rules. In this article, we’ll dissect the world from a skateboarder’s perspective, breaking down the things only skaters understand.

Key takeaways

  • Understanding skateboarding culture goes beyond just riding a board—it’s about embracing a unique perspective that transforms ordinary urban features into potential skate spots
  • The pre-ride ritual and attention to gear maintenance are fundamental aspects of skating that showcase the deep connection between skater and board
  • Skateboarding fosters a tight-knit community with its own language, fashion, and unwritten rules that create a unique sense of belonging
  • The sport teaches valuable life lessons about perseverance and creativity, as evidenced by DIY ramp building and the willingness to practice tricks hundreds of times

The Unique World of Skateboarding

1. Multidimensional Perspective on Everyday Objects

Before you start skating, a handrail is just a handrail. To a skater, it’s an invitation for a front crook. That curb across the street? It’s not just a curb; it’s an enticing challenge to execute a perfect boardslide. Skateboarding revolutionizes your perspective, turning mundane urban architecture into a veritable playground of potential skate spots.

“Ask any skater, and they’ll tell you that once you start skating, everything else looks like something you could potentially shred.”

2. The Transcendental Pre-shred Rituals

Before each session, skaters have their meticulous pre-ride checks. It could be as simple as tightening trucks or giving grip tape a solid rubdown. This ritual can almost feel meditative. The anticipation of the ride, the sound of wheels gliding on the ground, and the pre-ride checks make it a killer experience. It’s a moment of mental preparation as much as a technical necessity.

3. The Parts and Tribulations of Skate Shoes

In the realm of fashion-conscious millennials, you might buy shoes because they’re tired, dirty, or old. But in the skateboarding community, you buy shoes because they’re worn to the point of disintegration—literally. Skaters’ shoes suffer from an unnatural fast track to deterioration and tend to get trashed on one side.

It’s not uncommon for skaters to become profoundly attached to that one pair of sneakers that feel ‘just right.’ We’ll skate them to the point of ruin, and when inevitably they give in, we mourn the loss and start the search anew.

4. Fear of Cracks and Small Rocks

Unlike the general public, skaters have a strange phobia that could be classified as ‘street debris fright.’ One tiny pebble on the street is not something you’d worry about during a casual stroll. But, to a skater, these small obstacles can spell disaster, swiftly transforming an enjoyable skate into a quick trip to the asphalt.

5. Wheel Bite

Every culture has its folklore, and skateboarders are no exception. In the skating world, the term ‘wheel bite’ is whispered with a mixture of dread and frustration. Wheel bite occurs when you turn fast with loose trucks, and your wheel touches the deck. The result? You stop instantly.

6. The Art of Baggy Pants Folding

Remember MC Hammer and his parachute pants? They’re nowhere near as baggy as some of our jeans, but they’ll do for this pop-culture reference. Baggy jeans are our uniform, a symbol of freedom and rebellion. Every skater knows the struggle of perfecting the jeans roll-up to avoid nasty fabric-wheel interactions.

7. Skate-spot Wanderlust

Beauty with a rich skating history, or maybe it’s a hitherto unknown location, a hidden gem begging to be skated. The thrill of discovering a new spot and the potential of uncharted territory is like a siren song for skaters. The wanderlust for the perfect skate spot is fundamental to our skate psyche.

8. The Despite-all-odds Commitment

Is it pouring rain? We’re still checking the weather update in hopes of a dry spell. Is it freezing outside? Time to learn winter skateboarding life hacks. There could be hurricanes or zombie apocalypses, and we’d somehow find our way to our boards. Every scrape or bruise is a badge of honor, a testament to our unwavering devotion.

9. The Joy of DIY Ramps and Rails

Building your ramps or rails might seem insane to most, but to a skater, it’s an unmatched achievement. It allows us to stretch our creativity and take matters into our own hands. The satisfaction of landing a trick on something you built yourself is a feeling second to none.

10. Spot Respect 2.0

Respect goes beyond just cleaning up or waiting your turn. It’s about understanding that skate spots aren’t just our playgrounds; they’re community spaces. Older spots often carry stories and memories; they’re our versions of skateboard museums.

🤙 My favorite bearings (at the moment)

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🤙 My favorite bearings (at the moment)

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The Culture and Community

If someone asks you if you’ve seen that sick nollie varial heelflip P-Rod land and your reaction isn’t one of recognition, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Skaters talk differently, drenched in terms like ‘fakie,’ ‘nollie,’ and ‘heelflip.’ This language isn’t just cool slang; each term describes specific tricks, stances, and parts of a skateboard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a skate spot?
A skate spot refers to any area or object that skaters perceive as a place to perform skateboarding tricks. They can range from stairs, curbs, railings, banks, or even specially designed areas in a skate park.

Is skateboarding an expensive sport?
The cost depends on various factors, such as the type of skateboard you choose, protective gear, and maintenance. However, while having upfront costs, it does not require ongoing fees like many other sports.

Do all skaters wear baggy pants?
Not all, but baggy pants are quite popular in the skateboarding community. It’s part culture, part comfort. The loose fit offers greater ease of movement while performing tricks.

How does skateboarding influence fashion?
Skateboarding has heavily influenced urban streetwear trends. From durable, comfortable shoes, loose-fitting clothes, and graphic tees to beanies and caps, many fashion statements have their roots in skateboarding culture.

Final Thoughts

“Skating isn’t merely a sport; it’s a philosophy, a way of life that shapes our thoughts and actions. Be it the willingness to fail, respect for attributes like perseverance and creativity, or the deep-seated love for the community, our philosophy reflects in all aspects of our existence.”

Are you now seeing those pedestrian handrails in a new light? Are you more aware of the plight of every pebble or crack on the tarmac? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends, and check out my full blog for more insights into the skateboarding world.

Image of jedain.
Written by Jedain Arron, Founder and writer

I'm Jedain, a 30-something-year-old dad rekindling my love for skateboarding. I've been skating since I was 13 back in New York City, took a long break for adulting, and now I'm back on the board.

This blog documents my journey back to the skatepark (creaky joints and all). Follow along as I relearn tricks, reconnect with the skate scene, and share the ups and downs of returning to the sport.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail. When not working on the site, you can find him sipping Bourbon at the karaoke bar.

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