If you’re a noob on the skate scene or just need some tips on how not make everyone at the skate park instantly hate your guts, then take notice of the tips I’ve listed below. These are sure-fire ways to irritate everyone at the skate park:
#1 Thou Shalt Not Snake:
The most hated person at the park is almost always the Snake. He’ll ride out of turn, cut in line, and drop in while you’re in the middle of a run. And, he’ll probably pretend like he didn’t see you waiting there. Don’t be a jerk. Wait your turn.
#2 Thou Shalt Not Circle:
Either do your run or don’t do your run, but stay out of everyone else’s way! This is the guy who just rides around in circles like he’s going to do something but never does. If you’re not going to take your run, then take a seat somewhere else or go home.
#3 Thou Shalt Not Covet Your Neighbor’s Ramp:
Don’t take a marathon run in the pool all day long just because you think you look cool. Very few of the other skaters will feel the same way. No one likes a person who doesn’t know how to share. Take your run, then give someone else a shot.
#4 Thou Shall Always Laugh It Off:
If you just wiped out hard, don’t get up and throw a tantrum or just lie there like a dead man in everyone else’s way. Get up, shrug it off, and laugh a little. Life’s too short to make a big deal out of nothing.
#5 Thou Shalt Always Give Fair Warning:
If you’re out of control or you just lost your board, then DO let everyone know about it. You definitely won’t make any new friends if you just made someone else bite it because of your runaway board. Just remember to play it safe and let anyone know to watch out.
#6 Thou Shalt Not Coach:
If you’re a great skater that’s cool, but don’t force your style or methods on the rest of the group unless they ask. Skateboarding is supposed to be unstructured where it’s up to the rider to decide what to do next. It’s a sport where the players are free to do whatever they want. So don’t go around trying to teach everyone at the park the “right” way to do a trick. It takes the fun out of it for everyone.
#7 Thou Shalt Always Use Your Eyes:
Remember to always keep your eyes open for other skaters and runaway decks. Don’t ever find yourself in the path of another skater who’s trying to ride out his trick because someone is going to get hurt. Always pay attention to where you’re heading and the other skaters around you.
#8 Thou Shalt Always Move:
If you’re tired then go find a chair, a bench, or sit in the grass. Never park yourself on the edge of a ramp or rail because you’ll be in everyone else’s way. There’s no faster way to get people to hate you than if you’re just sitting around taking up space for riding. If you’re at the park, then you’re there for a reason…GO SKATE OR GO HOME!
#9 Thou Shalt Not Out-Do Your Friends:
If someone just pulled a sick trick, but you think you can do it better…DON’T! Let them have their moment of glory. Just because you have a higher ollie or can do tighter spins doesn’t mean that you have to be a show-off. Let people do their tricks and save yours for another time. How would you feel if someone 1-upped you all day long?
#10 Thou Shalt Not Leave Your Children:
Attention parents, the skate park is not a day care center! This one should be a no-brainer, but it never fails to amaze me that parents will actually just leave their kids at the skate park. If you take your kid to the skate park then it’s both your job and theirs to follow the rules that I just laid out. Seriously…be responsible and watch out for your kids.
…and always remember…
