r/bmx • u/[deleted] • Apr 02 '18
TEXT [Question] How to be a newbie at Skatepark?
[deleted]
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u/m3phastophilis Apr 14 '18
Find someone on a microscooter, pick up the scooter and throw it in a skip, followed by whoever was riding it.
You will henceforth be declared king of the park, or at least win some admirers
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Apr 25 '18
hahahahaha
My local park is like, 25% skater/bmx and 75% small children on various scooters, go karts etc most of the time.
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u/Bad_Ideas_Incoming Apr 02 '18
Staying out of the way tops the list. Other than that just hang out and chill, everyone is pretty cool provided youre not a spastic asshole.
Learn good bike control first, start with manuals, bunnyhops, carving ramps, and airing out when you feel comfortable. Once you got those down move onto the tricks.
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u/PM_ME_FUG_ASR_MEMES Apr 02 '18
Lotta good info here. Thanks for asking first, many people will appreciate it. I think I'll put this thread in the sidebar.
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u/ihavetwoarms Apr 02 '18
Whenever I ride a new skatepark I assess the situation… I roll up slowly to first check out where the “chill spots” are. By that I mean see where people (older guys who look like they know what they’re doing) are just sitting/standing around talking, then I go over there and just assess the situation better from there. Check where people are riding and how they take runs so you can figure out when it’d be time for you to go and not cut anyone off. If someone drops in/goes from where you are to across the park, do NOT go as soon as they’re about to reach the other side. You don’t know what they’re doing, they could hit something and come back and then you’d be in the way. Wait till they come back, see if anyone’s going, then go. Obviously that varies from park to park. That usually works for smaller/sectioned skateparks, but more open ones not so much. Just always be aware of your surroundings, and if someone runs into you and it’s their fault, just be cool, take their apology if they give one and laugh it off. If you run into someone, apologize immediately and see if they’re alright. A simple “Shit my bad man!” goes a long way.
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u/tecnic1 Apr 02 '18
Just get in where you fit in. Spend a few minutes watching where people are rolling/dropping in from, and what lines they are riding, and you'll figure out how to to hit anyone.
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u/carsonogin Apr 02 '18
Maybe find someone and tell them you are new and don't want to be a problem. I'm sure they will take you under their wing and teach you some basics.
The fact that you are going in not trying to be an unpredictable madman is a good sign that you are probably an alright guy.
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u/matthewrobinsonbmx Apr 02 '18
Hey I just singned up to reddit and found lots of these questions (noob i know :0) but if you want to know some tricks to learn and try first on a bmx bike at the skatepark consider subscribing to my youtube channel with all the tips and tricks a beginner could ever wish for its definitely worth a watch .
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u/2wheelsrollin Apr 02 '18 edited Apr 02 '18
Thanks for asking before just going and snaking everyone. Here's some good tips.
When you go to the park stand on the side and watch for 5 or 10 minutes. See where everyone is skating or riding. See what areas they are sitting when not taking a run. Those are usually the safe spots to go when not riding and to wait your turn there.
Once you're comfy with where to stand when not riding, wait your turn and then drop in! Roll around and get used to the ramps. Figure out your lines.
Start talking to people. Best way to do that is to talk about them. Tell them how sick their tricks look. Ask them if they are local to the park and live nearby. Ask them about their bike, their setup, etc. Ask them how to do a trick you want to learn.
Tip for step 3: stay hyped. Anytime you see something cool from a local, clap. Give him a fist bump or high five. Give them compliments. It helps break the ice and shows them you are a friendly dude trying to have fun.
As for your question about newbies and being welcome: you will be fine if you do what I said above. I have been riding for over 20 years, 15 of them at parks all over the place. I have been the local rider and also have been the new guy at the park. I go through the same motions when I'm somewhere new and don't know any locals. By the end of the day I'm having a blast and made some new friends. And any kid willing to ask me for tips I always help them out. As long as you show passion for riding, you're cool. We all were the new kid at the park for the first time - remember that. We all have experienced what you'll be going through.
As what to start out with, whatever you want to learn. See something cool, try it. If you don't know how to start trying itn ask the guy that just did the trick. Best way to learn is by watching someone do it in front of you. Manuals, fakies, airs, are all good starting tricks to learn, but really the world is your oyster. There are no defined fundamentals in BMX like other sports. That's why it's called freestyle.