Série pour débutants | Sécurité et étiquette du skateboard à Montréal

Beginner's Series | Skateboarding Safety & Etiquette in Montreal

Skateboarding Safety & Etiquette in Montreal: Tips for Beginners and Visiting Skaters

Whether you’re just learning to ride or visiting Montreal with your board, knowing the basics of skate safety and etiquette helps keep everyone rolling smoothly. Montreal’s skate scene is welcoming, but like any tight-knit community, there are some unspoken rules — plus a few local quirks worth knowing.

1. Know Where You Can (and Can’t) Skate

Montreal’s full of amazing spots — from smooth plazas downtown to rough DIY setups — but not every place is fair game.

  • Skateparks: The easiest, safest way to ride, especially while learning. The city has tons of parks all over the city; just check out our skatepark guide and map!
  • Public Spaces: Avoid areas with heavy foot traffic or “No Skateboarding” signs. Security guards and store owners are usually fine if you’re respectful, but be ready to move if asked.
  • Streets: If you’re skating on the road, ride with traffic and watch for cars, bikes, and especially potholes. Use crosswalks and stay visible at night.

2. Respect the Flow at the Park

Every skatepark has its own rhythm — kind of like an unwritten traffic system. It can be a bit intimidating if you're a beginner, but people are generally supportive and welcoming. Just keep these tips in mind, and you'll be good to go.

  • Take turns. Don’t drop in while someone’s mid-line.
  • Wait your turn at the bowl or ledge. A simple nod or “you good?” goes a long way.
  • Avoid sitting on obstacles. Keep clear of ledges, rails, and banks when you’re not skating.
  • Encourage others. The best skaters cheer everyone on. If you see/hear skaters tapping their decks on the ground, that's "skater applause" in response to a sick trick.

3. Safety Gear: Not Just for Beginners

You don’t have to be padded up like a tank, but wearing a helmet, knee pads, or wrist guards when learning can save you a lot of pain. Even experienced skaters wear helmets in bowls and transition parks.
And shoes matter — proper skate shoes make a huge difference in grip and board feel (plus, you’ll burn through fewer soles).

4. Weather Warnings: Montreal Edition

Montreal weather can destroy a skateboard if you’re not careful.

  • Avoid skating in rain or snow — water warps decks, rusts bearings, and ruins grip tape.
  • If you get caught in a downpour, dry your board off right away and oil your bearings after.
  • Salt and slush in winter are brutal — best to save your good setup for dry sessions and keep an old deck as your beater.
  • Check out indoor spots like Taz for year-round sessions, or practice balance tricks at home. Just don’t ollie over your coffee table — trust us. 🥴

5. Be Cool to the Locals

Montreal’s skate scene is tight-knit and community-driven. If you’re visiting:

  • Say what’s up/salut — most locals are friendly and happy to show you around.
  • Support local skate shops (like ours!) instead of big box stores.
  • Don’t snake lines or show up acting like you own the park — just be respectful, take your turn, and enjoy the scene.

6. Respect the Spot

If you’re skating a street spot:

  • Don’t leave trash everywhere.
  • Keep noise low if it’s residential.
  • If you get kicked out, leave politely — don’t argue. Street spots stay skateable longer when skaters show respect.

7. Know Your Limits (and Your Board’s)

Progress takes time. Learn to fall safely, start small, and check your board regularly for cracks or loose parts. Loose trucks, stripped bolts, or chipped decks can lead to nasty slams. A quick tune-up can prevent all that.

8. Local Tip: Find a Local Skate Group

One of the best ways to get better — and gain confidence — is to skate with others. Montreal has an awesome scene with plenty of groups that welcome new faces. To name a few, check out Planche Collective and Les Vagabonnes, both welcoming crews focused on creating inclusive spaces for women, queer, and nonbinary skaters. And there's  Montreal Skates, a community that regularly hosts group sessions and meetups across the city.

Joining a local group can help you learn faster, find new spots, and get plugged into the community. 

Final Thoughts: Keep It Fun, Keep It Respectful

Skateboarding is all about freedom, creativity, and community. Whether you’re just starting out or dropping by from out of town, a little awareness and respect go a long way. Keep the vibes good, the sessions safe, and the scene strong.