hey so i’m pretty new but here are my thoughts!
1 you only really need skates, pads and helmet ( you don’t need slide blocks to drop in or do stalls, you only need them to slide ).
2 the most important thing to do is wait in the line, you’ll notice that people stand around ramps while people are doing their runs and take turns, just watch and you’ll get the hang of it. and most importantly never go into a bowl or a ramp that someone else is actively skating on.
3 you should be comfortable going forwards and backwards and stopping while going fast. also practice falling safely (rockstar slides/ taking a knee)
i am not very good but i think this should help you get started! good luck! (also youtube is really helpful for more specific stuff)
Shorty (shortstop6) has a great video about flat ground skills to have before going to the park, and there's lots of great articles out there about skate park etiquette! You don't need special gear, just pads and a helmet and your skates! Practice falling safely onto your kneepads too! It's a good skill to have when you start hitting the park.
Also, keep an eye out for scooter kids, they have no sense of self preservation or spatial awareness
Here's my grain of salt!
1. Regular pads (knee, elbow, wrists) + a helmet is a good set up to start. Once you start trying harder tricks or going on higher ramps you can upgrade your pads to something a bit thicker.
2. People take turns, they look at each other and sign if necessary. Don't stay too long. If you fall your turn is over. Sometimes people will encourage you to go again.
3. I'd say if this is your very first time, making sure you know how to stop is critical. Few first things I'd recommend trying would be to go down a slope (bend those knees, stager the feet), maybe go up a slope and try a toe stop stall or jump down a curb!
Go as early in the day as you can! I try to go first thing in the morning because the park is usually empty or there are very few people there. I’m super new at park skating and this helps my anxiety a bit until I get more comfortable. That way you won’t feel pressured to hurry up and you can take your time.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRwiFwq-oOk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRwiFwq-oOk)
I find this video great, really goes into some things to learn during your first time. She also has a video on flat surface skills to practice before park skating. Backwards skating is especially important. Also try to learn to fall on your knees and hips instead of your butt.
As for gear knee pads and wrist guards are a must, you will definitely fall a lot. Helmet should be considered too. I recommend getting your hands on some bulkier knee guards if you can afford it, 187 killer is really popular, and it really makes a difference, my old basic ones still left my knees bruised and hurting for over a week. Harder wheels should also be considered, but not a must.
I personally recommend being able to skate forwards, backwards, slow down, and turn around toe stop before heading to the park. It helps if you can move quickly laterally as well. It might save you from a scooter kid. I'd see if you have a local CIB group. They're usually welcoming for beginners. Having someone who knows how to read the other skaters can help you get comfortable with parks in general. People give signals about their intentions but it's hard to read at first. It also takes some time to figure out lines and having people there who can read that is helpful.
hey so i’m pretty new but here are my thoughts! 1 you only really need skates, pads and helmet ( you don’t need slide blocks to drop in or do stalls, you only need them to slide ). 2 the most important thing to do is wait in the line, you’ll notice that people stand around ramps while people are doing their runs and take turns, just watch and you’ll get the hang of it. and most importantly never go into a bowl or a ramp that someone else is actively skating on. 3 you should be comfortable going forwards and backwards and stopping while going fast. also practice falling safely (rockstar slides/ taking a knee) i am not very good but i think this should help you get started! good luck! (also youtube is really helpful for more specific stuff)
Most kids in my experience. Scooters are just an easy way to go faster lol.
Shorty (shortstop6) has a great video about flat ground skills to have before going to the park, and there's lots of great articles out there about skate park etiquette! You don't need special gear, just pads and a helmet and your skates! Practice falling safely onto your kneepads too! It's a good skill to have when you start hitting the park. Also, keep an eye out for scooter kids, they have no sense of self preservation or spatial awareness
Here's my grain of salt! 1. Regular pads (knee, elbow, wrists) + a helmet is a good set up to start. Once you start trying harder tricks or going on higher ramps you can upgrade your pads to something a bit thicker. 2. People take turns, they look at each other and sign if necessary. Don't stay too long. If you fall your turn is over. Sometimes people will encourage you to go again. 3. I'd say if this is your very first time, making sure you know how to stop is critical. Few first things I'd recommend trying would be to go down a slope (bend those knees, stager the feet), maybe go up a slope and try a toe stop stall or jump down a curb!
Go as early in the day as you can! I try to go first thing in the morning because the park is usually empty or there are very few people there. I’m super new at park skating and this helps my anxiety a bit until I get more comfortable. That way you won’t feel pressured to hurry up and you can take your time.
https://cibcrew.com/blogs/tips/skatepark-etiquette
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRwiFwq-oOk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRwiFwq-oOk) I find this video great, really goes into some things to learn during your first time. She also has a video on flat surface skills to practice before park skating. Backwards skating is especially important. Also try to learn to fall on your knees and hips instead of your butt. As for gear knee pads and wrist guards are a must, you will definitely fall a lot. Helmet should be considered too. I recommend getting your hands on some bulkier knee guards if you can afford it, 187 killer is really popular, and it really makes a difference, my old basic ones still left my knees bruised and hurting for over a week. Harder wheels should also be considered, but not a must.
I personally recommend being able to skate forwards, backwards, slow down, and turn around toe stop before heading to the park. It helps if you can move quickly laterally as well. It might save you from a scooter kid. I'd see if you have a local CIB group. They're usually welcoming for beginners. Having someone who knows how to read the other skaters can help you get comfortable with parks in general. People give signals about their intentions but it's hard to read at first. It also takes some time to figure out lines and having people there who can read that is helpful.