Skateboarding
Skateboarding
5 best skate spots in New York
To be a street skateboarder in New York City you have to grind against the elements. It's you and your board against the rough ground, large sidewalk cracks, and chaotic city traffic. That doesn’t even factor in the weather, which is so challenging that Zered Bassett and Ron Deily made a documentary about it, called The History of Skate Nights in New York City. Some of the challenges they face will blow your mind!
So how has New York City skateboarding thrived without the benefits of where it originated, in sunny paved California? Simply put, New York City street skateboarders have an unparalleled level of grit and creativity. Within the skating community, those who are able to overcome the challenges of the city not only become some of the best athletes out there, they remain closely united, like the Brujas in the Bronx. Even the events in New York, like Red Bull Manny Mania, are centered around ultra-urban settings.
But not all skate spots are created equal. If you are looking to practice your acid drops and airwalks in the concrete jungle, here are five of the best skate spots. Just beware, some of these spaces discourage skateboarding, so skate at your own risk!
The 5 Best Skate Spots in New York
Picture postcard skating in New York
© Ryan Mack
01
ABC Ledges in Staten Island
The ABC Ledges in Staten Island have been a legendary street skateboarding spot for over twenty years. The four double-sided concrete ledges are part of an outdoor school playground with the smooth concrete ground. Although the ledges have seen better days, twenty years of skate history, and New York weather can take a toll, they are still the type of street setup kids dream about when they practice tricks at a skatepark in hopes of one day taking their skills to the streets.
Location & Access: Page Avenue and Haywood Street in Staten Island. The schoolyard is not authorized for skateboarding and should only be accessed discreetly on the weekend at your own risk.
02
Bryant Triangle Park in the Bronx
The Brytant Triangle Park in the Bronx is a set of benches and ledges connected together at irregular angles. The unique configuration allows skaters to think of new ways to combine their tricks. Located outdoors in a public park, the ground is bumpy and uneven brick and the benches and ledges are also worn.
Location & Access: On Westchester Ave and Bryant St. This is a public park so usually people are allowed to skateboard.
03
JFK Banks in Queens
The JFK Banks at John F. Kennedy Airport in Queens is the type of outdoor street spot setup that most skaters have only seen in video games. A massive bank with a ledge on top plus a small rail and stair set provides options for hitting the bank to the ledge or a combo. This spot has been seen in skate videos dating back to the 1980s.
Location & Access: JFK Terminal 6 in Jamaica, Queens. Since it is at an airport, it is unauthorized to skate, and you will be asked to leave when police make their rounds.
04
Columbus Circle in Midtown
Columbus Circle Park, at the southwest entrance of Central Park, is one of New York’s iconic sights to see. It is also home to a well-known skate spot made up of low ledges, up ledges, and pillars. The ground is super smooth. If you happen to catch it on an empty day, still beware that skating here is prohibited by park rules and can lead to ticketing or arrest.
Location & Access: 8th Ave and 59th Street. Skating here is unauthorized.
05
Battery Park in Financial District
Battery Park is only a few blocks from Wall Street and so everything in this area, down to the ground, is well-financed. So it makes sense that basically every ledge, rail, and stair set is smooth and perfect for skateboarding. But, as this is also the nearest public park to The Freedom Tower, it is also one of the areas in New York with the most police surveillance. This makes Battery Park one of the most ideal, but also one of the hardest places to skate, and there are no skateboarding signs posted all throughout the park.
Location & Access: The waterfront in Battery Park near the South Ferry or Whitehall subway stations. High potential for interaction with the police and ticketing or arrest.
Conclusion
New York street skateboarding is not for the timid or weak. Because they are grinding against the elements, the police, and gnarly rough terrain, these street skaters usually develop a similar ethos. Everyone pitches together to help each other out, like in the Red Bull NYC Stages event series designed to support independent venues after COVID.
Still, if street skating in New York City does not sound right for you right now, you can always check out some of the best skateparks in NYC where skateboarding is encouraged.
