5 Worst Types of Skaters You Want to Avoid in Your Skatepark

Explore the five habits that label you as the worst type of skater. Learn how to avoid these slip-ups for a smoother ride.

Spread the love

From the grind of my trucks to the scars on my knees, I’ve felt the freedom and faced the daunting challenges that come with skateboarding. Every twist, turn, and fall has shaped my perspective on the board and the culture surrounding it. Have you ever seen someone at the park and thought, “Man, don’t be that guy”? It’s not the newbie finding their footing; we’ve all been there.

It’s the one that has habits and attitudes that tarnish the very essence of our community. Having been on both sides of the deck, let’s ride through the unwritten rules, the subtle nuances, and the blatant missteps that make the worst types of skaters.

What makes someone the worst type of skater?

When we say “worst,” we’re not focusing on skill level. Everyone starts somewhere, and it’s all about the journey—the stoke you get when you nail that Ollie for the first time or the adrenaline rush when you shred that vert ramp like a pro. No, when we say “worst,” we’re talking about the attitudes and actions that make for a bad experience in the community.

1. The “playground bully”

We’ve all encountered them—the skater who treats the park like their playground and everyone else as mere obstacles. They weave in and out of the lines without any regard for beginners or anyone still getting the hang of the sport. It’s not just irritating; it can also be dangerously irresponsible.

Skate parks are communal spaces designed for everyone to enjoy and refine their skills, irrespective of their skill level. This “playground bully” behavior is a major disrespect to the skate community’s values. Remember, your board might be a solid choice, but your attitude determines your actual ride.

2. The never-returning-loaner

The debate about whether or not skateboarding is dangerous often hinges on one primary factor: the quality of one’s gear. It’s no joke. That’s why it’s pretty much a serious no-no to borrow someone else’s gear and then never return it.

This is a nightmare for any skater because your setup is personalized to your preferences—that’s your comfort zone right there. Over time, you build a personal relationship with your board, and suddenly, it’s gone because someone didn’t respect the unwritten rule of borrowing etiquette – always give back.

3. The wannabe pro

Everyone respects a good skater, but no one is really into the guy who can’t stop bragging about his killer moves or how they did a Clamshell last week. Being a solid skater isn’t just about the tricks you can land; it’s also about how you carry yourself off the board.

Remember, humility is a virtue. Everyone appreciates the guy who perches on the coping and applauds the nervous newbie trying to Ollie over it for the first time. We’ve all been beginners and understanding that keeps the community vibe positive.

Image of skaters riding skateboards in a park. Source: pexels
5 worst types of skaters you want to avoid in your skatepark | image of skaters riding skateboards in a park pexels 1 | skateboard session

4. The disrespectful desecrator

This skater creates a really sketchy situation by treating the park like a dumpster. Leaving trash and graffiti that’s not approved or appreciated by the community just kind of sucks the joy out of the place. It’s pretty simple: respect the park, and it’ll respect you back. Like any other public space, skate parks are for everyone to use and enjoy. Being a skater also means being part of a community that takes pride in its spaces and works hard to maintain them.

5. The dangerous daredevil

We all love the adrenaline rush associated with skateboarding. But it’s a different story when someone’s reckless behavior puts others at risk. From not wearing protective gear to attempting dangerous tricks that endanger others, this type of skater overlooks the potential consequences and in effect, becomes a risk factor.

Remember, safety comes first! Wearing protective gear might not look as cool, but narrowly avoiding a faceplant because you were wearing a helmet will definitely earn you some respect! It’s always better to skate within your limits and gradually push your skill level up rather than putting a black mark on a pretty sick day of skateboarding.

Dos and don’ts of interacting with other skaters

Interacting with other skaters forms a large part of the skateboarding experience. Whether you’re just getting a feel for your new board or perfecting a challenging trick, it’s important to respect the unwritten rules when sharing a space with other riders.

DosDon’ts
Do respect other skaters and their spaceDon’t monopolize the skate park
Do return borrowed gear promptlyDon’t take advantage of other skaters’ generosity
Do praise others’ successes, big or smallDon’t brag about your own achievements
Do clean up after yourselfDon’t litter or deface the skate park
Do prioritize safetyDon’t endanger yourself or others
Guiding principles for respectful interactions at the skate park
🤙 My favorite bearings (at the moment)

Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings

5/5

My rating is based on my five-point ranking criteria checklist.

