What to Bring to the Skatepark
(Updated Feb. 27, 2023)
Nothing beats the wind in your hair as you cruise down the street on your board. But if your skate plans include anything other than a short cruise, you’re more than likely packing up a bag and toting your gear.
Today we’re going to help make packing your skate bag a load easier with our picks for skateboarding bag essentials. First and foremost you’re going to need a…
Backpack
Every skater has a solid bag. It's kind of like the first and best dude in your skate crew. He carries all your junk and is super supportive. If you haven’t already invested in an excellent backpack here are a few of our recommendations. And while you are at it, be sure to check out Board Blazers' new Longboard and Skateboard Backpack collection.
We dig this Element Mohave Skate Backpack for a few reasons. It comes loaded with pockets, and it’s roomy without being enormous.
Plus the chest clip is ideal for keeping it in place while you’re en route to the skatepark.
Ok, I know we are biased but we really think we've put together a great option with our new Backpack option. Check out the Board Blazers Longboard and Electric Skateboard backpack on Amazon, or here on our own store.
Our bag is designed to fit large and small boards (including longboards and electric skateboards), make it one of the most versatile backpacks on the market!
Another killer choice is the Dakine Mission Backpack. Dakine is the gold standard in durability, and this bag might outlive the skatepark itself.
It’s got nice cushy straps to lighten the load created by all of the rest of your gear!
Safety Gear
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Your body has to be in one piece (or pretty close)) to skateboard, so keep it that way with your safety gear. We love this helmet (also multi-tasks as a bike and snowboard helmet!) because it looks cool and keeps your noggin safely attached to your neck.
If you’re into trick skating also consider some wrist guards (these are stellar!), and a set of knee and elbow pads. If you’re tempted to think they look dorky, just consider that nothing looks lamer than sitting on the sidelines with a busted elbow while you watch your whole crew skate.
Wear the gear and shred all year. #themoreyouknow
Clothing
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Spare clothing might seem non-essential, but hear us out. You’ll at least want a hoodie in case your day session turns into a night shred. We have a few favorite skate clothing brands, but you can’t go wrong with a classic Santa Cruz hoodie like this one.
Also, consider bringing an extra shirt in case yours rips or eventually gets drenched in sweat. Extra clothing doesn't create too much extra weight, and you’ll be glad you brought a change of clothes. Ever bust a shoe at the skatepark? You’re not alone.
Bringing a spare set of laces is another way to add insurance to your skate sesh without adding much weight to your bag. If your skate shoes are getting older, you might also want to carry a roll of duct tape (old school!) or pick up some Shoe Goo.
Busted shoe? No problem, slather some of this paste on it and keep right on shredding. And definitely, don’t forget your sunglasses!
Make sure they have 100% UVA/UVB protection – your eyes will thank you. In case you’re looking for a new pair, we dig these from KastKing.
Skate Gear
Naturally, you’ll bring your board, but what else are you going to need?
ALWAYS carry a Unit Skate Tool. We’ve hyped it before, but it's truly so sick that we mention it a lot. It’ll complete any board-related repair that you have while you’re out, with the exception of a busted deck - can’t help you there. And depending on the age of your gear you might consider bringing bearings and wheels, just in case. Skate wax is a no-brainer, and if you’re in need of a recommendation, we love Shorty’s forever.
Bondo
Bondo is a MUST to create that smooth ride, or prep a surface for a sick grind. Remember that you’ll need a putty knife and a place to mix it up (we like to use a spare bit of cardboard). Check out this video for instructions!
Skateboard Lights
And if you're shredding at night, we have to mention Board Blazers!
They'll amp up your night skate while keeping your skate bag light; they're a must-pack item for us!
Sustenance
You have to eat and drink, right? Any trip to the skatepark should include water. This Klean Kanteen will keep your beverage cold and looks legit with its matte black finish. Nalgene is also a solid choice; its easy to clean if you decide to fill it with Gatorade. Since your beverage needs are filled, we'll move on to food. Our most essential refreshment is (stick with us here) FRUIT SNACKS.
I mean, sure, we’ll take a granola bar anytime, but have you eaten fruit snacks at the skatepark? There’s something about popping these while you’re perfecting that treflip – it’s fantastic. Bonus points if you FREEZE them before you go. Try it. You’ll love it.
Phone & Accessories
Last but certainly not least, you have to bring a phone. It’s essential for safety but also needed for ambiance. With a sick skate playlist (try this one!), your phone can be your ticket to skateboarding heaven. Of course, you’re going to need a killer pair of headphones to get the most out of the experience.
We love these from Soundcore because they look sweet, perform well, and they’re water and sweat proof. Do you want to document your day? Take a camera along as well (don’t forget batteries and memory cards!).
If you want to keep it simple, spring for the AMIR smartphone camera lens kit. These little lenses snap onto the camera on your phone and produce images as high quality as professional DSLR cameras. Bonus: with your pics already on your phone, you’re one step closer to Instagramming your latest moves.
Just in case you missed anything, here’s a quick roundup of everything that lives in our skate bag:
- Backpack
- Helmet
- Wrist Guards
- Knee & Elbow Pads
- Hoodie
- Extra Shirt/Laces
- ShoeGoo
- Sunglasses
- Unit Skate Tool
- Bearings/Wheels
- Skateboard Wax
- Bondo & Putty Knife
- Board Blazers
- Water Bottle
- FROZEN Fruit Snacks
- Headphones
- Camera Lens Kit
With all this gear in a killer bag, you should be prepped and ready for an incredible day at the skatepark!