The best place to go is where everybody else does. If you’re not into that, then one of the following tactics might give you a few places:
Diligently search around in Google Maps and/or Street View in various areas for something resembling a skate park (or some other large collection of concrete). You may find something awesome, but you’ll definitely find something not-so-awesome.
If you know somebody living in a town with some good spots, ask them where they are and at what time of day their friends go skating there.
Once the sun goes down, head out to more isolated areas with some open space or some long low-traffic roadways. Park somewhere central, get out your lights, and head off to the spots you find illuminated in bright white light.
These are just a few ideas that may or not work for you. The only way to find a good spot is to get out there and skate around, so don’t be afraid to explore!
Finding a Place to Learn
Go to a spot with clear problems and ask an experienced skater if you can watch them skate it. They will probably say yes, unless they are super cool, in which case they might make up an excuse to get away from you. Then try the problem while being hyper-aware of their reaction. You might have to do it a few times with a few people to find someone that’s willing and able to help.
Once you find someone who is down with helping, the best thing they can do is drop in and show you how they would go about trying it themselves. That way, you don’t spend too much time trying to figure out what tricks they are doing or why they are doing them.
If you don’t have any experienced people to watch, skitching a ride with another border might be the next best option. They are usually pretty chill about it, but they may not want to drop in on your session so you’ll have to be extra covert about what you are trying to learn. Let them know you need help, and they might be able to point you in the right direction. It’s important to learn while someone else is there! It’ll be easier for you if they’re paying close attention, too.
After learning it alone or with others, spend some time trying the trick in your garage by yourself. If you can do it there and get a few solid runs in, you
Think Smaller: How to Find a Good Mini-Spot
Mini spots are usually low-traffic areas, often found in skateparks or parking garages. These places generally have features that are good for practicing all sorts of tricks. Some mini spots can be made by skaters with makeshift ramps out of any number of materials. If you find one, start skating there so other skaters will come.
Embrace the Shadows: How to Find a Good Late Night Spot
These can be harder to find, but if you live or go to school near an area with little to no streetlights and very few people around after dark, try looking there. The best time for this is usually between 10:00 pm-3:00 am because that’s when everyone else is asleep.
Streets Aren’t Scary: How to Find a Good Street Spot
These can be easier or harder depending on the area you live in, but even if you live somewhere with little space, there’s always a spot just down the block. If there’s not, look for places where cars park at night and shell the shit out of the curb until you find a decent-sized gap. Don’t forget about tree bumps, curbs that connect sidewalks to roads, and any sort of incline on the road.
Shoot for the Sky: How to Find a Good Skyscraper Spot
The best skyscraper spots are often isolated without too many people around on the street below. It’s also good if you are on or near a road that doesn’t have too many cars on it.
Go to Jail: How to Find a Good “Illegal” Spot
You’re going to have to be extra stealthy about where you go and what you do, but it might be worth the risk if the spot is really good. Try looking for places that people don’t usually go to or check out areas that are under construction.Be aware of any regulations that may be posted in the area. Also, it never hurts to ask if you look like you’re about to do something illegal; people are usually pretty chill and might turn a blind eye.
If all else fails, you can always do some research on where there are empty lots of land within walking distance from your house.
Practice Makes Perfect: How to Practice New Tricks
It’s best if you have a small space indoors with a flat smooth surface and a wall so that you can even out the run-up. This is easier than having to level out a full run-up on your own.
If you don’t have this access then you will need as much space as possible plus some sort of wall or incline to help with the balance and push off.
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