Skateboarding Tricks

Skateboarding is often seen as a solitary pursuit, a quest for personal progression on concrete and wood. Yet, when experienced with a small group of friends, it transforms into a dynamic, collaborative activity. Small, tight-knit crews can turn a mundane spot into a bustling playground, fostering creativity and progression. Here are 12 clever, engaging ways to keep skateboarding fun and competitive for small groups.

1. Structured Game of S.K.A.T.E.This classic, inspired by basketball’s H.O.R.S.E., is the ultimate test of trick repertoire. One skater sets a trick, and the others must match it. Missed tricks accrue letters, with the last skater standing declared the winner. To make it more interesting, try playing “Game of L.I.N.E.S.”, where skaters must perform a specific sequence of tricks, enhancing technical consistency.

2. Spot Mastery ChallengeSelect a specific, unassuming feature—a curb, a small set of stairs, or a specific bank—and challenge everyone to come up with three different tricks on it within 10 minutes. This forces skaters to look at obstacles differently, fostering creativity rather than just focusing on raw difficulty.

3. The Filming RelayIn a small group, assign roles that rotate. One person films, one skates, and one watches for traffic or obstacles. Create a “mini-edit” where every member gets a trick in a 60-second video. This encourages clean, landed tricks and fosters teamwork behind the camera.

4. Manual MadnessFind a long, flat area or a dedicated manual pad and set a minimum distance. Whoever can hold the longest manual wins. To mix it up, require specific tricks to be performed while entering or exiting the manual, adding a technical layer to the balance challenge.

5. Skateboarding Scavenger HuntBefore heading out, create a list of items or features to find and use—a yellow curb, a gap over a crack, a fire hydrant, or a slappy curb. The first skater to tick all items off the list wins bragging rights. This turns a simple session into an urban adventure.

6. Themed Trick SessionsDedicate a session to a specific, often overlooked style, such as “No-Comply Only,” “Slappy Sunday,” or “Old School Tricks.” This levels the playing field and encourages everyone to expand their trick bag beyond modern technicality, celebrating the diverse roots of skateboarding.

7. Team Trick TrainCreate a line where skaters follow each other closely, performing tricks in sequence. The goal is to keep the “train” moving without anyone breaking the flow. This builds rhythm, speed, and spatial awareness, making the session feel like a synchronized performance.

8. “Banked” SessionLocate a small bank or wedge spot and run a competition for the best trick or highest ollie. Banks are perfect for small groups because they allow for quick returns and high-energy sessions without the danger of larger stairs or rails.

9. Trick ConverterSkater A calls out a trick on a feature, but Skater B has to do the “opposite” version—such as changing a kickflip to a heelflip, or a frontside ollie to a backside ollie. This challenge encourages versatility and quick thinking.

10. The 3-Try ChallengeOn a challenging feature (like a set of stairs or a handrail), every skater only gets three attempts to land their best trick. This simulated pressure encourages focus and simulates the intensity of a competition, perfect for pushing progression in a friendly environment.

11. Creative Lines ContestInstead of focusing on one big trick, the group judges who can create the best “line” incorporating three to four obstacles in a row. This rewards flow, speed, and creative use of the environment over sheer technicality.

12. Curb CrawlFind a long, skateable curb and set a rule: every skater must grind or slide the entire length, but they must change their entry or exit trick every time. This focuses on precision, consistency, and style, transforming a simple curb into a long-term project.

Skateboarding in small groups is about maximizing the fun and supporting each other’s growth. By implementing these creative challenges, a casual day at the spot becomes a memorable, engaging experience that sharpens skills and strengthens friendships. These activities turn a simple ride into a shared, creative endeavor that highlights the best of skate culture.