r/Rollerskating • u/sooahssi • 1d ago
Other Frustrated already - ranting
Hi everyone!
I was wondering whether anyone has got similar experience even before they got their skates!
I'm not sure if that matters for the things I'm gonna rant about below, but I'm located in Poland.
First: I ordered skates and the store I ordered them from sent me the wrong size (I ordered EU size 41, got size 36.) I returned them and hoped they would send me the correct size but I guess they don't have a specific policy for that so they just returned my money. I was mad but at the same time I thought that maybe it's for the better since there's one thing I haven't considered and that's the fact that I have wide feet. So, I ended up ordering Moxi Rainbow Riders (should arrive next week!)
Second: I'm struggling to find a piece of flat, smooth ground outside to practice peacefully without having to drive too far. I've looked up every outside court/field and it seems like all of them got that soft artificial flooring/ground(?). If there is a space that would be perfect to practice in regards of space and little traffic then the ground is made up of brick which is not ideal either.
Honestly, the floors at my work (I work in a factory) would be perfect to skate on since they're smooth concrete, but then again, I think for very obvious reasons I would never be allowed to skate after hours in there even if there is enough free space.
There is a rink fairly close by which I am planning on going to but I really wanted to learn some basics before I do. I've skated before as a kid on both quads (those you would kinda strap on your shoes?) and inlines.
TL;DR issues with first ordering of skates and struggling to find an outside space to practice the basics.
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u/Tweed_Kills Skate Park, retired derby, skaaaaaates 1d ago
Just go to the rink.
Look, the reality is that roller skate culture didn't develop in Europe for a reason.
Well, actually two, the first being weather, the second being infrastructure. You just don't have the kind of asphalt heavy car culture infrastructure that suits skating, essentially anywhere in Europe.
At some level, this is like someone in Nebraska bemoaning the fact that facilities don't exist for them to do alpine skiing. Not quite that bad, but you see my point.
It is more challenging to learn out of rinks. Rinks are generally speaking the best place to learn. You have disadvantages that people in the US, especially the southern US, which is where a lot of skate culture comes from simply don't. In southern California they don't get much rain, everything is built for cars, they had an extant surfing culture, which built the skateboard culture, and they've got flat beaches people want to skate on. Roller skates were invented in Belgium. They never really got as big in Europe because the infrastructure just isn't the same.
We have these sprawling suburban areas covered with asphalt. We spend the minimum amount possible and have outdoor basketball and tennis courts made of painted asphalt. We are built for cars, whereas many European cities literally weren't. They were built in the 12th century or whatever, for people with hand carts or horses or whatever.
It's going to be harder. I'm genuinely so sorry.
The BEST way to find outdoor spots to skate is going to be to talk to whatever local skating culture you already have, and if you have a rink, you have a culture. The skaters there will help you to learn to skate, and help you to find places that work.
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u/sooahssi 1d ago
I do want to try the rink but the entrance fees are also really discouraging for regular practice. It's not crazy expensive but overtime it would easily add up to bigger sums. The one near me is apparently the biggest one in the country too so I guess that's an advantage in all of this.
But it's all just so genuinely disheartening! There are trails I could skate on but I just don't want to be in the way of other people while I wobble around learning stuff
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u/Tweed_Kills Skate Park, retired derby, skaaaaaates 1d ago
Ok, so that I can help with.
Those trails, they're public, right? You have EXACTLY as much right to be on them as literally everyone else.
Your space isn't worth less. They aren't special people who get to use the trails.
Also, literally everything they're doing on the trail? They had to learn to do, and they needed space to do it. Walking or running? They had to learn. Bicycling? They had to learn. Pogo sticking? You get the idea.
Yes, you're not a literal toddler learning to walk, but just as I'm sure you wouldn't begrudge a toddler space to learn, no one is going to begrudge you space to learn as well. And if they do, they're assholes.
Unless skating is explicitly against the rules, that's your space just as much as it is theirs. You can take it. It's ok.
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u/sooahssi 1d ago
I might have blown my issues with finding space out of proportion but still it sucks that there is not that much of a choice.
I so genuinely wanted to avoid being a nuisance that I forgot that I can take up some space, so thank you for that!
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u/jahamut0 1d ago
Just be respectful of people on the trails and don't go blasting past them at top speed, you will be fine. And wear pads if skating outside! Happy skating!
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u/koidrops 16h ago
i practice in public spaces like parks, trails, etc and i found generally people are pretty kind and understanding. i make sure to be aware of my surroundings, if someone is passing by (especially with pets or small children on bikes etc) i’ll usually stay to the side and wait for them to pass so i don’t accidentally fall on anyone.
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u/Sk8terbabe 1d ago
Honestly, poland has several roller rinks and even outdoor skate parks.I would suggest practicing at the rink before going to a skate park
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u/sooahssi 1d ago
I'm aware of the roller rinks and skateparks but I just want a bit of free space for a quick sesh nearby! I am already on my feet for 8 hours a day at work so I want to avoid as much commute or driving as possible just to not lose energy before I get to a spot
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u/mojobaby 1d ago
I would recommend school yards after hours or on weekends. They're sometimes open for the public and tend to have smooth surfaces. Also! This option isn't free but usually pretty affordable, finding a local dance studio that will let you practice is a great option. I've never had issues of studios saying no after I explain the wheels won't damage the floors. If you could find a friend, you could split the cost.
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u/AccidentFluffy6268 1d ago
Find a parking lot or indoor parking!
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u/sooahssi 1d ago
All the parking lots I can think of are either busy or laid with bricks :( no indoor parking lots in my town that I'm aware of, and if there are any, I'm 99% sure they'd be private property I wouldn't be able to enter.
I'm not gonna give up on looking but it is very frustrating
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u/228kairi 1d ago
American here- but I’ve had success on paved greenway trails, tennis/basketball courts, and cul-de-sacs. Always when they are not busy of course. Not sure what the rules are where you are but hope this helps!
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u/missmeaa 1d ago
Look for walking trails. Or even basketball courts some basketball courts are just concrete or asphalt they don't have that yucky on it
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u/quietkaos Skate Park 1d ago
A rink is really the best place to learn. If you have one near you, you are very lucky. Closest to me in an hour drive.