How to Skateboard on Loading Docks

Skateboarders are always looking for new spots to skate. While many public places--like shopping centers and businesses--are off limits, skaters must get creative and find alternate locations. Loading docks are located behind stores and warehouses and are used to offload merchandise with trucks. Equipped with smooth cement surfaces, ramps, handrails and ledges, loading docks make an excellent place to practice skateboarding. Loading docks are often available after business hours and offer an uncrowded and fairly safe place to skate.

Instructions

    • 1

      Scope the spot out and make sure it is okay to skate. Look for any posted "No Skateboarding" signs, as skating in a prohibited area is illegal and you may face a fine if caught. If you do see a posted sign, just skate to another loading dock and check it out. Repeat this process (if necessary) until you find a loading dock where it is "legal" to skate.

    • 2

      Check the surface conditions before skating. Most loading docks are cement, but some are made out of metal grate, which is not easy to skate on. Find a nice, smooth cement spot to skate on. Use a broom to sweep away any loose debris, broken glass or broken pallets, which may cause you to fall. You are now ready to skate.

    • 3

      Practice tricks on the flat ground such as kickflips, heelflips and 360 flips. Warm up for about 10 to 15 minutes before moving on to the loading dock. The loading dock, or ledge, is usually three to six feet off the ground. Back up about 20 feet from the ledge. Jump on your board and get a couple good pushes with your back foot to gain speed. Push about three times and place your back foot on the board.

    • 4

      Approach the loading dock at a moderate speed. Slightly bend your knees and loosen up your shoulders so that you get a good pop as you ollie off of the loading dock. Stay centered over the board, and bend your knees even more to absorb the landing. Now that you have ollied off the loading dock and have a feel for it, go back and try more advanced flip tricks.