Roller skates: the new set of wheels everyone's emerging from lockdown with
Roller skates have become a Londoner's favourite accessory, whether you're a Tik-Toking obsessed Gen-Zer, a school-age kid with no school or even a middle-aged parent
Roller skating is brilliant fun... when you have the right kit and tips. Photo: PlayTone
Since we've slowly but surely started to emerge from lockdown, we've noticed something: roller skaters are everywhere.
Maybe they've seen Ana Coto's moves on TikTok or Instagram. Or they're wellness buffs excited by the prospect of a new workout that tones the thighs, glutes and strengthens the core – all while wearing hot pants (or better yet, printed Spandex).
Some are London commuters looking for new sets of wheels so they can avoid public transportation while getting around the city, or mums looking for 15 minutes of 'me time' – and an excuse to wear knee socks again. We've also seen parents coaching their kids on roller skates, enjoying the fresh air on weekend mornings in Richmond and Battersea Parks.
Rollerskating is an aerobic workout that burns around 250 cals every 30 minutes. Plus, there's no one way to skate, from disco jamming to skate-park shredding.
We went to skating pro Obie Pearl (@obiepearl), co-founder of Play Tone, which runs skating, hula hoop and jump-rope classes, for her top tips on how to start skating. She and co-founder Tinuke (@tinukes_orbit) have Marawa's Majorettes and Starlight Express training and experience under their belts.
Throughout the month of June, Play Tone is running street skating workshops online to help you get comfortable on your wheels, including Street Skating workshops on Saturdays at 2pm, where you can learn the basic skills needed for street skating from the comfort of home. Or, join the skate parks workshop on 13 June, where you'll learn how to ramp skate.
Photo: Unsplash/Jacqueline Martinez
London skating lessons for kids
There are plenty of skate camps for the kiddos to sign up to, like Zebra Skate in Clapham Common and Kensington, reopening July 2020, where your child can learn inline skating or skateboarding.
London Skate Crew in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens specialises in jam dance skating, quad skating and inline skating, as well as kids' classes.
For adults looking for that new challenge, Nordic skiing is a fun idea. Rollerski classes in Victoria Park get you ready for cross-country skiing season, on wheels. Or try the London Nordic Ski Club.
Culture Whisper is your curated guide to the best of London. We may earn a commission for items purchased through our retailer links.
Maybe they've seen Ana Coto's moves on TikTok or Instagram. Or they're wellness buffs excited by the prospect of a new workout that tones the thighs, glutes and strengthens the core – all while wearing hot pants (or better yet, printed Spandex).
Some are London commuters looking for new sets of wheels so they can avoid public transportation while getting around the city, or mums looking for 15 minutes of 'me time' – and an excuse to wear knee socks again. We've also seen parents coaching their kids on roller skates, enjoying the fresh air on weekend mornings in Richmond and Battersea Parks.
Rollerskating is an aerobic workout that burns around 250 cals every 30 minutes. Plus, there's no one way to skate, from disco jamming to skate-park shredding.
We went to skating pro Obie Pearl (@obiepearl), co-founder of Play Tone, which runs skating, hula hoop and jump-rope classes, for her top tips on how to start skating. She and co-founder Tinuke (@tinukes_orbit) have Marawa's Majorettes and Starlight Express training and experience under their belts.
Throughout the month of June, Play Tone is running street skating workshops online to help you get comfortable on your wheels, including Street Skating workshops on Saturdays at 2pm, where you can learn the basic skills needed for street skating from the comfort of home. Or, join the skate parks workshop on 13 June, where you'll learn how to ramp skate.
Photo: Unsplash/Jacqueline Martinez
London skating lessons for kids
There are plenty of skate camps for the kiddos to sign up to, like Zebra Skate in Clapham Common and Kensington, reopening July 2020, where your child can learn inline skating or skateboarding.
London Skate Crew in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens specialises in jam dance skating, quad skating and inline skating, as well as kids' classes.
For adults looking for that new challenge, Nordic skiing is a fun idea. Rollerski classes in Victoria Park get you ready for cross-country skiing season, on wheels. Or try the London Nordic Ski Club.
Culture Whisper is your curated guide to the best of London. We may earn a commission for items purchased through our retailer links.
TRY CULTURE WHISPER
Receive free tickets & insider tips to unlock the best of London — direct to your inbox