Skateboarding is typically a sun-drenched, asphalt-pounding endeavor, but the inevitable rainy day often forces skaters to put their decks away. When the heavens open, the temptation to stare at skating videos on your phone is strong, but it is not the only option. Instead of letting the rainy day blues set in, you can turn a dreary afternoon into an unexpectedly fun session by bringing the action indoors or embracing the elements with a little creativity. These quirky, slightly unorthodox ideas for rainy days will keep your skills sharp and your spirits high, even when the spot is soaked.
Build a DIY Fingerboard ParkWhen you cannot skate,, make your fingers do the work. Fingerboarding is the ultimate rainy day activity and acts as a direct extension of skateboarding culture. Instead of buying a pre-made park, use the rainy day to build an elaborate, DIY fingerboard setup. Raid the recycling bin for cardboard, use old books as bank ramps, and break up spare pieces of wood to create rails and ledges. You can even create a miniature bowl using a plastic bowl or a piece of PVC pipe cut in half. Setting up a course in your kitchen or living room allows you to master trick combinations, practice finger positioning for complex tricks, and simply get into a creative flow state.
Practice Balance and Style in the Living RoomIf you have enough space—and understanding housemates—bringing your actual board inside is a great way to stay sharp. The goal here is to focus on balance and style, not on high-impact tricks. Place your board on a piece of carpet or an old rug to avoid damaging the floor. Practice your stationary ollies, pivot turns, or refine your manuals without the fear of falling on concrete. This is also the perfect time to work on shuv-its or revert practice in a low-stakes environment. Without the pressure of landing, you can focus on the nuances of your body position, ensuring your weight is centered, which will improve your overall control when you return to the streets.
Master the Art of the “No-Comply” on CarpetThe “no-comply” is a classic, stylish, and often underutilized move, making it perfect for indoor practice. It requires a precise, rhythmic motion rather than just pure pop. Find a safe spot inside, perhaps in a hallway or large rug, and practice the foot-off-board motion. The “no-comply” family, including the frontside 180 and the “no-comply” over, can be broken down into steps, allowing you to focus on the pivot and the plant. Practicing on a slippery surface (if you have wood floors) can even mimic the lack of friction, forcing you to maintain better balance. It is a productive way to build muscle memory without needing to ollie onto a ledge.
Transform Your Garage Into a Flatground SpotIf you have a garage, you have a dry sanctuary. While it may not be a full-blown skatepark, a garage floor offers enough room for flatground tricks. Set up a few, low-impact obstacles, like a broomstick for a ledge or a small piece of wood for a kicker, and get creative with the limited space. The key is to find, or create, a smooth surface. Use this time to focus on refining your tricks: try your kickflips in a narrow space or work on your switch stance. A small space limits your speed, which means you have to rely on technical precision and board control, making it an excellent way to refine your mechanics and strengthen your weaknesses.
Skate the Rainy Day Street SpotIf you are truly dedicated and don’t mind getting a bit wet, look for sheltered outdoor spots. Parking garages, underpasses, and covered plazas can become your new, temporary home. Skateboarding in the rain requires a different approach—focus on sliding, carving, and maneuvering, rather than high-impact tricks that could slip on wet concrete. It is all about finding a new way to interact with the environment, navigating slick surfaces and finding traction where you least expect it. Just ensure you take care of your gear by drying off your bearings and checking your deck afterward, as this kind of skating, while fun, can be tough on equipment.
Re-Grip and Re-Imagine Your DeckRainy days offer the perfect downtime to work on your board, ensuring it is in top shape for the next dry day. Take the opportunity to strip your old grip tape, clean your deck, and apply a fresh sheet. Consider taking it a step further and customizing your board, whether that is with paint, markers, or custom-cut grip tape designs. You can also clean your bearings, fix a squeaky truck, or swap out your bushings. Taking care of your equipment is a sign of a true skater, and it makes the eventual return to the pavement even more rewarding.
Rainy days don’t have to mean a complete pause on skateboarding; they simply require a change in perspective and a bit of ingenuity. By embracing the indoors, optimizing small spaces, and finding new ways to focus on technique, you can turn a wet afternoon into a productive, fun-filled session. Whether you are fine-tuning your fingerboarding skills, practicing your balance on the living room rug, or customizing your deck, these quirky activities keep the spirit of skateboarding alive. The next time the rain pours, don’t just wait for the sun—create your own skate session and keep the wheels spinning.
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