Pandemic Ramps Up D.C. Area Skateboard Scene

On a recent Tuesday afternoon, 24-year-old Harvest Prude jumped on a skateboard and glided down the concrete bowl at an Arlington skatepark.

An experienced skater hollered over to her afterward for jumping in line. He explained the unspoken rule at skate parks that you call out “dropping in” before riding to take turns and avoid crashing into other skaters.

It was the kind of teachable moment occurring more often at D.C. skate parks, as waves of new skaters have started showing up during the coronavirus pandemic.

But it was also a good demonstration of why the sport has become so popular: even at a crowded skate park, skaters keep their distance from each other.

“We were socially distancing before it was required,” said Bill Robertson, a skateboard instructor, and rider for over 35 years.

Skateboarding is also flexible. It can be done alone, at a skate park, or even just a stretch of sidewalk with the right kind of curb.

Still, a handful of rules help ensure that skating remains safe during the pandemic.

Public health officials say that skaters should avoid indoor skateparks, large groups in close contact, people skating maskless, and areas with a high rate of COVID-19.