Spreading a little holiday cheer at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park with the “Roller Polar”. That lil guy sure can skate!!
Category Archives for Skate News
How to Start a Skate Movement in Your Town
One of the things that frustrates roller skaters the most is the struggle to find a safe place to skate.
Rinks across the country are closing due to skyrocketing costs of land and insurance. Some places don’t even have rinks.
It’s a hardknock life, for us!
During my skating journey, I’ve been lucky to meet and work with one of the most successful community advocates for roller skating here in San Francisco. David Miles Jr. The Godfather of Skate. Over the last 3 decades, he has developed a very vibrant and successful skate community producing over 2000 skate events, many which have been featured in national magazines including Sports Illustrated and on the front page of newspapers throughout the country.
Since arriving in California from Kansas City in 1979, David has developed great working relationships with the local government in the city and county of San Francisco to create a positive image for skaters and help implement laws that benefit skaters.
I thought I would go straight to the source when it comes to finding out how to he created all this from the ground up. So during a break between sessions at the popular “Church of 8 Wheels” I asked him to share some ideas on how anyone can do it in their own community.
Straight from the Godfather to you…
Be sure to let me know if you start something in your community. You can comment below, or join me on Facebook and tell us about it!
Keep Rollin!!
New Year Skate Motivation
It’s that time of the year again, where we start thinking about starting the new year off with a renewed determination to eat better and exercise more. #NewYearsResolutions
I’m right there with you! For me, this year’s wedding planning and a busy work schedule dropped my skate nights from 3-4 a week to about 1. Dreadful. This is no way to live!
Time to get back on track!
All exercise is great, but as the picture demonstrates, skaters have the advantage to keep up healthy habits because skating is fun and enjoyable!
Here’s a couple tips to stay motivated!
1. Remember why you skate.
Big smiles? (See above photo.) The great music? How about the sweet, sweet feeling of the wind blowing through your hair? Getting love from your skate crew? All these are great reasons to lace up!!
2. Give yourself a micro-challenge
Practice a new skill, or work on a move that’s been giving you trouble for awhile. Mastering a new skill will open many new doors to new ones! Level up!
3. Take photos and videos to share!
Post photos and videos of your skating so that your friends and family can see what you’re up to and cheer on your progress! Maybe they’ll want to join you! (We can’t let those CrossFitters have all the fun!) Create a visual reminder of your journey (See #1).
4. Post-Skate High
Get those endorphins pumping! A great skate brings out the natural feel-good vibes and keeps the motivation going! You’ll feel your body getting stronger and leaner as well!
5. Take a skating class or private lesson
A great way to work out those nervous kinks. Let a certified skate instructor show you the fundamentals! If you already know how, a private lesson can help you unlearn any bad habits and provide some fine-tuning to unlock your full potential. With both money and time invested, you’ll be more likely to keep at it!
If you live in the San Francisco area, I can help! Learn more here.
Good luck in the new year skaters!
Whatever you do, keep rolling!
#SkateEveryDamnDay #RollWithSoul
It’s the Great Skate Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!
For skaters who love Halloween, I’ve created a custom pumpkin carving template just for you!
You can also download a PDF here.
Cut and remove the pieces shown in black.
I’d love to see how your pumpkin turns out!
Tag your photo post with #greatskatepumpkin
Rink Safety Infographic
Roller skating is super fun, but it also involves some risk.
If we all respect one another and follow the same general guidelines we can make skating a fun and SAFE experience for everyone! This prevents people from getting injured and keeps rink owners from getting sued and going out of business.
I’ve created this handy safety infographic to help educate parents and others who may be new to the rink environment. These guidelines are geared toward the average, all-ages public session. Other adult sessions may have additional guidelines so be sure to pay attention to your surroundings.
Please feel free to share. Sharing is caring!
(Click the image to view/download the full size version.)
Download a 11×17 printable PDF here!
Aug. 27 Michael Jackson Roller Disco
August 29th, 2016 would have marked the King of Pop’s 58th birthday.