🤙 My favorite bearings (at the moment)

Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings

Not gonna lie—these are the best bearings I've bought because they are fast and cheap! I've never had any issues with them, and they're super inexpensive and smooth as hell.
  • High-speed
  • Pre-lubricated
  • Inexpensive
Check Amazon Price Check Walmart Price

I may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

How to be a positive influence in the skateboarding community?

Being a valuable member of the skateboarding community goes beyond just avoiding the pitfalls of the “worst” behaviors. Here are a few additional tips to help you keep things cool and enjoyable for everyone:

  • Frequent self-checks: Take time to evaluate your behavior and actions while skating. It’s an effective way to avoid becoming the sketchy character everyone wants to avoid.
  • Keep learning: Never stop learning new skills and etiquette. For instance, if you’re unsure about something, like fixing delamination on your deck, seek advice or learn from others.
  • Foster a welcoming environment: Encourage new riders and share your experiences. The best habits for new skaters are often picked up from seasoned ones willing to share their insights.

How does personal growth define your skateboarding journey?

As someone relatively new to skateboarding but deeply immersed in the stoke, I’ve seen firsthand that it’s not about being the best, but being the best version of yourself on the board. I still remember the grin on my face when I completed my Clamshell, after dozens of attempts. It’s this mix of personal achievement and the supporting cheers of others that make the skateboarding community a solid choice. Not a day goes by that I’m not stoked to ride, and that’s how it should always be, right? The last thing we need is a negative vibe killing that precious stoke!

Skateboarding is not a supremacy contest; it’s about being the best version of yourself on the board. Join this journey not to supersede others, but to surpass your own boundaries and expectations.

If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

While we traversed a lot of details in the article, you might still have some questions jumping around your mind. So, let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions about skater etiquette, its relevance, and avoiding falling into the ‘worst skater’ category.

Why does skater etiquette matter?

Skater etiquette plays a pivotal role in maintaining a constructive environment within the skateboarding community. Mutual respect and understanding are crucial in any shared space, especially in skate parks where safety becomes a collective responsibility.

What role does respect play in skateboarding?

Skateboarding, like any other sport or recreational activity, thrives in an atmosphere of mutual respect. This includes respect for others’ space, their skill level, their gear, and the shared public areas. A respectful attitude makes the skate park a welcoming space for everyone.

How can I improve my skateboarding etiquette?

Improving your skateboarding etiquette involves continuous learning, self-awareness, and respect for others. Start by avoiding behaviors that could classify you as the ‘worst skater’. Read skateboard blogs, watch videos, and, most importantly, observe and learn from others in your local skate park. Who knows, you might even find the lightest skateboard trucks or the best skate shoes from your park mates!

Final thoughts

In the grand scheme of things, being the “worst” skater isn’t about missing an Ollie or bailing on a grind. It’s about the vibes you send out around the park and how you interact with fellow shredders. From my perspective, skateboarding is all about sharing the stoke and finding joy in the ride. So guess the trick here is to ensure everyone around you is on board with this sentiment, too.

What are some of the behaviors you’ve seen at your local skate park that really grind your gears? How about some positive actions that you think we should all embrace? 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 around skateboarding. Thanks for reading, and always remember, ride with respect!

Key takeaways

This article covered the malpractices that give a skater the infamous tag of being the ‘worst’ type, and ways to avoid falling into the same pitfalls. Here are some key takeaways:

  • The ‘worst’ skater isn’t about lacking talent, but it’s more about a lack of positive attitude and respect.
  • Certain habits such as not respecting others’ space, not returning borrowed gear, big-headedness, disrespecting public property, and compromising safety make a skater bothersome.
  • Sticking to basic skateboarding etiquettes dramatically improves the skating experience.
  • The dos and don’ts section provides actionable steps to ensure good behavior in shared skate spaces.
  • The advantages and disadvantages of avoiding bad habits outline the reasons why staying off the ‘worst skater’ list is beneficial.

Helpful resources

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.

Fact-Checked

Our team conducts thorough evaluations of every article, guaranteeing that all information comes from reliable sources.

Up-to-Date

We diligently maintain our content, regularly updating articles to ensure they reflect the most recent information.

Leave a Comment

Item added to cart.
0 items - $0.00