Ever skated by an aggressive dad yapping about safety, only to find another dad chilling with a Capri Sun at hand, giving skate tutorials? You’ve just encountered two distinct types of parents at skateparks. But do you know there are many more kinds? They range from the infamous ‘Karen’ to surprising wannabe legends.
In this post, we’re going full kickflip into the world of skatepark parents. We’ll decrypt who they are, what they’re about, and everything. I’ll even break down the classifications into a handy list. So sit tight and read on as we ride down this unexpected ramp of skateboarding. Let’s begin with the most common and controversial skatepark attendees: the overprotective helicopter parents.
Why do parents go to skate parks?
Parents go to skate parks for various reasons:
- Supporting their kids: One of the primary reasons parents go to skate parks is to support their children who are into skateboarding, rollerblading, BMX biking, or scootering. They may watch their kids, offer encouragement, or even record videos.
- Safety: Parents might accompany their children, especially younger ones, to ensure they’re safe, using the equipment properly, and interacting with others at the park.
- Quality time: Skate parks allow parents and kids to spend quality time together, bonding over a shared activity.
- Skating themselves: Some parents might be skateboarders or BMX riders from their younger days or have taken it up recently. For them, a skate park is a place for their kids and a venue to practice and enjoy their hobby.
- Social reasons: Skate parks can be social venues. Parents might meet and chat with other parents, turning the outings into a social activity.
- Exercise: Skateboarding and other activities at the park can be a form of exercise for parents and kids. Some parents might use this to get fit or maintain their fitness levels.
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What types of parents will you meet at the skatepark?
You’re at your favorite skatepark; the air is filled with the familiar symphony of grinding wheels, and you spot some adults. But these aren’t just spectators; they’re parents with uniquely different attitudes towards skating. Let’s take a trip around the park and sketch out these five types of parents.
1. The overprotective helicopter parents
Ah, the infamous Karen or Ken. They’re quite rare, but they’re notorious for creating a stir when spotted. Shielding their kids from every possible mishap, these parents, unfortunately, view skaters as potential threats. Hyperaware and unwilling to consider the park’s dynamics, they often accuse skaters of making it unsafe.
The irony? Their kid is typically on a scooter or wielding a soccer ball, clearly unfit for the skatepark environment. Often, these parents cling to entitlement, complaining about safety while oblivious to their kid’s disruptive behavior. Their M.O. is predictable: they threaten to call the cops and resort to swearing if anyone opposes them. It’s a sketchy encounter you’d want to avoid.
2. The cool dad learning to skate
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the cool dads. They’re learning to skate, usually alongside their kids. Traditional skatepark etiquette is well-regarded and followed by these folks. They take responsible parenting quite seriously.
A breath of fresh air in the tense air of the skatepark, they’re typically easy to talk to and welcoming. Remember that Capri Sun supply? Yeah, these are the folks. If only all dads were this cool, right? Take it from me: encounters with these skate-savvy parents are far more common—and delightful—than with the Karens and Kens.
3. The MILFs
Also known as the mythical moms’ of SkPate skatepark, rare is an understatement when talking about these parents. They are real, and their presence adds a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to the skate park’s ambiance. These moms usually roll up in their fancy SUVs, making heads turn.
Now, some would suggest a MILF tag comes with a presumed responsibility: the ‘Scooter Kid.’ Despite conflicting opinions on their offspring’s wheel choice, they bring a sense of variety to the environment. And, for the skaters who are also teenagers, prepare for the inevitable ‘your mom’s hot’ remarks.
4. The vigilante cairns
A sub-breed of the Karen, these ultra-rare parents are unique in their moral compass. They firmly believe they’re serving justice by calling out skaters for their ‘atrocities.’ Their balance of entitlement and righteousness is a sight to behold.
Peaceful resolution isn’t part of their agenda, but they offer a colorful skatepark experience. Want a glimpse of their persona? Look for the stereotypical Karen cut or bald head, cheap jewelry, a minivan, and a glaring obsession with Facebook justice.
5. The skater’s parents
If there’s a holy grail of skatepark parents, this is it—parents who shred, skate, and understand the love for the sport. They are often former or current skaters, ditching minivans for a solid skateboard and joining the fun.
