How To Collect Skate In Los Angeles
Level Up Your Shred Game: The Epic Guide to Collecting 'Skate' in Los Angeles!
Yo, what up, future shredders and longboard legends! You wanna know how to really "collect skate" in Los Angeles? It's not about finding rare trading cards (though those are cool too, TBH). It’s about diving headfirst into the gnarly culture, finding the best spots, linking up with the coolest crews, and soaking up the sunny vibes of the city that practically birthed modern skateboarding. LA is the mecca, the promised land of urethane and concrete. Get ready to roll!
Step 1: Gear Up Like a Boss
You can’t start a collection without the goods, right? This is where you get your steed—your trusty skateboard! Don’t just grab the first deck (that’s the wooden part, fam) you see at a big-box store. That's a rookie move.
1.1 Find a Proper Skate Shop (The Holy Grail)
This is crucial. Forget the internet for your first setup. Hit up a local, independent skate shop. Why?
The Staff are Wizards: These folks know their stuff. They can look at you, ask a couple of questions, and tell you exactly what size deck, what kind of trucks (the metal axles), and what wheels you need. Tell them you're just starting, and they’ll hook you up with a setup that’s perfect for cruising and learning the basics.
Support the Culture: These shops are the heart of the local scene. When you buy there, you’re helping keep the LA skate dream alive. Check out spots near the historic areas, they usually have the most authentic feel and the best local gear.
1.2 Your Starter Pack: Keep It Simple, Silly!
Deck: Start with a standard size (around 7.75" to 8.25" wide). Don't go too crazy narrow or too long.
Wheels: If you plan on cruising the famous boardwalks, get slightly softer, bigger wheels (like 56mm and 92a durometer). They eat up little pebbles like they're snacks. If you want to hit the parks right away, go a little harder and smaller.
Protection: Listen up, I know helmets and pads aren't the most "OG" look, but you're not trying to end up as a viral fail video on your first day. Elbow pads, knee pads, and a helmet are your best friends. Seriously, wear the helmet. Your brain will thank you.
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| How To Collect Skate In Los Angeles |
Step 2: Find Your Concrete Kingdom
LA has skate spots that are legendary—like, in-video-game-level legendary. This is where you actually collect the experience of skating, adding epic memories to your 'skate collection.'
2.1 Public Skateparks (The Training Grounds)
Skateparks are designed to be safe (well, as safe as a place with bowls and ledges can be) and legal. They’re the perfect place to start before trying to tackle the wild streets.
Venice Beach Skatepark: Okay, this one is mandatory. It's right on the sand, the views are insane, and the vibe is pure California gold. You'll see pros, you'll see beginners, and you'll see people pulling off tricks that make your jaw drop. Go early to avoid the midday crowd!
Stoner Skate Plaza: Don’t let the name fool you (it’s named after the street!). This West LA spot is super popular for street-style skating, with ledges and stairs that mimic real-life street spots. Great for practicing those grinds.
2.2 Street Spots (The Sneaky Jewels)
Los Angeles is a massive urban playground. The actual "collecting" often happens when you and your friends find a cool set of stairs, a smooth bank, or a perfect curb to wax up.
The Classics: Spots like the famous ledges at the West LA Courthouse (if you can get in a quick session before security arrives) or the brick banks at LA High School are icons. Just remember to be respectful—don't trash the place, and be ready to bail if you get the classic "Security!" whistle.
Boardwalk Bliss: Hit up the paved beach paths in Santa Monica or Venice. They are long, smooth, and perfect for just cruising and feeling the wind in your hair. This is the ultimate chill skate.
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Step 3: Connect with the Crew
Skateboarding is more fun with friends. A solo session is cool, but a group skate? That’s where the magic happens and where you really learn.
3.1 Link Up at Local Events
Keep an eye on those local skate shop social media accounts. They often host sessions, demos, and even little friendly competitions. Showing up is the easiest way to meet people who are just as hyped about skating as you are.
3.2 Learn the Lingo (Don't Be a Poseur!)
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To fully immerse yourself, you need to speak the language. Throw in some slang!
“That ollie was steezy!” (Stylish/cool)
“Did you see that dude shred that bowl?” (Skate aggressively/well)
“I just got a new deck.” (Skateboard)
“Dude, I totally biffed it on that rail.” (Fell hard)
“Let's go bomb that hill.” (Skate down a hill fast)
Step 4: Practice Makes Perfect (and Hilarious)
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
You're going to fall. A lot. It’s part of the process! Think of every fall as adding a notch to your 'skate collection' of battle scars and epic stories.
4.1 Get Consistent (The Real Trick)
Start with the Basics: Master the Ollie (jumping the board) and the Manual (balancing on your back wheels). These are the building blocks of everything. Seriously, spend weeks on these. Don't rush to the flip tricks.
Filming is Fun: Get a friend to film your attempts. You can laugh at your spills later, and nothing is more satisfying than seeing your progress from a wobbly mess to a smooth operator. Plus, a good fail clip is always a funny icebreaker!
4.2 Embrace the Vibe!
LA skating is about expression. It’s not just about landing the hardest trick. It’s about your style, your creativity, and how much fun you’re having. Cruising down the boardwalk with a killer sunset behind you is just as much 'collecting skate' as nailing a 360 flip. So, turn up the tunes, put on your most comfortable shoes, and just roll. The more you enjoy it, the more you'll want to do it, and the bigger your 'skate collection' of experiences will grow!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
How to find beginner-friendly skate spots in Los Angeles? Look for smaller community skateparks like Peck Park or Culver City Skatepark, which often have smaller ramps and mellow street features perfect for starting out.
How to wax a curb for a smooth grind? You'll need a block of paraffin wax (sometimes called 'curb wax' at a skate shop). Rub it heavily along the edge of the curb you want to grind until it's super slick. Be careful to only wax spots where you are allowed to skate!
How to stop safely on a skateboard as a beginner? The easiest way is to use the 'foot brake'—place your back foot gently on the ground and drag the sole of your shoe to slow down. Practice this in a safe, open area.
How to know what size skateboard I need? Generally, a good rule of thumb is that if you wear a size 9 shoe or smaller, start with a deck between 7.75 and 8.0 inches wide. Taller people or those with bigger feet might prefer 8.25 inches or wider.
How to avoid getting kicked out of a street spot? Be respectful, move quickly, and don't make a ton of noise or mess. If security or police tell you to leave, pack up your gear and leave immediately with a polite nod. It's better to move to a new spot than to cause trouble.
How to tighten loose skateboard trucks? Use a skate tool (which is like a multi-tool for skateboards) to tighten the kingpin nut on your trucks. Tighter trucks give you more stability for speed; looser trucks are better for turning.
How to maintain my skateboard's bearings? Your bearings (inside the wheels) get dirty. You can buy a bearing cleaning kit or use a solvent like rubbing alcohol, then re-lubricate them with a few drops of speed cream (skate oil). Clean them when they start sounding crunchy or rolling slowly.
How to find other skaters to skate with? Visit local skate shops often, hang out at public skateparks during busy hours (like after school or on weekends), and check local skate brand social media pages for community events.
How to tell the front (nose) from the back (tail) of a skateboard? On most modern decks, the nose (front) is slightly steeper and longer than the tail (back). If you look at your board sideways, you'll notice the subtle difference in the curve.
How to start learning the Ollie trick? Practice the three main movements separately: the pop (hitting the tail on the ground), the slide (dragging your front foot up the board), and the jump. Then, put them together! Watch a tutorial video—it helps a ton.
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