The Church of 8 Wheels is celebrating with a special roller disco night filled with music from Michael as well as his famous musical family.
Join me, White Chocolate for a fun theme night!
Get out your best MJ moves, costumes and skate!
SATURDAY AUGUST 27, 7-11PM
AGES 18+
$10 ADMISSION | $5 SKATE RENTAL
(CASH ONLY)
Super Skate Sunday Adult Skate – July 3
If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, 4th of July weekend, we’ve got you covered!
Don’t miss this Adult Skate session at the Redwood Roller Rink!
Facebook Event Page
Super Skate Sunday – February Adult Skate
Bay Area Skate Family, THIS IS FOR YOU!!!
It’s time to start planning your night out!
February 14th ❤️
WE are Ready to Party & Roll with YOU!
SUPER SKATE SUNDAY!
Come roll with us 9PM-MIDNIGHT!
Presidents Day Weekend…No work on Monday!
Connect to & share the event on Facebook!
Super Skate Sunday Event on Facebook
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REDWOOD ROLLER RINK
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A rink that Welcomes, Listens to and Respects US!
✅ ROLL HOW YOU WANT.
✅ WEAR WHAT YOU WANT.
✅ SKATE TO WHAT YOU LIKE.
✅ IT’S ADULT NIGHT.
✅ ACTUALLY…IT’S YOUR NIGHT!
Admission $11, Skate Rental $4
With your support, we will make this a regular event!
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MUSIC
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DJ: White Chocolate
(Church of 8 Wheels Saturday Night Roller Disco,
Richard Humphrey Ballroom Skate)
Playing your favorite R&B, Soul & Hip Hop Skate
Music!
(…and some you may have forgotten about )
Here’s a little taste:
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Bring your Friends, Bring a Date!
BRING YOUR SKATES!
We can’t wait to roll with you! ❤️
Legends of Skating – Part 1
As different forms of roller skating become popular in various parts of the country, it’s important to acknowledge and honor it’s cultural origins and the unsung pioneers that have given roller skating it’s modern flavor and style.
Bill Butler – Video Bio
If you’ve ever seen these images pop up on the internet, please know that this is NO ordinary “ol skool” skater. When people were rolling to organ music in the 40’s, Bill Butler is the man that brought the funk and jazz to skating in Detroit and then most famously in New York. His artistry, skill and style inspired many of the popular incarnations of roller skating that exist today.
David Miles Jr. – www.churchof8wheels.com
While rinks are closing down across America, San Francisco’s Godfather of Skate, David Miles Jr. finds new ways to bring skating to the people. Whether indoors or outdoors, David has worked tirelessly with local community leaders for over 30 years to make sure skaters have a place to skate and a funky good time doing it!
Richard Humphrey – www.rollerdance.com
Known as the “Father of Roller Dance.” Richard is a renowned instructor, performer and inventor, featured on TV and in print. Richard choreographed many of the classic line dance steps that are still popular today. He has also partnered with Riedell to create the innovative “No Strings Attached” skate boot. He continues to teach weekly classes in San Francisco.
Joi Stafford – Skate-a-Thon
2015 marks the 20th anniversary of Skate-a-thon in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s the largest annual skate party in the country and perhaps the world. Joi and her team work tirelessly each year to throw this amazing 3 day event.
DJ “Big Bob” Clayton – New York City’s Legendary Roller Disco DJ
Empire Roller Skating Center, Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
There will be more to come! Please leave a comment if you know of someone with significant historical influence and contribution to the development and growth of roller skating!
Black History is Skate History
Throughout the twentieth century, African Americans challenged segregation at amusement parks, swimming pools, and skating rinks not only in pursuit of pleasure but as part of a wider struggle for racial equality. I wanted to share a few snapshots in time related to roller skating and black history to foster an understanding of the deep, rich history of this activity and some of its pioneers.
Here’s a wonderful video piece that touches on skate history from the folks at http://www.itsmyskatenight.com
Enjoy.
White Chocolate - Roller Skating 