pavedwave longboarding

pavedwave · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 1120 Location: seattle wa usa

This is a very good, solid, progressive WA state law, yet private landowners still cite "liability" when they ask you to leave their premises.

The typical example: out scouting for smooth, sloped asphalt parking lots to practice slalom, I carry a printout of this law, to hand to whomever feels compelled to come "kick the skateboarders" off their property. Granted, private property is just that, and they have the right to not want you there -- but typically their discomfort comes from the broad dreadful fear of being sued. Especially when the parking lot is otherwise not in any way a thoroughfare and not otherwise being used.

We always leave without argument, but ask them to read through this RCW and let us know if they might reconsider at some later date. And depending if the site is really nice, whether they might allow an event, where we can do something in return to pay for their "trouble" in allowing us use of the space.

What goes a long way here is wearing a helmet, being respectful when they approach, not arguing but listening, explaining what you're doing and if you have their ear, explaining how difficult it is to skate anywhere, and leaving promptly when it's clear they're going to insist on it.

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RCW 4.24.210
Liability of owners or others in possession of land and water areas for injuries to recreation users -- Limitation.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) or (4) of this section, any public or private landowners or others in lawful possession and control of any lands whether designated resource, rural, or urban, or water areas or channels and lands adjacent to such areas or channels, who allow members of the public to use them for the purposes of outdoor recreation, which term includes, but is not limited to, the cutting, gathering, and removing of firewood by private persons for their personal use without purchasing the firewood from the landowner, hunting, fishing, camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, bicycling, skateboarding or other nonmotorized wheel-based activities, hanggliding, paragliding, rock climbing, the riding of horses or other animals, clam digging, pleasure driving of off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, and other vehicles, boating, nature study, winter or water sports, viewing or enjoying historical, archaeological, scenic, or scientific sites, without charging a fee of any kind therefor, shall not be liable for unintentional injuries to such users.