More People Should Mountain Bike At Skateparks

Ever wanted to go to a skatepark on your mountain bike but felt too intimidated? In this beginner skatepark, survival guide We'll cover all the things you need to know before setting foot inside a skatepark on your mountain bike. Skateparks offer many benefits over conventional MTB trails and even pump tracks. We'll cover some of the things to learn first, and talk about some other skatepark tips and tricks.
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#skateparks #mountainbiking #bikepark

[@lukasovysilenosti]

Another rule is that you should apologize if you do something bad( mess up someones trick, nearly run into someone etc.) it doesen´t hurt to say sorry. This helps to ease the tention between riders.

[@bill2001]

This right here, not just in riding but in all aspects of life.

[@Funcraftt]

V amerike to je ine ako v cz sk

[@bill2001]

jakub kostyál i imagine it would be.

[@Funcraftt]

@@bill2001 I mean you should apologize actualy i do it when i fuck someone's trick up. But u shouldn't apologize 6 time in a row.

[@pepeknamornik2955]

Som nečakal čecha

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Additional notes about the video: 1. I was sick when I recorded the voice over - Sorry about that. 2. No, slipping on the Quaterpipe was not planned. It hurt. 3. There's more skatepark etiquette but these are the ones I find most violated. 4. Dirt Jumpers and Hardtail have plenty of other differences, this was just an oversimplification. 5. Apparently Styrofoam is a trademarked name like Kleenex and Bandaid.

[@DinnerForkTongue]

I did notice you were a bit more nasal in the voiceover. Hope you feel better soon, my dude. Also, ow. Helmet or not, slipping and going back first into the floor is NOT fun. I slipped almost exactly like that on some metal sheets that a numbnuts left on the floor at work, and it was one heck of a spill. Also a worthy note: watch if there is construction or demolition work being done near or on the park before riding. Concrete dust *slips like CRAZY.*

[@misanthropickat6167]

I've never seen a skatepark that allows bikers.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

@@misanthropickat6167 Most do in the US, but there's a certain percentage that don't because of pegs. Wish they just made it a no metal peg rule.

[@JaydenHartr53]

Skills With Phil THATS MY LOCAL PARK!! THE ONE IN ROANOKE VA DUDE WHAT

[@jvarner2572]

You’re the best Phil

[@dynamoshark540]

Hardest decision was deciding who’s video to watch first. Phil’s, or Seth’s

[@awesomeblocks9810]

I opend multi window and watched both

[@DMC619]

😂😂😂

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

I wish I had this when I started!! We used to ride trials in the skatepark all the time and we'd always ride across traffic and wondered why everyone hated us.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Ahaha, I know I always thought the trials riders at the park were cool but a bit strange at the same time. It's not bad when the park is empty but once it gets crowded, everybody starts getting on edge when they keep getting snaked.

[@donotrobme9295]

Skills With Phil maybe u and Jeff can explain to all Us idiots what u r even saying right now. Trial ride? Snakes? Thx!!!

[@IvanLopez-te8tf]

Anyone else been watching old Skills with Phil videos because they’re all so good? New videos are always the highlight of the day

[@FreerideQuebec]

I'm going over all of them right now. So much good material in different kind of riding

[@isaacjackson15]

Meeee

[@beanieboygamingg4920]

Every scooter kid in the world could benefit from this 😂

[@Mainroad.Manjis101]

Drewangc haha im a scooter/bike kid. But *NOT* a snake

[@wolfendenracing2826]

100th like

[@rowanharink4796]

I used to ride scooter,and I got extremely good but then I found out about mtb and bmx and well, I haven't touched my scooter in 4 years😂

[@bagua465]

There is a difference between a scooter kid and a scooter rider. One is a massive pain in the ass and the other is just like any other bmx, skateboard, or mtb rider

[@Losovox]

Bagua agreed. I try to be the second option. I’m a scooter rider, admittedly a kid, but not a scooter kid. I also ride mountain bikes. A lot more than scooters.

