Inline skating these days

Something totally not related to Agile or Tech but a little insight about me having found inline skating again and some history with inline skating.

The past

Rollerblading has been a big part of my life in the past, as intrinsic to my childhood as the summers I spent with skinned knees and bruised elbows. In the early-90s, when I was about 8 or 9, I started inline skating since everybody had skates back then, a hobby that quickly turned into a passion. For me, the rattle of wheels on pavement was a symphony, a celebration of youth, freedom, and daring if i look back at it.

Back then, halfpipe skating was the major thing i did when i was about 12. The adrenaline, the thrill of conquering gravity, it was addictive. I spent countless hours on that halfpipe, the metal under my wheels becoming as familiar as the back of my hand. It wasn't just about nailing a trick, it was about the rush, the exhilarating blend of fear and anticipation that hit just before you pushed off the ramp.

Away from the halfpipe, I'd also dive into the world of streethockey. Decked out in kneepads, and my trusty Roces streets strapped on, I was ready to overcome anything that came my way. Chasing that ball across the tarmac was the best kind of chaos, and i loved every minute of it.

By the time I was 16, my passion for inline skating somehow started to fade. I don't remember why I stopped – perhaps life got in the way, or I just got distracted by other pursuits. However, the flame was never fully extinguished, just simmering on the surface waiting for a chance to ignite again.

The present

This chance came in early 2022, when my children showed an interest in inline skating. Their curiosity rekindled my own passion, and I found myself asking: why did I ever stop? It was then that I decided to purchase the skates i always wanted as a little kid and enter the world I had left behind again.

After a visit to the 'thisissoul' store, where I was assisted by incredibly helpful staff who guided me through trying on various models due to my wide feet. Yet, my mind was already set on one particular model: the Roces 5th Element, the skate of my childhood dreams. Slipping into those skates again was like stepping back into my younger self, a wonderful feeling of nostalgia and renewed excitement that i now had 5th elements.

Today, my Roces are fitted with a rockered 'Wish' (Oysi) frame, with a 0.5mm rocker, enhancing control and agility on the skates. This technical setup harks back to my halfpipe days, yet also caters to the more rhythmic, flowing style of Wizard Skating.

Looking back, my journey with inline skating has truly come full circle. It's a wonderful feeling to share this passion with my children, just as I did when I was their age. The joy, the freedom, the adrenaline – they’re all still there, as vivid as they were in my younger days. Inline skating has evolved, and so have I along with it. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Picking up where I left off, my return to the inline skating world has been nothing short of invigorating. Each skate session gives me a sense of joy, an eagerness to rekindle old skills and learn new ones. With my trusty Roces strapped on, it just felt like riding a bike. Once learned you never unlearn.

The best part of this journey has been sharing it with my children. Seeing them strap on their skates and navigate the world on wheels, much like I did at their age, fills me with a sense of nostalgia and pride. Their squeals of joy when they master a new skill, their determination when they stumble and get back up, it's a beautiful reminder of why I fell in love with this sport in the first place.

Nostalgia

It's strange to think about why I ever left inline skating. Maybe I needed that break to appreciate what I had missed truly. Regardless, I’m grateful for the chance to return to my roots and re-discover my love for this dynamic sport.

And so, as I glide through the streets, the wind in my face and the world rushing by, I can't help but feel like that 10-year-old kid again, just starting on his rollerblading journey. Only now, I have the added pleasure of sharing this passion with my kids.

So here's to the Roces 5th Elements, to the rockered 'Wish' (Oysi) frame, to the adrenaline of the halfpipe, and the smooth flow of Wizard Skating. Here's to the joy of falling and getting back up, and most importantly, to the sheer love of rollerblading. Because, at the end of the day, it’s not just about the skates, the style, or the tricks. It's about the ride, the freedom, and the lifelong memories that come with it.

Utrecht Skateparade

One of the coolest things of my return to inline skating has also been participating in the Utrecht Skate Parade. The event is a celebration of skating culture, bringing together rollerbladers of all ages and skill levels from across the city and beyond. It's a vibrant display of community, all on wheels skating a tour of around 25km.

This Parade is held every week from may till the end of september. We take the car roads through the heart of the City Utrecht. With every week a different DJ installed on the vehicle in the front of the Parade.

There's a unique magic to the parade. The feeling of skating through the streets of Utrecht, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts with some nice beats to listen to, is hard to put into words. To me the best feeling to describe it is a very chill festival vibe.

I try to attend as many parades as I can. Every time, I’m met with the same exhilarating energy. I can't help but be swept up in the collective spirit of hundreds of skaters, all moving together. It’s a powerful reminder of the joy that inline skating can bring.

It's not just a sport, it's a lifestyle.

I can't wait for my next skate. These are the moments that make my inline skating journey worthwhile. And each parade, each glide through the city streets, brings me closer to the core of what inline skating means to me – freedom, joy, and a sense of boundless possibility.