1. When people ask me about buying their own skates

2. Beginning skate students

3. Students after my hour lesson #swag 😉

4. How I think I look skating in a group

5. How I probably look skating in a group

6. That one dude who is always standing in the glide lane trying to show-off

7. When someone finally runs into him

8. Me skating when I first arrive at Golden Gate Park

8. Me skating at Golden Gate Park 5 hours later…

If you’re looking for more frequent updates and info, please join my facebook page here.
You’ll find skate graphics, tips & tricks, and info on local events in the California Bay area.

Hope to see you there!

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.

As these forms of roller skating become popular in various parts of the country, it’s important to honor it’s cultural origins and the unsung pioneers that have given roller skating it’s flavor and style.

If you skate, get to know Bill Butler:

Watch Bill skate:

Forgive me skaters, I realized I never posted those Skate-a-thon videos that I promised a few months back.

Enjoy!

1. This is Robert, he’s part of my Bay Area skate family, but his style is all Detroit. Love watching his smooth skating.

2.  Here we have the magic inner circle where skaters come to show their best stuff! Here’s Josh “Batman” Smith heating things up in the middle.

3. This one portion of the night called “Roll Call,” where each style of skating gets a bit of shine. This style is called “Open House,” watch these guys slide!

4. These lovely ladies are friends of mine from the Bay Area, doing their thing in the middle.

5. Here are the Trains and Trios from roll call. Skaters link up in 3’s or more and glide around as 1 unit. Amazing control.

#amiright? 😉

1. When I haven’t skated in over a week…

2. When the local rink raises admission prices…AGAIN.

3. Trying to find toe protectors for my white skates…

4. When everyone saw you nail that move…

5. Thirst level before skating…

6. Thirst level after skating…

7. When my song comes on at the beginning of the session…

8. When my song comes on at the end of the session…

9. When that dang kid keeps cutting across the rink floor right in front of you. (Where are his parents?)

10. When you finally break in your new skates…

What does that have to do with skating?
Well, nothing except for this amazing photograph of one of my favorite dance/style icons, Gene Kelly.

Happy Birthday Eiffel Tower! Perhaps I’ll skate with you one day.

In honor of Black History month, I wanted to share an important moment in skating history.

“Black people were first allowed to roller skate indoors at the Savoy Ballroom in Chicago’s Bronzeville community on December 8, 1938 thanks to Jimmie Davis, the manager of The Savoy at that time.” From http://www.marciewrites.com

Photo: Lee Russell

In 2012, skate legend Richard Humphrey beautifully recreated the vibe of 1940s Chicago for his 60th birthday party. It was an honor to be a part of this celebration.

Photo: Randy Wong

Thank you to these brave pioneers who paved the way for us to unite in our love of skate!