Upper West Skates: The Heart of Skateboarding Culture on the Upper West Side in New York, New York

Nestled in the heart of the Upper West Side at 2768 Broadway, this shop embodies the spirit of skateboarding culture and camaraderie. Friends gather here not only to find the latest gear and expert advice but also to connect with fellow skaters and newcomers alike in a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere. The shop’s owner, Chris Vidal, who opened this treasured spot in 2022 with winnings from the lottery, has built a space where people of all skill levels feel welcome and supported. It is the kind of place where you can find gear tailored to your style, watch impromptu demonstrations, share stories, and even participate in planned community events such as barbecues and giveaways. When you come to Upper West Skates, you’re not just visiting a store—you’re becoming part of a strong, tight-knit skateboarding family. This makes it an ideal location to rally your friends, bond over a shared passion, and enjoy quality time around a positive and energetic culture.

First and foremost, it is a fully stocked skateboard shop offering a wide selection of skateboards, parts, protective gear, and apparel suited for all ages and skill levels. Fans of roller skating and inline skating will also find specialized gear and accessories to enhance their experience. Beyond simply retail, the shop acts as an educational space where beginners can learn the basics, and experienced skaters can hone their skills through advice and demos offered by knowledgeable staff including owner Chris Vidal. They frequently host community events such as skate meetups, giveaways, and barbecues held nearby at the Andy Kessler Skatepark—a historic skate spot just minutes away in Riverside Park. These events encourage social interaction and skill sharing among attendees. Moreover, the shop functions as a cultural hub, where visitors can appreciate the history of skating on the Upper West Side and discover new trends within the sport. This dynamic mix of retail, education, and community engagement makes Upper West Skates an excellent venue for groups looking for something active, social, and memorable in the city.

The shop’s cozy yet vibrant environment encourages casual mingling and meaningful conversations, making it easy for friends and families to spend hours exploring the latest gear or learning about the sport together. Its location on Broadway provides easy access via public transportation, ensuring that groups coming from different parts of the city or neighborhood can convene effortlessly. The proximity to locations like Andy Kessler Skatepark also opens up the option for outdoor skate sessions immediately following a visit to the shop, which adds an interactive, active dimension to any gathering. The welcoming culture established by Chris Vidal and the supporting crew fosters inclusiveness and fun, ensuring everyone—from newbies who have never skated before to seasoned pros—feels part of the action. Furthermore, with its high 4.9-star rating from over 160 reviews, the reputation for quality service and a positive environment reassures groups that their time together will be enjoyable, safe, and memorable. Overall, Upper West Skates offers everything a group needs in one place: expert resources, friendly community, strategic location, and a lively atmosphere that makes meetups not just possible but truly special.

Historically, the neighborhood had few dedicated skate shops or facilities, leaving skaters to improvise with urban obstacles and makeshift ramps. This gap was profoundly felt after the closure of previous shops like Blades on 72nd Street. Chris Vidal’s decision to open Upper West Skates in 2022 has revitalized the area's skate scene by providing a welcoming home base for enthusiasts. His commitment extends beyond commerce—he organizes annual open-invite barbecues with catered food and skateboard giveaways, fostering a spirit of generosity and community building. This support helps preserve the storied skateboarding heritage of the area and inspires the newest generation of skaters. The shop's strong community ties, combined with its strategic partnership with local skateparks like Andy Kessler Skatepark, underscore its role not just as a business but as a cultural cornerstone that nurtures and grows the local skateboarding community. Given its importance and the ongoing challenges it faces, such as recent rent struggles and neighborhood difficulties, the support from neighbors and patrons alike highlights Upper West Skates’ special place in the neighborhood’s fabric.

Owner Chris Vidal has a deep personal history with skating, understanding firsthand the challenges new skaters face in finding suitable spaces and equipment. The shop’s knowledgeable staff are passionate about guiding newcomers through their skateboarding journey—from selecting the right boards and safety gear to offering tips on skating techniques. The shop also fosters diversity by hosting events open to everyone, eliminating barriers and encouraging participation from a broad spectrum of the community. This ethos is reflected in the friendly atmosphere where seasoned skaters mentor beginners, and skate culture is celebrated as a shared passion rather than a niche hobby. By emphasizing accessibility, education, and community engagement, Upper West Skates effectively supports and grows a diverse and vibrant skateboarding population in New York City’s Upper West Side.

Broadway is a major thoroughfare offering numerous transit options, making it convenient for groups traveling by subway, bus, or even walking from nearby neighborhoods. The shop’s vicinity to Andy Kessler Skatepark in Riverside Park adds a major advantage for those wanting to extend their meetup from indoor gatherings to outdoor skateboarding sessions. This skatepark is renowned for its quality ramps and community vibe, making it a natural extension for events, lessons, or casual skate sessions after spending time at the shop. Additionally, the neighborhood is lively with cafés, eateries, and other attractions, enabling groups to easily plan comprehensive outings that include dining or relaxing after skating. The street-level storefront creates a welcoming and visible entrance that helps groups feel anchored in a vibrant community space rather than tucked away or isolated. These location features collectively make Upper West Skates an optimal meetup spot for skate enthusiasts and their friends or families.

One of the signature events is the annual open-invite barbecue held at the nearby Andy Kessler Skatepark, where visitors can enjoy catered food, socialize, and participate in skateboard giveaways—events that help build friendships and elevate the local skate scene. In addition to large-scale events, the shop facilitates smaller meetups, demo days, and skill-sharing sessions that allow skaters to learn from one another and celebrate their shared passion. Such gatherings also often feature guest appearances from notable local skaters and opportunities to test new products. These events create a festive, inclusive atmosphere ideal for groups wanting to engage with the skate community in a lively, social context. By fostering events that bring together families, friends, and skaters of all kinds, Upper West Skates positions itself as a hub where fun and community spirit thrive alongside the culture of skateboarding.

Since early 2023, scaffolding in front of the store has affected visibility and foot traffic, creating a hurdle for business. Additional difficulties include heavy bus stop traffic, nearby homeless encampments, and general area safety concerns such as burglaries in close vicinity. Owner Chris Vidal has publicly acknowledged these obstacles and continues to seek community support to sustain the shop’s operations, including a GoFundMe campaign to help with overdue rent and operational costs. However, the resilience of Vidal and his supporters highlights the shop’s vital role as a community pillar, with many locals rallying to preserve it as a cultural and social resource. Through transparent communication and strong neighborhood ties, Upper West Skates exemplifies how small businesses can strive to overcome urban challenges while continuing to serve and empower their communities.

Visitors highlight the personal attention they receive when choosing gear, the quality and variety of products available, and the overall welcoming vibe of the shop. Many reviews commend Chris Vidal for his dedication to the sport and the community, often noting how the shop feels like a second home or a key part of the Upper West Side skate culture revival. The strong customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth reflect the shop’s success not only as a retail space but also as a community cornerstone where skaters gather, learn, and celebrate their passion together. This feedback assures new visitors and groups that meeting at Upper West Skates will be a rewarding and supportive experience.