[@aljowen]

*Rule Number 1* of riding a public skatepark on a weekend (especially on a mtb): COVER YOUR BRAKES! You don't wanna be the guy/gal to hospitalise a 5 year old on a walking bike, or some kid on a hoverboard, or an elderly lady playing frogger with traffic. I've even seen parents telling their groups of kids to run the length and back as an agility course, while other people are riding it. Radio controlled cars, footballs, sitting hoverboards, power wheels. You name it, it probably happens more frequently than you would expect :p Personally I try to embrace it, as moving obstacles can add an extra layer of fun stuff to concentrate on. *Rule 2:* Analyse other people's riding Figure out which people repeatedly pose a serious risk to others (snaking, cutting, etc), so you can be ready when around them, or attempt to keep a bit more room. *Rule 3:* Mistakes do happen So be as polite and decent as you can be. Sometimes it really is just bad luck, like two riders waiting patiently before dropping in at the exact same time. Outside of those things, I'm pretty sure all the basics were covered in this genuinely informative and entertaining video :)

[@rideallegretto1933]

Yes, I’ve gone to a skatepark before when some kids came and started running on the ramps and tossing a football in the middle of the skatepark when there was a big grassy field right beside the skatepark.

[@menjavlafitta]

What do you mean by "cover your brakes"? Like, as in that your brakes work fine or do you mean literally cover the brake disc because its huge and can cut people?

[@aljowen]

@@menjavlafitta essentially keep your fingers on the brake levers. And be prepared to stop quickly at less than a moments notice, including on landing ramps and drops.

[@menjavlafitta]

@@aljowen Ah yes. Agreed :P

[@deadjoey77]

as a bmxer who sometimes mountain bikes, i constantly forget i even have brakes when i ride the big bike.

[@mravocadoman2999]

For me, riding a skatepark for the first time, its about as intimidating as the first time I rode a bike park

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I hear you there. They are a whole 'nother beast compared to regular trails.

[@vincentsolito8234]

the first time i visited a bike park i was able to work my way up to the largest jumps they had by the end of the day. I still cant do a bowl at a skate park though

[@profischimmler6428]

@@vincentsolito8234 so tempted to bring up a stoner joke but... Yeah riding a bowl well is probably the most difficult thing to do, as it requires perfect airing technique and speed awareness

[@turbosack695]

0:07 look at the scooter guy

[@pepeknamornik2955]

😂😂

[@teneightypee6999]

he fell lol

[@Stoopido69]

*NNEEOOOWWWWW*

[@mentalerror69]

Hehe scooter go brr

[@mathisoliver4597]

IKR

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

As a life long skater I can really appreciate you explaining the skatepark etiqute. It's something I always took for granted growing up in parks that I think you nailed here. Bike and skate life are so similar I think all the misunderstandings I've seen at the park over the years all came from this exact subject from both sides. Really good stuff here Phil. 💯

[@mikieson]

im 47.grew up on bmx.grew up watching flatland and ramps.and i grew up never learning to ride ramps at all and being scared. OK technically we didnt have a skatepark in my town then.BUT i did build a "craptacular" 1/4 pipe myself. Learning to do a basic air is one thing ill go to my grave never learning. to say its my passion,my love,my hope and dreams is selling it short.I literally get tears in my eyes when watching people do it. As i did watching this video. To have someone that would personally teach me guide me might would help.I never asked much out of life.But learning that would allow me to die in peace..sounds crazy i guess..IF there is anyone watching this video that lives around west Tn would you take the time to teach an old man new tricks before i get too old?

[@TheLoamRanger]

My DJ bike should be showing up next week, so this came at the perfect time. Thanks for all you do Phil!

[@wcskeleton1388]

@Casey Dallas holy shit no way holy cow oh my god wow

[@bbMTB]

Such a good idea for a video. I have always loved riding my mtb and dj in skateparks. The conditions are always good when the trails are too muddy and I learned a lot there that applys to trails... Very well explained and great tutorial! It’s always funny to see the looks you get from skaters when you ride up on a mountain bike and start riding lol

[@danguy4019]

Seth and Phil posting in the same hour?! This is heaven! Loved the video it was really helpful phil!!

[@Captainskot]

Love this video! I recently stumbled upon a bike/skate park during my last MTB ride. As you noted, even with no one there, it was intimidating. I honestly didn't even know how to most effectively utilize the features. I played around for a while and loved learning what I could. This well done vid gives great pointers that I will apply to my next visit. Thanks Phil!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Yes, it's a totally different world. It takes a little bit to get over the butterflies, but I know that's really difficult at times.

[@Comet-lv3nk]

Once i went down a vertical ramp on a tiny scooter at a very busy skatepark. I No one was hurt, execpt for me later that day lol

[@ClintGriffin1]

Great video Phil! I went to ride the skatepark for the first time a couple of months ago and loved it. This survival guide is perfect. You are just so good at explaining things. I am going to have to watch this with the wife and kids later.

