SKATEPARK ETIQUETTE: THE DOS AND DON'TS AT ANY SKATEPARK

Posted on 16 April 2025
By George Stix
Posted in skateparks
0

Skatepark Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts at Any Skatepark
Whether you’re rolling up to Bonita Skatepark in Arcadia, stomping lines at South Pasadena, or pulling early morning missions at Memorial Park in Monrovia, understanding the unwritten rules of skatepark etiquette is key to keeping the session flowing and the vibes solid. Skateparks are public spaces, but they run on rhythm, mutual respect, and an unspoken code passed down from older heads to new ones. Here’s a deep dive into the do’s and don’ts of skatepark behavior — from the obvious to the overlooked. Whether you’re a parent bringing your grom or a veteran ripping solo, read on and roll with respect.

1. DO know the layout before you drop in

Every park has its own rhythm. Before diving into tricks, take a lap. Observe how people are using the park. Where’s the line to the rail? Who’s eyeing the hip? Especially at places like the Claremont Skatepark or Garvey in Rosemead, where tight bowls and busy street sections meet, understanding the flow can save you from collisions and frustration. Think of it as reading the tide before paddling out.

2. DON’T snake

Snaking — cutting in front of someone who’s clearly lined up to go — is the fastest way to get cold-shouldered or called out. If someone’s waiting to hit a line, give them their go. You wouldn’t want someone jumping your turn at a contest, and the park isn’t much different. At Stix SGV’s home turf parks like Monrovia or South Pas, regulars might not say anything the first time. But trust — if it keeps happening, you’ll feel the shift in energy real quick.

3. DO wait your turn and watch for queues

Even if there’s no literal line, there’s usually a mental queue. Skaters clock who’s next, who’s been waiting, and who just rolled in. If you’re unsure, ask — “You up?” is all it takes. Parks like the West Covina Skatepark can get packed on weekends, and being mindful about taking turns keeps the session flowing instead of clogging it.

4. DON’T camp on obstacles

We get it — that ledge is your zone. But if you’re sitting on it between tries or filming your homie for 20 minutes while no one else can hit it, you’re hogging the spot. Keep the energy moving. Hit your try, step aside, let others get theirs. Parks like Pedlow or Stoner Park are fast-paced — mimic that mindset.

5. DO control your board

Throwing your board when you miss a trick? Not only is it dangerous — especially at crowded parks like Chino or Sheldon — but it throws off the whole vibe. Slam if you need to, but don’t hurl your deck across the park. Losing your cool is understandable, but managing it keeps others from flinching every time you bail.

6. DON’T lurk in the landing

Sitting on the end of a ledge, chilling in the middle of a bowl, or standing in front of a stair set — these are all danger zones. If you’re not skating, move out of the way. Sit on the side, not the session. At places like Memorial Park or even South Pas’s more mellow layout, staying aware of where people land is basic respect.

7. DO keep your head on a swivel

Skateparks don’t have traffic lights. People are coming from every direction — sometimes fast, sometimes loose. Always look both ways before you drop, and keep your head up when pushing. At busy parks like Belvedere or Highland, a blind drop-in can mean instant collision.

8. DON’T bring your bike/scooter into tight zones

This might sting for the non-skate crowd, but skateparks are primarily designed for skateboards. Scooters and bikes, while allowed in some parks, ride differently — they turn sharper, stop faster, and move with different intentions. If you’re bringing something other than a board to the park, be hyper-aware. And definitely don’t snake. That rule applies to everyone.

9. DO teach your kids park respect early

If you’re bringing your kid to skate — awesome. Stix SGV has long supported the next generation. But the park isn’t a playground. Teach them to wait their turn, stay out of the way when not skating, and fall safely. South Pasadena’s shop crew has seen it all — groms charging the biggest quarter with no clue how to bail. Start small, supervise, and lead by example.

10. DON’T film in a way that blocks the park

Filming’s part of skate culture — always has been. But if your fisheye lens is planted dead center of the park while someone’s trying to warm up nearby, it’s inconsiderate. Keep the filming discreet and mobile unless you’ve coordinated a dedicated session. Places like The Berrics can get away with shut-down filming — your local doesn’t work that way.

11. DO bring tools, wax, and water — but share the space

Bringing your own gear is great, especially wax. But don’t overdo it — covering an entire ledge in butter when you’re the only one skating it can wreck someone else’s ride. Same with water bottles and backpacks — stash them out of the way. Memorial Park’s ledge-heavy layout is no place for a stray bag mid-line.

12. DON’T bring drama

Skateparks should be a break from the chaos, not a source of it. Don’t bring beef to the ledge. Don’t fight over tricks, filming angles, or line order. Chill, talk it out, or take a breather. Energy travels fast at parks like Rosemead or El Sereno — a little tension can shut down a whole session.

13. DO respect the locals

Every park has its crew — the people who rep it daily, fix it when it's busted, or even helped build it. Whether you're pulling up from another town or just checking out a new spot, recognize who holds it down. Say what up, be cool, and let your skating speak for itself. At Stix SGV-adjacent parks like Monrovia or South Pasadena, the locals are usually down to share the space — just don’t act entitled.

14. DON’T blast music without reading the room

Your playlist might slap, but not everyone wants to hear it. A speaker is fine, but keep the volume in check, and don’t post up right in the middle blasting death metal or boom bap without checking the vibe. Skateparks like the Cove in Santa Monica or even mellow zones like Claremont demand a little awareness.

15. DO give props and support progression

Whether it’s someone landing their first kickflip or a full-on hammer, cheer it on. Skateboarding thrives on community and hype. Stix SGV has always been about pushing each other — whether you're 9 or 39. Be the skater who claps, who helps a fallen rider up, who stokes out the new kid. That kind of energy comes back around.

Skateparks aren’t just concrete playgrounds — they’re living ecosystems, shaped by the people who skate them. Respecting the flow, looking out for each other, and keeping things tight ensures everyone — from first-timers to lifelong rippers — can enjoy the ride. Whether you're repping Stix SGV or just cruising through, remember: the best etiquette is about more than following rules — it’s about showing love to the space, the scene, and the session.

Stix SGV has proudly served the San Gabriel Valley skateboarding community since the late ‘90s. With three locations across Los Angeles County, we’ve been deeply rooted in the local scene. Our Monrovia shop has been a staple since 1997, followed by our Claremont location in 2014, and our South Pasadena shop opening its doors in 2022. Our mission has always been simple: to uphold skateboarding culture and stay true to our community.