NYC’s Iconic ‘Back to the Banks’ Skate Contest Makes Its Return

After years of uncertainty, one of New York City’s most loved skate events is coming back. The Back to the Banks contest will return on October 4th, bringing skaters and the community together at a spot that has defined generations.

For those new to the story, the Brooklyn Banks aren’t just another set of bricks under a bridge. Since the mid-80s, the Banks have been a gathering place for skaters from every corner of the city and beyond.

The unique design of the spot, with its sloped bricks and tight turns, made it the perfect playground for creativity. Many of the most influential skaters cut their teeth there, and countless video parts were filmed against its backdrop.

When the city fenced off the area years ago, it felt like a piece of skateboarding history had been sealed away.

But longtime NYC skate figure Steve Rodriguez fought tirelessly to keep its legacy alive. For him, the Banks were never just about tricks or contests. They were about community. They were about a place where skaters could gather, share ideas, and grow together.

That history is why the contest’s return feels so important.

Wip Energy, together with Rodriguez, announced on Instagram that the countdown has officially begun. Their post reminded everyone that the Banks aren’t just concrete and bricks. They are a cultural landmark, and this event is a celebration of what they’ve meant to the city for decades.

On October 4th, skaters will pull up once again to ride the very same terrain that shaped NYC skateboarding. There will be plenty of talent, but beyond the tricks and competition, the day will carry a deeper meaning. It’s about reconnecting with a space that helped define the heart of New York skateboarding.

The return of Back to the Banks isn’t just a contest. It’s a reunion. It’s a reminder of how much a single spot can mean to an entire culture.