[@audioengineer4314]

This was the most helpful video on the MTB subject I've watched so far. As someone who is ready to make their first DH MTB purchase in the near future, the local skate park was my target practice area & general edaquite is always knowledge everyone needs to know, but never wants to admit they DON'T! Nice!

[@PedalingDave]

Yes, a new SWP vid! Enjoyed it Phil. I have an older dj bike I've got mostly back together but haven't been on it in years. I remember it did wonders for my trail riding/hucking in the past.

[@Thealdon_47]

awesome edit Phil, congrats with all you're sponsors hope you have a great year, looking forward to more videos.!

[@judsmtb2484]

Been waiting for somebody to a video about this for soo long! Thanks Phil! 👍

[@matthewsierra314]

Honestly. I am glad to hear Phil emphasize “just because something looks easy doesn’t mean it is”... very true. Phil makes a lot of this look like child’s play until I try it myself!

[@chrisgeorge510]

Excellently done Phil! I have no doubt that this will be a great learning tool for all types of people....as well as good entertainment.

[@oscarpadilla1010]

My son just got into BMX and started to ride the skate parks, we just watched your video thank you so much for such a detail and informative video it will make our time at the park so much better.

[@I53-624]

Awesome video phil, I just got a dirt jumper the other day so this video was super helpful regarding the tips on how to drop in and carve a ramp. I used to race bmx and ride mtb but now I’m hooked on strictly riding dirt jumpers :D thanks again for the video. Super helpful

[@44Paulbowman]

This video is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Phil!

[@antoinedoinell]

loving that chrome dirt jumper...reminds me of my old GT

[@mhe8545]

Your videos are great. Keep them coming. Great to see Haley!!

[@acesuth3231]

I’m a decently experienced scooter and bmx rider but I still enjoyed watching this thank you for getting the info out Phil

[@eetubenson]

Just found your channel and been watching a bunch of videos. Your vids are stunningly informative, understandable, well edited and killer riding. Cheers!

[@cajames1]

I certainly appreciate this. I'm over 40 and just bought a 20" BMX to help learn some additional bike handling skills. Taking it to Ray's next week along with the trail bike I usually bring. I'm sure there will be plenty of learning.

[@UnusualElan]

im just getting into Mountain biking at 32 years old, i did skateboarding as a teenager and mainly skated parks, one of the first thing i did when i got on the bike (after 14 years of no cycling) was take it to a skatepark to get used to the feel of the bike on something familiar to me (a bowl). it really helped me settle in and get used to pumping on a bike, highly reccomend

[@rutlandcitybikes1616]

You are so on point with telling people where to stand!!

[@clydesdalemountainbiking7393]

Love this vid. At 45, I am just starting to learn to "session" in an effort to improve my riding. Latest video I posted has a skate park, dj session where I am getting used to a ht again. Such an important part of riding is what skaters have known for decades, sessioning...

[@airtimewithaarav1910]

Thanks a lot Phil. Really helpful always wanted to go to a skate park but was always scared.

[@campbellclark8221]

Rad video Phil! I’m a pretty experienced trail rider but will be buying a dirt jumper and hitting the skatepark for the first time in about a month’s time. Thanks to this video, I’m feeling confident!

[@jamesgreen341]

I'm a long time bmx/mtb/dj rider taking my mtb riding girlfriend to a skatepark for the first time soon. This video is really helpful. You talk about a lot of things that I take for granted about park riding. Great work dude 🤙

[@OGMTB]

You answered some questions I always wanted answered. Great video. I think that dropping in thing can help in mtb also.

[@Cubenga]

Thanks alot Phil for making this video!. Really great

[@scoro3]

Another nice video. Keep up the good work...and thanks for playing bikes with us.

[@jeffoffej]

This is a great video! I wish I knew any of this a few years ago when I started riding skateparks.

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

Such a great and well explained clip!!! Great job👍🏽 Live-Life-Loud🤘🏽🤙🏽👍🏽!!!

[@davidrivera390]

You’re so right!!! I don’t ride trails but a few times a week and different ones at that. There are a couple of bike parks recently built and nearby I should session to improve skills!! Thanks!!!

[@FatGuyBiking]

Thanks for this Phil, this is one of the main reasons i havent gone to Rays Indoor Park even though I live so close because im a little intimidated of skate parks.

[@dominickhillwig8544]

Hope you're feeling better Phil, I don't have a lot of park experience but I do really enjoy riding at them when I get a chance. it's great to have a place to focus on specific skills. You must have covered a lot of miles on this trip.

