What to wear and bring to a skatepark

Keep it simple

You do not need £300 of gear to visit a skatepark. You do need flat shoes, comfortable clothes, and a plan for falls.

This guide covers outdoor council parks and indoor venues across the UK.

Shoes

Best: Skate shoes with flat, grippy soles (Vans, Nike SB, Adidas Skateboarding, etc.)

Fine for beginners: Clean trainers with a flat bottom — avoid running shoes with heavy cushioning, which feel wobbly on a board.

Avoid: Sandals, boots with thick heels, anything you would not run in.

Clothing

• Layers for outdoor parks — UK weather changes fast
• Trousers or shorts you can move in — denim is fine, tight jeans less so
• No dangling jewellery or loose scarves
• Indoor parks: one layer less, but bring a hoodie for breaks

Protection (especially for adults)

Falls hurt more at 35 than 15. Recommended for returners and nervous beginners:

• Helmet — head injuries are the one you cannot shrug off
• Wrist guards — instinct is to put hands down
• Knee pads — confidence on banks and mini ramps

Pads look uncool until they save your wrist. Then they look smart.

What to bring in your bag

• Water
• Phone (for maps, emergencies, filming progress)
• Skate tool if you have a complete — trucks loosen over time
• Spare laces
• Snacks for longer sessions
• Small first-aid plasters

Leave valuables at home or in a locked car. Not all outdoor parks have secure storage.

Board basics

If you are buying your first setup:

• Complete skateboard from a proper shop — avoid supermarket boards with plastic trucks
• Deck width: 8.0–8.5" suits most adults
• Soft wheels (90–95a) for rough outdoor tarmac; harder wheels for smooth indoor wood

NOTE, Black Sheep, and TSA Graystone all assemble boards in-store.

Indoor vs outdoor

Indoor (Projekts, Graystone): Paid entry, rules posted at desk, helmet often required, smooth surface.

Outdoor (council parks): Free, variable surface, no staff — you are responsible for your own safety. Check lighting if you go after dusk; many outdoor parks are unlit.

You are ready

Turn up, start on flat ground, and adjust your kit list after your first few visits based on what you actually need. Most people overthink gear and underthink warming up — five minutes of stretching beats expensive wheels on session one.