If you’re new to skating in a skatepark, there’s a lot to learn, and it’s easy to feel intimidated. And the same goes for transition riding. But a little information can go a long way toward quelling any anxiety and ensuring you’re more than ready for your next skatepark outing. We’ve done all the research on skatepark basics and transition riding and will share our findings with you in this article.
Whether you’re going to the skatepark to learn the basics of skateboarding or nail new tricks, learning the basics of skateparks and transition riding is essential. By the end of this article, you’ll have a much better idea of how everything works.
Familiarize Yourself with the Skatepark Atmosphere
Skateparks are unlike any other recreational space you’ve ever seen. The average park has specialized equipment and a layout conducive to group skating. Below, we’ll get into typical skatepark equipment and layouts.
Ramps and Rails
Skatepark ramps are sloped structures that enable riders to execute a variety of skating tricks and maneuvers. They come in many shapes and sizes, which enables you to choose how you want to ride and what tricks you want to attempt. Some of the most common ramps include the halfpipe, quarterpipe, mini ramp (great for beginners), and bowl.
In addition to ramps, there are rails – raised pipes that players can grind on. Rails may be flat or feature sloping areas.
Street-Like Fixtures and Features
Another characteristic of the average skatepark are the street-like fixtures that make the place even more functional. Stairs, ledges, and other structures not only give skaters more obstacles to tackle, but they also make the skatepark feel like an urban area and add to the overall appeal of the space.
Dedicated Areas
Some skateparks have designated areas or rooms to break up the space. Sometimes, these rooms act as overflow spaces when the skatepark is at or above capacity. In other cases, they may be used to separate equipment types or cater individually to skaters of specifc skill levels. Take a full tour of any skatepark you’ll be visiting to find your ideal spot(s).
Flat Terrain
Flat terrain is another aspect of skateparks you’ll want to scope out, especially if you’re a newbie. These areas are ideal for beginners who are looking to get more comfortable on their boards and would rather pass on the ramps and rails.
Skatepark Etiquette
Many unspoken rules govern skaters at the skatepark, ensuring that everyone feels safe and respected. Before you take a trip to the skatepark, we strongly recommend that you brush up on etiquette. Here are a few of the most important rules to keep in mind:
- Wear your gear (knee pads, a helmet, wrist guards, and elbow pads) and a pair of gym shoes.
- Always wait for your turn.
- Follow any rules that are posted on the premises.
- Keep your eyes open and watch out for other skaters.
- Call out when you’re close to someone who might not see you.
- Learn how to skate at a basic level before coming to the skatepark.
- Don’t start arguments or fights at the skatepark.
- Avoid resting on ledges or any other areas where people are skating.
- Throw away your trash in the appropriate receptacles.
- Yell out “board” if you lose control of your board and it’s rolling near someone.
- Don’t be a bully or show-off.
Perfect Your Transition Riding Skills
For those who aren’t aware, transition riding refers to skating that takes place on surfaces that are not flat. This may involve skating in a bowl, on a halfpipe, or taking on another vertical obstacle. There’s no doubt about it – this type of skating isn’t easy by any stretch, and it’s not for beginners. In the below list, we’ll cover some transition riding tips, but we recommend that you develop a solid foundation in the sport first.
- Pumping – Pumping is the act of building speed and momentum using only your body weight. To pump, you’ll crouch down as you’re approaching a slope and then stand back up and propel yourself forward as you begin going upward.
- Carving – Carving refers to skating along the terrain’s curves and contours. In a bowl, you’d be riding along the curves of the structure’s walls. The key to carving is to center your weight even as the terrain threatens to throw you off center.
- Grinding – Grinding refers to riding your skateboard on round or square structures, like rails or curbs. You’ll do an ollie and then ride the surface with the underside of your board. There’s no universal grinding technique for all situations, but remember that you’ll approach all grinds at an angle.
Build Your Foundational Skateboarding Techniques First
Before you attempt transition riding, we recommend getting a grasp on foundational skateboarding techniques. If you’re completely green with no skating experience, you could be in for a serious injury. Here are a few tips to help you refine your skateboarding technique:
- Choose your stance. Your skateboarding stance will change depending on what trick you’re attempting. But in the beginning, it’s important to find your best neutral stance, whether it be a goofy stance or a regular stance. With a regular stance, your left foot will be in the front, and your right foot will be in the back. Your feet will be positioned in the opposite way with the goofy stance. Experiment with both stances to see which one feels most natural for you and stick with it.
- Know which foot to push with. When you’re skateboarding, you’ll propel yourself with your back foot. Though some people do push themselves with their front foot, it’s not usually the best idea for someone who hasn’t solidified their basic skills in the sport.
- Perfect the most basic skateboarding tricks. Many transition tricks require you to ollie up to a surface. So, if you plan on graduating to more difficult tricks, you’ll want to first get comfortable with doing ollies, kick turns, and riding fakie, for example.
So, there you have it – a beginner’s guide to skateboard basics and transition riding. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you explore the world of skateparks.
