Skateboarding needs nothing more than a board and some smooth pavement, but a skatepark makes it a lot more fun. Parks are built with ramps, bowls, rails, ledges and stairs, and many are free public parks run by the city. Most are outdoor concrete, and some indoor parks charge a session fee, offer lessons and stay open in bad weather.

Depending on the park's rules, you'll also see BMX bikes, scooters and inline skaters, and some parks set separate times for each. Space is shared, so learning the flow is part of the deal: wait your turn at the top of a ramp, watch before you drop in, and don't cut across someone else's line.

The Date Activity

If one of you skates, a skatepark can be a fun, laid-back date. The skater gets to show off a little and teach the basics, and the other learns to push, balance and turn on a flat, quiet corner of the park. A longboard or cruiser with soft wheels is more forgiving for a beginner than a trick board.

If neither of you skates, book a beginner lesson at an indoor park, or just cruise a smooth bike path together. Watching good skaters in the bowl is a show in itself, so grab a spot well clear of the action and bring snacks. If wheels on a board feel too wobbly, try roller skating instead, and if you love it, the same balance carries over nicely to surfing.

On Your Own / With Friends

Skating with friends is half the appeal. You trade tips, film each other's attempts and cheer when a trick finally lands. Most parks have regulars who are friendly to newcomers who know the etiquette. Skating alone is a great way to practice and clear your head, and early mornings, when the park is nearly empty, are the best time to learn without an audience.

Good to Know

Wear a helmet; many parks require one, and some also require pads, especially for younger skaters. Flat-soled skate shoes grip the board far better than running shoes. Learn to fall by rolling with it rather than catching yourself on straight arms, and add wrist guards while you're new. Check your board before each session for loose trucks and worn wheels. Skip wet concrete, follow posted hours and rules, and watch for no-skating signs elsewhere in town, since street skating isn't allowed everywhere.