Waterloo Skatepark – Park Etiquette

Evolve has been running camps with the City of Waterloo for several years now. The Waterloo Skatepark really is an amazing spot and it attracts a lot of people. This skatepark is a popular venue for all skill levels of skateboarders and scooter riders, along with others, as it features a variety ramps, stairs, rails, etc. The Waterloo Skatepark tends to be especially busy during peak hours, like after school and on weekends. Therefore, as we all know, it is important to know and apply the proper park etiquette for your own safety and the safety of others around you. 

Waterloo Skatepark

All experienced skaters and riders know that one of the most important things you can learn is correct park etiquette. It’s important to understand the “flow” of the park and what would be considered good and bad etiquette. At Evolve Camps, it is one of the first things campers learn during their week. By the time your child has the skills to take on the park, they will have a clear understanding of the following concepts (some are explained below): snaking, dropping in, self-awareness, respect, what to do when not riding, safety/protection, ramp usage and more.

Waterloo Skatepark

Waterloo Skatepark Etiquette Rules and Reminders

Dropping In 

Dropping in refers to the act of beginning your use of a shared skatepark space and dropping in to a quarter pipe, bowl or ramp is a lot of fun. Before dropping in its good practice to yell “Dropping in!” as this helps all other skateboarders and scooter riders know someone is going to begin using the shared space.

Hanging Out

The skatepark is where we come to hang out with our friends who skateboard, scooter, BMX, unicycle, roller blade, etc. The thing is that we can hand in the park but not in the middle of features. If you are done a session do not sit around in the middle of the skatepark or features. This is dangerous to other riders and not proper skatepark etiquette. 

Don’t Be A Snake

In simple terms, this means: “Wait your turn!”. If someone else just “dropped in”, you have no idea where he or she is going. Snaking is when someone decides to take a run when someone else is already skating or scootering that line. Dropping in on another skateboarder, scooter or BMX rider while they’re doing their line is not cool. We must show respect to all the other riders. Please do not cut off other riders in the middle of their line, make sure the path is clear.

Overall Expectations

There are a few things to keep in mind while at the skatepark. If you keep these points in mind you will be good to go, make new friends and not gain any bad vibes. Simply:

• Respect others
• Clean up after yourself, don’t leave trash behind
• Be kind to young kids, you were once a beginner as well
• Smile at all times
• If you see someone get hurt, give them a hand
• Bring your stoke

More info about the Waterloo Skatepark

The skatepark is in Waterloo Park, at 100 Father David Bauer Dr., across the street from the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. Incase you have any questions regarding the park you can call t 519-886-2310.