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Skate parks are so popular now and are in high demand. Everyone around you seems to be getting their start in skateboarding, in-line skating, or BMX biking. But just like everything else, places that are in high demand can get crowded. So now you are faced with the problem of skating along side strangers who may not even BMX, skateboard or in-line skate like you do. Speaking from my personal experience, I know that knowing the basic rules of skate park etiquette is highly important and can be the difference between having a pleasant time or having a bad experience. Which is why the answers to these two questions can be of great help when trying to develop skate park etiquette.

1) What is the "code of conduct" while attending a public skate park?

2) How should you act and skate without angering any of your fellow skaters?

Let's answer the first question. Take into consideration that the skate park is a public facility. This means there will be various types of people there and it can get rather crowded and hectic. So being polite, respectful and observant of other fellow skaters and bikers around you is the first step in following the unofficial "code of conduct." Furthermore, generally speaking, everyone will remain happy if everyone cooperates with one another.

Public skate parks, especially those funded and created by you city or town park district, have signs on the outside of the skate park. These signs should be read before entering. For the most part, the signs include no smoking, no alcoholic beverages permitted at any time, no glass bottles, no food or drink allowed within the actual skate park. These seemingly insignificant rules are actually part of the "code of conduct" for skate parks. Those who decide to disregard the rules are considered rude and nobody wants to be around a rude person. For example, let's say someone decided to light a cigarette while in the skate park. As we all know, the second-hand smoke generally causes those around the smoker to cough, choke, and even suffer from asthma attacks. How inconsiderate that would be!

Now for our second question, what is considered polite and what is considered rude? Remember the skate park is full of skaters doing various forms of recreational skating, so it can often turn into a mad house. However, to avoid any major accidents or any collisions, you should be aware of the people around you at all times. I unfortunately had to learn this the hard way but if I had kept my eyes and ears peeled for other bikers and skaters, I would not have collided with another skater.

Since this is a public facility, you must learn to share the ramps, half-pipe and etc. People who don't wait their turn and instead plow their way through others are frowned upon. It is considered very rude when people hog the skate park for themselves. Another point to keep in mind is that the open space in the skate park must be left unoccupied. Please do not linger in open space because this is used for skaters and bikers to turn around and perform freestyle tricks.

Now that you have a guide to skate park etiquette, go out there and have a ball!

Learn more about this author, Corban M. Burns.
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