1. Get it Off the Street
As more people get involved in sports like skateboarding, BMX, Motocross and inline skates, they need places to go to practice their tricks and innovative techniques. While cities and towns around the world began to see the skaters in their parking lots, office building steps and public parks, more laws and regulations were enacted to keep skaters out of the public's way. Skaters of all ilks are great to watch, but not necessarily when you take a walk in the park.
2. Parks Abound
There are a variety of skate parks that grew out of the continuing need for more places and more diverse conditions for performing the tricks. There are official skate parks that have to meet sporting requirements, local parks designed specifically for skating of all kinds, and those that were converted from some other use. Vacant, empty swimming pools are used in many places as skate parks. There are wood and concrete skate parks, as well as natural trails and wooded sites that skaters have deemed perfect for their brand of skating.
3. Find One Near You
You can find out about the best skate parks in your area by talking to the skaters at a local sport shop. Visit skating competitions locally, because when there are no meets going on, the parks are open to the public. There are a number of websites that list the best skate parks around the world, such as Skateboardpark.com and Concretedisciples.com. The owners of the websites try to verify the conditions and availability of the parks they list.
4. Feeling Their Way
Architects and city planners are still learning what they need to provide the young skaters in their communities. While a public ball field can have a pothole or overgrown grassy area, skating ramps and bowls need to be maintained for safety. Too often the skaters in a community are fringe athletes who don't always meet the expectations of the mainstream coaching elite. So they often have a harder time getting their needs and concerns met.
5. On Your Own
Most skate parks exist strictly for skaters and do not usually have monitors keeping everyone in line. Skaters have developed a culture that includes a certain amount of ramp etiquette. Experienced skaters are approachable to help newcomers and skaters who want to improve their skills. Skaters take turns on the ramps and the tubes, watching their own place in the lineup. When you fall, you need to pick yourself up right away and either complete your turn or leave the skating area. Skaters wear pads, so they don't expect serious injury. If you are seriously hurt, other skaters will come to your assistance.
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