How to register and share a spot responsibly

Registering a spot helps other people discover new places, plan sessions and better understand a city's skate scene. For that information to be genuinely useful, the listing needs to be clear, accurate and responsible.

A good listing does more than show where a spot is located. It explains the surface conditions, available obstacles, access requirements and any precautions visitors should consider before going there.

Check whether the spot is already registered

Before creating a new listing, search for the name of the place, its city and nearby spots. The same location may be known by different names or may already have been registered by someone else.

Avoiding duplicate listings keeps photos, ratings and updates together on a single page, making community contributions more useful.

• Search for the official name and any known nicknames.
• Review the spots already registered in the same city.
• Compare the location and photos before creating a new listing.
• If the spot already exists, contribute by updating its information.

Use an accurate and responsible location

The map marker should help people find the correct entrance or area of the spot. Position it carefully and confirm that the coordinates match the place being described.

Not every location should have its exact position made public. Spots on private property, in environmentally sensitive areas or in places with restricted access require additional care.

Sharing a location also means considering the impact that new visitors may have on the place and on the people who live nearby.

• Do not encourage trespassing or unauthorized access.
• State clearly when a spot is located on private property.
• Respect protected, residential or otherwise sensitive areas.
• When necessary, use an approximate reference and explain how authorized access can be obtained.

Take photos that are genuinely useful

Images should help someone understand the spot before visiting it. Photograph the overall space as well as its main obstacles whenever this can be done safely and with permission.

Avoid publishing images that unnecessarily expose faces, children, vehicle license plates, private addresses or other personal information.

• Take a wide photo that presents the overall space.
• Photograph the main obstacles from different angles.
• Show the condition of the surface and any damaged areas.
• Use clear, well-lit and recent images.
• Do not use another person's photographs without permission.

Describe the obstacles clearly

List the elements available at the spot, such as bowls, banks, rails, stairs, gaps, ledges, transitions, ramps and street areas.

When possible, describe their approximate size, level of difficulty and the space available for the approach and landing. Avoid exaggerating or presenting an estimate as an exact measurement.

Explain the surface conditions

The quality of the surface directly affects the experience and safety of a session. Describe whether it is smooth, rough, uneven, slippery or cracked.

It is also helpful to mention whether the area collects water, has lighting, becomes unusable in certain weather conditions or is currently undergoing construction or maintenance.

Explain how access works

Before visiting a spot, people need to know whether access is public, private, free, paid or subject to opening hours and authorization.

• Provide any known opening days and hours.
• Explain whether payment, a reservation or registration is required.
• State any age restrictions or protective equipment requirements.
• Describe public transportation, bicycle access and parking options.
• Mention stairs or other significant accessibility barriers.

Record important risks and rules

Tell visitors about nearby traffic, limited lighting, damaged obstacles, heavy pedestrian movement or any other condition that requires extra attention.

If the location has its own rules, present them objectively. A spot listing should never encourage damage, conflict with local residents or disregard for local regulations.

Respect the local scene

Every spot has a history and a particular relationship with its surrounding community. Before sharing a little-known location, speak with the people who skate there or care for the space whenever possible.

In some situations, sudden exposure can lead to more conflict, litter, noise or inappropriate use. Responsible registration means balancing discovery, preservation and respect for the local scene.

Keep the information up to date

Spots change over time. Obstacles may be renovated, access may become restricted and surface conditions may improve or deteriorate.

If you notice that any information is out of date, contribute a correction. Responsible updates are just as important as the original listing.

Checklist for registering a spot

• Confirm that the spot has not already been registered.
• Use its best-known name and include other relevant names.
• Mark the location accurately and responsibly.
• Add your own recent and genuinely useful photos.
• Describe the obstacles, surface and difficulty level.
• Provide opening hours, costs, permissions and access conditions.
• Point out important risks, rules and restrictions.
• Protect personal information and sensitive locations.
• Update the listing when conditions change.

Responsible information strengthens the community

A well-prepared listing helps skaters arrive informed, reduces risky situations and values the knowledge of the people who are part of the local scene.

When registering or updating a spot on SpotSB, share only information you have been able to verify and consider how the publication may affect the place, its regular visitors and the surrounding community.