by Kurtis Zobell

Created on: June 02, 2009

The way I see things, it is more like a lack-of-etiquette...It's more realistic that kids take a defensive-skating course before many trips to the local skate-parks.

As a father of four boys, and of two broken-arms earned during past years at skate-parks, I'd rather see my kids wearing a helmet and protective gear. Especially when the 'older' skaters run the park like they paid the taxes, built it and maintain it as their own. Belly up boys, you older 'kids' have the money(or are given it), to buy the drinks and wrappers that litter the fence lines every time we visit.

Depending upon the crowds, sometimes I'll have to talk my kids out of going just based on the numbers and attitudes of the kids present. Don't get me wrong, most kids are decent, honest and just visiting the skate-park to improve their skills and have fun. It is always worthwhile to get good friends together for a day of fun, camaraderie and exercise. Oops, don't tell the kids it's exercise, they might lose interest!

My younger teenager tells me, The one main thing to being 'cool' at a skate park, is to stay-out of the way. I agree, but some younger kids are too focused on not falling down to realize they are in someone's way. It's important that everyone present make an attempt at respecting and observing the right-of-way. It is equally important that a more mature skater recognize when a younger, less experienced skater is going to be in the way. Better to act more mature and let a younger rider pass-by than to purposely or accidentally allow someone to get hurt. There is nothing more than a fight or injury to spoil the fun and ruin what should be a fun and productive day for all.

Additional words of counsel from a young man includes, Don't act like a big-shot. Look both ways just like your Mom always told you. Good advice from a teenager, hard to imagine, huh? A teenager giving good advice! Skaters or not, good kids deserve to be acknowledge and encouraged.

Etiquette includes, not being a show-off. My kids tell me it's best not being-a-show-off. DO NOT start a beef with anyone, always keep your mouth shut, unless it's giving someone a compliment or to offer help or assistance. I've been warned, don't copy something someone else is doing because it will be labeled a 'poser.'

The first step into a skate-park is not always the best...You just have to keep your head up and ride what you know how to ride. There will always be another day when the park is not as busy that you can try the rails and other tricks that would get in the way otherwise.

Try to make friends, as the skate-park will be a better experience the more people know and respect you. If someone does something amazing, give them a compliment or cheer them on!

Be careful not to sit on obstacles or ride on your behind down the ramps, unless you're a really little kid and have a parent or guardian to help and supervise the etiquette of the other riders.

I haven't ridden a skateboard in 24 years, the last time I did, my friend was being pulled by his dog, he was going too fast and suffered a compound fracture when he tried to stop himself without letting go of the dog leash first.

Skate-Park etiquette has everything to do with respect, bad attitudes and violent behavior have no place in any kind of park, skateboarding or otherwise.

Help all Skaters, change society's perception, not all skaters are 'troubled' or 'at risk.' The first rule of any sport or any park should first be respect for everyone and everyone's space. My 14 year old also tells me it's better to be with friends and to have fun. I couldn't agree more.

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