Whether you’re a pro or newbie skater, you’re going to need the right gear. These six Brooklyn skate shops will hook you up with the best boards, shoes, and accessories, with some places even offering classes and in-house ramps.
Skate Brooklyn (Park Slope)
Skate Brooklyn is a snow– and skateboard shop stocked with gear and apparel. The staff is extremely helpful, patient, and willing to answer all of your skating and snowboarding questions — making it a great place to come if you’re a beginner. Skate Brooklyn also hosts bus trips up to the mountains during the winter, holds skateboarding lessons for kids and adults, and has its own skate ramp in the back of the store.
Photo courtesy of Skate Brooklyn’s Facebook.
Carvers | Aegir Boardworks via Facebook
Aegir Boardworks (Dumbo)
Aegir specializes in many different types of boards: skateboards, snowboards, and surf boards. Set in a former warehouse, the shop offers a diverse selection of surf, skate, and snow brands that the employees know and love. These guys also do repairs on pretty much any type of board that needs fixing.
Homage Brooklyn | michelle s. via Yelp
Homage (Boerum Hill)
Homage is an unpretentious, legit skate shop selling skateboard, snowboard gear, and sneakers — one of the best selections of skate shoes in the entire borough. You can test out your purchases during one of their classes, which include classes for kids and groups as well as private lessons.
KCDC | via Facebook
KCDC (Williamsburg)
KCDC’s comfortable, cool space is frequented by hard-core skaters, but it’s also a welcome spot for beginners. The staff will walk you through your board’s construction or offer tips of the best shoes and gear for your skating habits. Once you’re there, you can sign up for skating classes on the mini-ramp located right inside the store. KCDC also hosts skate shows, video premieres, and block parties in the neighborhood.
Roller skates | Five Stride via Facebook
Five Stride (Williamsburg)
Skateboarders, move over. Five Stride is all about the roller skates. This shop sells skates for derby, rink, and recreational use, plus all the fun accessories. (Five Stride is actually the city’s only full-service skate outlet and one of the few in the country specializing in roller derby.) If you’re in the market for pink leopard print or red zebra print skates, check out Five Stride. Skaters also love the place for the excellent customer service and the roller derby coaching program.
Banana cruisers | Park Delicatessen via Facebook
Park Delicatessen (Crown Heights)
Skateboards go best with a fresh bouquet of flowers — or at least that’s what the folks at Park Delicatessen think. They run a hybrid store that sells skate apparel and accessories alongside a floral counter putting out bouquets and arrangements. They make beautiful, seasonal flower arrangements and also offer a unique selection of boards and funky clothing. You can’t get any more Brooklyn than that.