[@kudosbudo]

I love park in the morning. Its so good having it all to yourself.

[@micahbauer3152]

This is a perfect intro to riding skateparks. I've been riding them for 30+ years and I wish this was a mandatory watch for anyone new to it, there'd be a lot less injuries and collisions.

[@backwoodsbiker5638]

Thanks for showing off the park in Roanoke. I actually never saw any of the lines that u did before this video

[@madmatt222]

Really love your videos! Thx 😁

[@mtb_mike3293]

Thanks for the awesome instructional videos.

[@freendeed8410]

BMX background here also....but from the late 80's...(...yea I'm old but still whipping decent gaps and 12ft drops...). Built and rode huge quarter-pipes back then,...never had the pleasure of riding a skatepark(...SW Missouri in the 80's.,?..hell, few here even knew what BMX was.... Lol) My wife and I ride NWArkansas religiously and Fruita/Grand Junction several times a yr but I've never been to a bikepark. We may do some of this this summer.... SO.... This is killer info for me today P.M! Thanx! (Ive had my wife watchin your instructional stuff for a bit now.... She's progressing nicely.... Thanx for that also. So much appreciated!)

[@rsdan1984]

Thanks for the tips on dropping in. I can do smaller ramps but chainring catches on bigger ramps. Will have to give the angle a try.

[@jakecremean9533]

it's like you made this video for me personally. mountain biker who got a dirt jumper a couple months ago to ride Ray's indoor park. I busted myself learning how to go up and back down a vert ramp last week. it took me 5 tries and a lot of blood on my shins to make it happen, but it was an amazing moment. now i can enjoy my local skatepark too, now that i know how to do a vert ramp. it's hard to learn when nobody is a good teacher. i just paused and replayed parts of this video several times to learn the right movements on how to air a quarter correctly. you should do a video just specifically on how to air a quarter. people like me dont understand the exact movements and we dont have a coach, so its hard to learn from someone at the skate park who says "idk you just do it"

[@harlanprice2088]

Nice Phil! And you even got Matt looking good out there!

[@chizzle8894]

Phil you probably wont read this but i just got a new bmx and i was so worried about about going to the bmx park but after watching this video i have got confidence to go tomorrow. thank you. by the way i have been watching you for ages. thanks again.

[@RoadtoSolitude]

After being a skateboarder in my high school days transitioning to a bike is a little bit a learning curve. Thanks for the tips!

[@willmarquez8457]

Much love from Lynchburg dawg! See you at the Liberty indoor park!

[@vilramos]

Thanks for this video. Very helpful.

[@mostlikelywedoitservices6926]

Good content as always Phil. Ride on Brother.

[@dereksmith3632]

Dude that GT is Beautiful

[@litteljake3366]

Thanks exactly when I needed this video

[@tomb2289]

Perfect vid for me, noob mtb rider just found a little skate park near me to work on some skills, thanks!

[@dxbiking5322]

Very nice and informative video mate. Well done👍 Im looking into doing some dirt jumps later on.

[@qwertykevin1]

That teal trek is beautiful!!!

[@nick9463]

Thanks Phil, you're the best!

[@sethnoeske5455]

Great video. I come from a bmx background as well and love to see other mountain bikers who came from bmx. One thing I would add to your etiquette part is let more experienced riders Finish, so as not to get landed in. But if they are nice, which most people are, they will let you go first. My biggest pet peeve is people of different skill levels trying to cross paths. It doesn't work out and someone gets hurt.

[@Vi11e]

Very good tips, thanks!

[@austrailalanmtb7557]

Great run down. Love the bit about not using fun boxes as benches and 'dont hang out here'.

[@danielmuller6316]

Bro this helped so much thanks Phil!!!!!

[@PeepMeRide]

Great video! I started learning trials and have been waiting to hit the skatepark but I'm super intimidated! I'm going soon!

[@nomoresocial597]

56 yrs old and started riding skateparks again on a 26" PK Ripper,,thanks for the vid tips

[@workhorsemtb7075]

Monster video! Super helpful. Thanks

[@WaveDudeTX]

Please, please do one of these for dirt jumps and pump tracks.

