Last class kicked ass!
Loaned the bus from the city and took a field trip up to the big outdoor. Once everybody got rolling and the other kids already at the park got the picture that they needed to give us some space (NOT come invade every empty area we occupied) so that we could stay clear of the happenings and learn, it went great! Had a lotta rolling in down longer and steeper grades, one pretty nasty bail (right onto a spray painted patch of ground that said, 'FUCK'- oops!), a few tears, and a ton of smiles, and squeals, and laughing.
Here is printout I made special for this class about park ettiquette, which is adapted/copied from this blog:
http://bmx.transworld.net/1000090234/features/10-things-not-to-do-at-a-skatepark/
The 10 Commandments of the Skatepark!
1. 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’s going. He may transfer back and forth across the park for a solid 45 seconds, or he may hit one quarter and pop out back on deck. But if you drop in while he’s riding he also may smash right into you. So pay attention when other people are riding and don’t be a snake. Everybody takes turns at skateparks, it's called a lineup, just like in surfing. Everybody gets a turn, and nobody likes a snake!
2. Don’t Take Marathon Runs
I know you are young and have the stamina of a frickin’ wildebeest, but buddy, you gotta know when your time is up. If you are actually good enough to do a lot of lines, transfers, and tricks, then occasionally it’s all right to take a lengthy run. But if you are pushing across the park, carving halfway up a six-foot quarter, then cranking up the mellow bank before popping a wheelie, then you have to keep your runs short and sweet so other people can get in there and shred .
3. Don’t Use The Flat Bottom To Learn To Ollie
Basic tricks like flat ground ollies and manuals should be learned in a place where you have absolutely no chance of getting in someone’s way. You know, like your driveway or something. Not in the bottom of the bowl, or in the middle of a crowded park.
4. Don’t Be A Jerk To The Young Kids
Everyone has to start somewhere, and even though it may be frustrating that there is a six-year-old with a huge, bulbous helmet learning to pedal up a wedge while you are trying to land your first kickflip, if you are a complete jerk to the lil’ chap he may decide to pick up a scooter and leave his skate in the garage. Then by the time you are pro, that’s one less shredder Timmy out there watching your Vimeo video and buying your signature wheels. Be patient with the kids and try to help them on occasion. And if their parents are around, maybe give them some advice, too, on how their kid can safely ride the park with everyone else. It’ll help the parents, it’ll help the little kid, and it’ll help you get in your runs without having to be worried about committing accidental skateboard manslaughter.
5. Don’t Be A One-Upper
If you see someone trying a trick over and over again, don’t go do it right in front of him just to show him how easy it is for you. That’s like a slap in the face. If you know how to do the trick, you can offer to help him out. Or if you want to try the trick, too, you can ask him if he minds if you try to learn it together. Then you can both learn from each others’ mistakes, and by the time you both pull it you have a made new friend to add on Facebook and poke the next time you are going to the park.
6. Don’t Disrespect The Locals
This one covers a lot of ground and includes things like not leaving trash at the park, not messing up the ramps or ledges, and understanding how the park runs itself. If you show up to a park for the first time, chances are you are riding into someone else’s home away from home, so you need to treat that place with respect. You may never go back there again, but the people who ride there every day of the week want to keep their spot in tip-top shape for as long as possible. The vibe of the place and watching how the locals treat the park and each other will give you a pretty good idea of how you should act there.
*7. Don’t Sit On The Ledges
No, those are not benches for you to post up for the afternoon and eat your Lunchables. People actually use the concrete rectangles for riding. In some instances it may be okay to sit on a ledge, and sometimes it may be okay to chill on the deck of a ramp, but before you get comfy, look around to make sure no one is eyeing up whatever it is you are sitting on. You’ll eventually develop a sixth sense for where riders are going and where the safest place to rest is, but until you fully understand it, stay far off to the sidelines when you aren’t riding.
8. Don’t Vibe The BMXers
One of the most annoying things a BMXer can do to a skater is stand on the coping with his bike propped up on the pegs, waiting to drop in. While this may make skaters want to air out and kick their bike right out from under them, we have to understand that BMXers ride differently than us, and to them, that’s perfectly acceptable. If you need that coping or deck space they are taking up, just give them a quick heads up that you are coming their way and they will probably move for you. Respecting everyone in the park, including BMXers, and scooters is always important. The more bike riders and skateboarders can get along at a park, the more parks we will be allowed to have.
9. Don’t Be Afraid To Apologize
If you slip up and break one of the rules above, don’t be afraid to apologize to people when you realize it. If you get plowed over because you were in the way, dust yourself off, make sure the other rider is all right, and tell him you are sorry for not looking out. He’ll be pissed that he crashed, but a simple apology goes a long way to fanning the flames of a hot head.
10. Get out there and RIP IT UP!
Not only will you have a great time, but you will automatically earn respect from everyone there if you show up and get to work. It doesn't matter how good you are, if you shut up and skate, you will get props. Everyone has to start somewhere, and if the big kid rippers at the park see you trying your best, you will be welcome to keep on riding with them.
And here are some stickers I drew for the kids FOR MASS STOKEAGE!!!:
