Last Thursday I attended Invisible Wind Factory’s Rollerdrome skate session, which takes place every Thursday at 7.30pm. I had never skated before, and as someone who is an excessively overcautious person and fails to ice skate without a penguin stabiliser, I was not entirely hopeful of my abilities. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of the experience, aided by the comforting atmosphere, and can happily say I will be returning!
The skating rink featured a beautiful light showcase and upbeat music performed by a DJ, making me eager to get started. Once 7.30pm rolled around, the rink started to become nicely filled (though never crowded) with skaters of all different capabilities. After togging up with all the necessary safety gear, I wobbled across the rink, and although initially my limbs appeared awkward and frozen stiff, with each lap I felt my body becoming increasingly relaxed. I laughed with a few girls who were also struggling to detach from the beloved handrail beside them, but also felt inspired and encouraged by the more professional skaters in the rink. The regulars, often associated with the group ‘Invisible Skate Tribe’, were incredibly impressive, performing tricks and even skating backwards, all whilst elegantly avoiding us beginners, reassuring me of the little chance of collision. The range of people on the rink meant I was simultaneously comfortable in my current skills and inspired to grow further. Everyone in the venue was super friendly and Lilac, one of the staff members, even helped me to gain some basic key moves, such as ‘The Lemon’ which I particularly enjoyed.
Whilst I was too busy having fun to even make use of it, there is a bar in the venue with a wide range of drinks, and though not on this occasion, there is sometimes food served as well. Perhaps an alcoholic drink or two could even ease your nerves if you are a newbie like me. Overall, though I should perhaps not jinx it yet, my fears of falling and injuring myself did not come true. I felt completely stable and felt much more at ease than I ever have on an ice rink. The atmosphere in the venue was chilled out, aided by upbeat music, stunning lights and cool people.
– Amy Lorrimer
Explore our Roller Skate classes and events by checking out our sessions here!