[@isozero7265]

Thanks for sharing these great tips! :-)

[@alejandropreciado4730]

I've debating heading to the skatepark in my Sync'r...maybe I'll try it soon :) thanks, phil

[@larrykates3910]

I am so stoked that you were on GT I am a huge GT fan/Rider myself!!! love the videos keep up the great work

[@larrykates3910]

@Bass Bistrian what

[@larrykates3910]

Yeah dude no shit that's why I said I am so happy that he is on GT because I am a huge GT fan myself so now that he rides a GT and is sponsored by them as opposed to riding the evil that he was riding that makes me happy

[@Mr_Miu1]

To anyone wanting to get into downhill (or just riding on steeper trails,) weight manipulation can also apply for going downhill. Similar to what was said in the video, weight over the pedals, and you'll be good (just bend your elbows outward when you can.) You can also lift the front wheel by shifting your weight towards the back wheel and having your arms stick straight out, as opposed to lifting your handlebars by bending your elbows, which takes more energy than the former.

[@IAMRUSTEDROOT]

Great tips, Phil!!!

[@Darklight-ux7de]

top notch! nice video!! 🙏

[@RustyX2010]

Back in the 80's I used to go to The Pipeline skatepark in Upland,Ca and it was fun!

[@ZacharyBramblett]

Another Important note on etiquette. Do not come to a skate park with a dirty/muddy bike. It can track in dirt and small pebbles which can cause wheel-bite for skaters. It can also make the park dirty which will make the inhabitants not very happy.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I actually had that in the original video script but there's really only so much patience people have for information I had to trim it. I 100% agree. I do skate from time to time, and I know full well what a small pebble means.

[@mtbmatt1794]

At 1:57 did anyone see the sneak peak of the new whip

[@SkillsWithPhil]

🤫

[@guinnessdog7105]

It’s a GT I can tell

[@willbennett7107]

Never taken my bike to the skatepark before but might give it a go you’ve convinced me Phil 😂😂

[@Stoopido69]

Another thing is if you are riding a line, loosen up. If you are tight you look and feel awkward but if you loosen up a little bit the you will look and feel more comfortable

[@Vsevvinogradov]

I could only approve on everything said. Had passed my 2 days at the park. Mind that your position on the bike should be all time vertical to the current ground underneath: if it's curves, your body should move in too. It will give you more grip and avoid skidding

[@PJSinohin]

Suggestion with the roll in / drop in quarter pipes. Full commitment is needed but with relaxed body. OTB and loop.outs usually happens with newbies when they are too stiff or half.commited.

[@deltawhisky6517]

This is the most helpful video I've seen

[@beetlebeerc9943]

Best day ever new video from you then from seth wish I could ride but I have a back problem currently and there is snow on the ground still lol

[@shaylapambrun9216]

You helped me alott thank you

[@DanielAraneda]

Great Video !!

[@DirtWireTV]

Thanks for the tips on dropping in to a quarter pipe. I'm less freaked out dropping in to a three-story slimy-green rock roller than one of those things. I'm not a very strong PAAHK ridah, dyude!

[@radbikeshredgnar4423]

I love riding at the skatepark!

[@chrisaiello5230]

The timing of you releasing this video today could not have been better! I just finished building my first dirt jumper last night and rode at a skate park for the first time in my life today (at 35 years old nonetheless). I built my dj bike for the exact reasons that were given at the beginning of the video. My local trails are mostly XC oriented and don't have a lot of jumps and the few that are out there are far between. Also, many of the local XC riders are unfortunately not real friendly about riders walking back on the single track trails to session jumps even when you step a good few feet off the trail before the get remotely close enough to tap the brakes. This is often met with a snarled "you're going the wrong way!" (yes even when walking your bike.) So after a trip to an indoor bike park over the winter I decided to build a dj bike and take up riding skate parks too, especially in the spring while the trails are often too wet to ride even when the temp is nice. My first skate park session was awesome and I can't wait to get out there again! Thanks for all the good advice, Phil!

[@gemarbayarcal2789]

Thank you phil 🤜🤛

[@chongque]

Very very very helpful my good sir

[@NWTrailSeries]

This is what the people wanted Phil, nice:)

[@Howtobeacrack]

Great video!!!

[@ChrisHDolemite]

Great video. Pro quality.

[@danlakermtb]

I've only got a full blown full sus, had it over the new local park the other day... still great fun and the cranks clear all the ledges too 😉

[@TCENDURO]

Dude that crash was definitely not planned lol. You fell so hard! Great video for beggars mate. I love your videos! Can’t wait for twice a week up loads.

[@davidrioux611]

Great video Phil. Can you post a list of the skate parks? I only recognize Rye Airfield.