Skateboarding like most other physical activities is inherently dangerous. The VSA recommends the following to help reduce the risks to you and others.
Street Skating
The VSA recognises Street Skating is an important part of our culture, history and future. It’s important to note that the VSA does not exist to impose government rules or dictate what skateboarders should do as individuals.
That said, as a skateboarder your actions and reactions can affect people’s opinions of our community. Therefore the VSA asks that you please consider the following recommendations.
- In the case of an incident or collision (even if it’s not your fault) please ensure people are okay and assistance is sort for injuries
- Consider others and be courteous when skating in public spaces
- If a security guard asks you to leave please do so (don’t lose your temper)
- When street skating, destruction of property, disturbing the peace, and injury to others is generally the issue, not the fact you are skateboarding
- Trespassing, break and enter, and destruction of property when skateboarding are against the law. The VSA does not condone these actions.
The VSA highly recommends you seek permission or consult stakeholders before sessioning on private property.
Park Skating
There are over 150 skate parks within Victoria and the VSA recognises these places as your domain. To become the king of your domain these simple steps apply:
- Take a broom
- Take a first aid kit (ice packs)
- Wear the relevant personal protective clothing and equipment
Follow the traffic flow
At parks, skaters will tend to go in a direction towards an obstacle. When things are getting hectic its important to be aware of what others are skating and the path (lines) they are taking. Simple tips such as a wave or eye contact can help with knowing when to wait or go.
Help each other out
If you see someone trying to land a trick over and over again – help them out if you know what they need to change – for example if their foot positioning is wrong.
Say sorry
If you collide with someone, simply say ‘sorry’. It’s easy to do and people will respect you more.
Respect the park
You should be proud of your local park, so do your bit to make sure it looks good. Put your rubbish in the bins and encourage others to do so. Things such as a quick sweep or saying ‘hello’ to a stranger make it a better environment for everyone.
Vert skating
Vert skating is like getting down to business, you have to be serious about the risks and be a little more organised about it in your preparation. Make sure you wear full safety gear and a quality helmet and always check and clean the ramp before sessioning.
Big Bowl skating
Skating the Big Bowls is also getting down to business, you have to be serious about the risks and be a little more organised about it in your preparation. Make sure you wear full safety gear and a quality helmet and always check and clean the bowl before sessioning.
The VSA strongly recommends you take your time when practising new tricks, always session with friends and getting some lessons from the pros.