Rollerskating Is Not A Passing "Craze," It's A Lifestyle
As someone who used to roller skate when I was younger, I couldn't wait to dive back into roller skating as a new hobby. I've previously written an article about my other hobby in record collecting, but this new hobby involves being outside and away from the house. Roller skating forces you to get out of your comfort zone and trust your body as you move. Trust me, you'll be scared at first to attempt skating on any smooth surface but eventually, that fear will in time fade away once you get comfortable.
You'll never forget that feeling once your skates are all laced up and you're flying through the air. You're constantly learning new moves and getting comfortable in a new environment. It's why roller skating is so fun. And it's in taking up this fun sport that I realized how much I needed it as an outlet.
Why roller skating now?
With covid and isolation, we learned how valuable socialization is for humans. Skating turned out to be an outlet that could promote a community while maintaining social distance rules - exceptions of course are when you accidentally crashed into someone. This activity promoted getting back out and socializing with society. For those stuck in quarantine, roller skating provided a way to feel physically active again. To feel like you weren't stuck in the same rut of staying in your house and binging television shows.
One of the benefits of social media in 2021 is how accessible content is for the consumer. There are tons of content creators and roller skaters who upload their skating progress videos to their followers which encourages those just getting started. One of those famous roller skaters is Berlin-based creator Oumi Janta. Her video went viral getting over 3 million views on Instagram last summer. Watching her videos you not only see Janta vibing with the music but the dedication to perfecting her craft as a jam skater.
For those not familiar with the term "jam skating," it's a skating style that combines dance, gymnastics, and roller-skating. There are even specific skating shoes made just for jam skating as they are cut lower than traditional skates and have no toe stop or "brake." You might hear jam skating referred to as "shuffle skating" where the dancing styles differ dependent on the individual's personal expression. It's what makes Oumi Janta stand out compared to other skaters, she's got the smooth moves and confidence within her dancing.
After looking at that video, I immediately started looking for roller skates and the equipment I'd need to safely skate. At that moment, nothing was more important than finding another outlet to have fun with that was away from the screens and 4 walls of my room.
You learn so much from roller skating that's beyond the physical exertion on ones' body. You learn to rely on your body's ability to pick up a new skill, and with practice, perfect it with time. You learn how to find a community within your area that makes you feel at home and loved. You learn to trust and push yourself to become not only a better skate but someone who doesn't give up. The reality of learning to skate is easy, you put on your skates and start rolling. But to continue that practice daily or even weekly says a lot about ones' determination to succeed.
Going to the skating rink for the first time in over 10 years, I felt like I had never left. The energy of the packed rink was euphoric and something everyone should get the chance to experience. It's one thing to skate alone but another to skate with people. Sure there were plenty of people more advanced than me, heck even the young children had better skills, but never once did I feel out of place for my subpar skills. That is the beauty of the skating community, everyone starts at different levels but never discourages those doing their best. You're there to have fun, and boy did we ever have fun!
Even though my journey is just beginning, I don't see this as just another hobby. For me, it's a lifestyle change.
Opinions and Perspectives
Personally I think the article romanticizes skating a bit too much. It's fun but let's not oversell it.
Started for the exercise, stayed for the community. Never expected to find such genuine connections through skating.
The bit about kids being better made me chuckle. They really do pick it up so much faster than us adults!
Finding the right skates is crucial. Wish the article had included tips for choosing proper equipment.
Love seeing more adults embrace skating. It proves you're never too old to try something new and find joy in it.
The revival of roller skating has been amazing to witness. Hope this renaissance continues long after the pandemic.
Accurate description of the skating community's supportive nature. We all remember being beginners.
Learning to skate backward was terrifying but so rewarding. Still working on those smooth transitions though!
The social aspect is great but let's not forget it's also an incredible way to stay fit and healthy.
Would have liked to see more mention of the history of roller skating culture, especially in marginalized communities.
My whole family got into skating during lockdown. It's become our favorite way to spend time together.
Really connected with the part about skating being an escape from screens. I feel so present when I'm on wheels.
Interesting perspective but skating isn't for everyone. Some of us just don't have that natural balance and coordination.
The part about trusting your body resonated with me. It's amazing how much confidence you gain as you improve.
I love how skating combines art and athletics. Where else can you dance and work out at the same time?
Such a positive take on skating culture. Though in my experience, some advanced skaters can be less than welcoming to newbies.
The writer's enthusiasm is contagious. Makes me want to dust off my old skates and give it another try.
Totally relate to being scared at first. Took me weeks just to let go of the wall, but now I can't believe I was ever afraid.
Anyone else notice how roller skating has evolved? The moves people do now are so different from what we did as kids.
The article perfectly captures that feeling of flying when you're gliding around the rink. Pure freedom!
Not sure I agree with calling it a lifestyle change. For many it's just a fun hobby without the deeper meaning.
Actually found the no screens aspect refreshing. It's one of the few activities where I'm not tempted to check my phone.
The social media influence has been amazing for skating. So many tutorials and tips available now compared to years ago.
My local rink closed during covid and never reopened. Really missing that sense of community the article describes.
Great article but wish it mentioned the importance of proper form and technique. Bad habits are hard to break later.
I started skating for exercise but stayed for the joy it brings. Nothing beats the feeling of rolling freely.
The mental health benefits are real. Nothing clears my mind like putting on my skates and just flowing with the music.
Does anyone else feel like the article understates how challenging it can be to find good skating spots outdoors?
Interesting point about jam skating shoes. I struggled with traditional skates before switching to ones without toe stops.
Learning to trust your body is so important. I was surprised how quickly muscle memory from childhood skating came back.
The pandemic really did revive roller skating culture. I remember when skates were completely sold out everywhere!
True about finding your community, but some rinks can feel cliquey if you're new. It took me a while to find my groove.
I've made some of my closest friends through skating. We meet up weekly for group sessions and it's become the highlight of my week.
My favorite part is how inclusive the skating community is. No matter your age or skill level, everyone cheers each other on.
Those viral skating videos definitely created unrealistic expectations for beginners. It takes time to develop those skills!
The article missed mentioning the amazing workout benefits. I've never been in better shape since I started skating regularly.
While I love skating, let's acknowledge it's not accessible to everyone. Good quality skates and safety gear can be expensive.
I actually disagree that it's easy to start skating. The learning curve can be pretty steep and safety gear is crucial.
Watching Oumi Janta's videos inspired me too! Her style is so uniquely her own. I spend hours trying to recreate her moves.
What I appreciate most is how roller skating helped people cope during isolation. It gave us a way to be active and social while staying safe.
The part about kids being better skaters made me laugh. My 8-year-old niece regularly shows me up at the rink!
Not at all! Jam skating takes years to master. I've been at it for 2 years and still feel like a beginner sometimes. Just keep practicing!
Am I the only one who finds jam skating intimidating? I've been practicing for months but still can't get those smooth moves down.
I love how the writer emphasizes that it's more than just exercise. The social aspects and sense of community are what keep me coming back.
The article really captures the joy of returning to skating after years away. I just got back into it after 15 years and that first time back at the rink felt magical.
Started skating last summer and I was terrified at first. Now I can't imagine my life without it. My confidence has grown so much both on and off skates.
I couldn't agree more about the therapeutic aspects of roller skating. It's been my escape during these challenging times and the community is so welcoming!