With them, knowing when to push and hold back is a balance. They also speak the language of the skatepark, making them one of us. Acting as an inspiration for the younger skaters and a bridge between the generations, these parents add awesomeness to the skateboarding scene.
Dos and don’ts’ of interacting with skatepark parents
Different parents bring different dynamics. Here’s a guide for skaters to interact effectively while keeping the skate culture intact.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Be polite | Engage in arguments |
| Keep an eye out for their kids | Disrespect the parents or their kids |
| Understand they might not grasp skate etiquette | Swear or use inappropriate language |
Additional skatepark parent interaction tips
Remember, our park vibe is crucial. So here are some personal tips on sailing smoothly amongst the diverse parents:
- Approach Vigilante Cairns calmly if they engage
- Be friendly towards Cool Dads or Skater parents
- Be mindful of overprotective helicopter parents’ concerns.
- Don’t feed into unnecessary drama.
- Recognize politeness and respect.
- Show them what skateboarding is about
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My yet-to-perfect skatepark parent encounters
Personal experience? Like any skater, I’ve had my share of skatepark parent encounters. And let’s say it’s a mixed bag, folks, much like implementing new tricks. You may think you’ve seen it all until you meet the new-age cliché: a hybrid doting tiger (MILF).
As a non-expert in handling these interactions, I’ve often stumbled. I’ve learned that each type requires a different approach, but most importantly, maintaining respect is key. To all my fellow skaters out there, remember that we share our love for the sport, so let’s keep our parks gratifying for us and our parents alike.
“Respect is key. To all my fellow skaters out there, remember we share our love for the sport, so let’s keep our parks gratifying, for us and our parents alike.”
To put things into perspective, here’s a quick wrap-up of parent types often seen at skateparks. This illustrates what makes them unique and what they bring to the table.
| Skatepark Parent Type | Unique Traits |
|---|---|
| Overprotective helicopter | Overly cautious, often blames skaters for park mishaps |
| Cool dad learning to skate | Learning to skate and following park etiquette |
| The MILFs | Skaters themselves understand skateboard culture |
| Vigilante cairns | Overprotective but with a sense of righteousness |
| Skater parents | Skaters themselves understand skateboard culture |
If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Skateparks are not just platforms for gnarly tricks but also hubs for engaging encounters that lend the place an uncanny charm. On this spectrum, skatepark parents are certainly an interesting element. Here are some FAQs about these ubiquitous characters in the skatepark drama.
Why do some parents act like the infamous ‘karen’ at skateparks?
It concerns their understanding of skate culture. These parents often consider the park unsafe, blaming skaters for mishaps. Open dialogue about park etiquette can alleviate this issue. More on this in our post about other skaters you may encounter.
What’s the cool thing about “cool dads”?
They embrace skate culture, often learning to skate alongside their kids. Sporting a friendly demeanor, they bolster the park atmosphere. They’re ardent advocates of safety and often supply energizing Capri Suns.
How common are skateboarding parents at skateparks?
While not as common as other types, the frequency is increasing. More parents who grew up with skateboarding pass on the love of the sport to their kids. Check out the stories of legendary skaters-turned-parents like Tony Alva.
What should my approach be towards differing skatepark parents?
Respect and understanding go a long way. While it’s important to stand your ground as a skater, being mindful of a parent’s role and perspective can help ensure a harmonious environment.
Final thoughts
In my skate park sojourns, my encounters with different parent types have been as captivating a ride as the sport itself. It adds to the park’s nuanced culture and makes every day unpredictably exciting. Not to discount the occasional chaos skaters vs. haters dynamics bring. So, have you encountered any of these parent types? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks.
Key takeaways
This article covered the intriguing personas of parents at skateparks. Here are some key takeaways:
- Skatepark parents range from overprotective to super cool, each adding a unique dynamic to park culture.
- Understanding these differing personalities can help skaters navigate their sessions effectively.
- Respecting their roles and perspectives ensures a more harmonious skatepark environment.
- Open dialogue about skatepark etiquette can help mitigate misunderstandings.
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