Skitching (abbreviated from "skate-hitching", pron: /ˈskɪtʃɪŋ/) is the act of hitching a ride by holding onto a motor vehicle while riding on a skateboard, roller skates, bicycle, or sneakers when there is snowfall. It is also sometimes referred to as bum-riding or hooky bobbing when being towed over snowy or icy streets on boots or a sled.[1] In addition, skitching can be performed on a bicycle or inner tube.[2]
Because skitching is often done in traffic, on inadequate equipment for the speeds travelled, and sometimes without the knowledge of the driver of the vehicle, there is significant potential for injury or death. The skateboarding advocacy group Skaters for Public Skateparks reported that 2 of 42 skateboarding deaths in 2011 in the United States were skitching-related.[3]
Skateboarding celebrity Tony Hawk has advocated against the practice of skitching due to the related deaths and injuries.[4]
Michael J. Fox can be seen skitching in the 1985 film Back to the Future, as can Michael Beck in the 1980 film Xanadu and Christian Slater in the 1989 film Gleaming the Cube and also in the 2016 film Nerve as a dangerous stunt. It was portrayed in Biker Boyz (2003), Lords of Dogtown (2005), Premium Rush (2012), and season 1 of Better Call Saul (2015) as well.