Some years feel like a struggle to 'get through'… where others feel like your serendipitously flowing through — 2025 felt like one of those serendipitous ones.
When I [occasionally] slow down long enough to look back and reflect, I’m genuinely amazed by just how much has actually unfolded — the utmost vibes, and a series of challenges that brought about change, growth and a dose of good old fashioned character building [in ways that only 'life' can do]. It’s been a year of hard work, new ideas, combined with fun filled adventures — and somehow, I've always managed to come through in good form.
A Few [of many] Highlights
Taking part in the 2025 Notting Hill Carnival was a huge highlight for us. Learning to skate ballroom, performing it, and being a part of the winning troupe was a pretty spectacular moment. Doing so with a group of people who have since become like family to me has made it that bit more special. And on top of that, I've gone on to develop a brand new love for ballroom skating [which I totally didn't see coming]. It's yet another reminder that life can be generous with its blessings at times.
Paris and Valencia brought their own touches of magic to 2025 with memorable skating moments in two lovely cities, with good company. There’s something about skating away from home with like minded people that awakens your senses and opens your heart — all at the same time. Exploring fresh locations overseas, renewed our energy, passion and perspective towards the way we experience the art of skating, and the wider skating community. They were really good moments.
Then there was my 'it's never too late' discovery of DM’s. Buying my first pair at 50 felt quietly satisfying. Loving them so much [their look and comftabilty] that I was immediately compelled to buy second pair — specifically to be converted into DM quad skates. It just seemed like the obvious next step to take. No regrets on that decision — nope, none whatsoever!
Another of my favourite moments was being approached join the judges’ panel for our very First Urban Skate Comp. I was really grateful to be a part of such an exciting event — and what unfolded turned out to be one of the best skating evenings of 2025 [imo]. Undiluted passion, talented individuals [both performing and paricipating in other ways], and some serious intentions at play. The event is yet another reminder of just how vibrant our community is, and just how far the urban skating scene in London has come.
There have been so many other memorable moments dotted throughout the year. Like, the skate partiy on the beloved Palace Bridge that was so, so much fun. Moving through burnout — and coming out the other side unscathed — and yes, some lessons were learned! I also really loved interviewing some very intriguing members of our skating community. It was a string of great moments, that helped expand my perspective on the world of underground skating in unexpected and refreshing ways. It felt like I was able to see the underground skating scene through their eyes [and psycho-emotional filters]. I appreciated that. And then [as if I hadn't had my fair share of blessings] there’s my leadership role within Skate Base London — the growth, the laughter, the camaraderie, and the privilege of journeying with so many of my new favourite people. That space continues to hold me firm as we continue to breathe life into one another. As I so often say, "I love my people."
A Gen X Skate Journal
So I give this skate journalled life back to my Gen X community. Documenting skate life [from my standpoint] on through these pages this past year has been an unexpected gift to myself. Writing really does open the door to deep reflection and gratitude [which I love to do]. Its definitely given me greater clarity and purpose. The process of exploring, reflecting, and writting has shown me just how valuable my endevours have been, as well as how rich my connections are. The process gives me a lot to be grateful for. Honestly — it's been great blessing [especially since writing in this way isn't something that I've done to any big extent in my life, or even thought I was particularly talented in — but here I am!].
When I reflect on the past year, I see just how much I have developed and grown as a community leader. I certainly didn't forsee the half of it at the start — its been nice. I really to see now, that opportunity can come knocking at any given moment, and so I aim to remain ready.
Along the way, I learned to let go more in my personal skating skill development, appreciating that when I let go, and just go with what resonates in the moment, my experience of progress is exponentially more rich and fruitful — which honours my reasons for returning to the skate scene in the first place. As a result, I'm better at carving out a path that's uniquely mine. One that feels true to my 'why'. If you've been on the scene long enough, you'll understand just how easy it is to lose your 'why' to the perceived expectations of others. And so, I recommend you aim to stay true to YOUR why.
What Next?
Now, as a new Chapter begins for 2026, I'm hopeful, humble, and excited for what might be around the next bend. I’m looking forward to meeting many more new and amazing [everyday] people, and enjoying yet more new experiences through our shared love of skating. I’m appreciate of a life filled with so much sponteneity, camaeraderie and personal growth. And, to be able to earn a living doing what I’m most passionate is about is something I’m truly grateful for — it's such a gift to work in ways that gives to you, as much as you are willing to give to it.
Despite the progressive nature of last year, I'm still keeping a few new goals in the forefront of my mind. First and foremost is to continue to take my personal and professional development further [thats a staple for me], as its clear that this is where much of the sweetness is experienced — even if it takes a litltle time and discomfort to come through.
On the personal skating front, I plan to take my backwards skating [out there on the streets of London] to a more explorative level [wihout taking my antics dial to a 'ridiculous' if you know, you know!]. So yes, more regular Bonana street skates, here I come! And, as you may already know, work my JB flow. I'll also be taking a trip to America this summer — just to immerse myself into JB skating and other US skating styles that much more. Because, why not, life is for living. right? Our American skating family have been so integral in influencing UK skate culture, so it makes sense to directly explore these origins and experience this aspect of the wider skate community.
On a final note, I fully acknowledge that in gifting you my time, energy and shared experiences, I'm also creating a gift to myself: the quiet satisfacttion of being in service to a community that I love, staying connected and contributing to the arena in such a beautiful, yet instrumental way, while exitedly continuing along a relatively untrodden path together, thats rich with creative opportunities. It couldn't be more perfect to me.
Kelly
Cranial Osteopath | Wellbeing Coach | Roller Skate Instructor
🗯️ How was 2025 for you? Good, bad or indifferent — let us know how skate life has impacted you this past year in the comments below, or leave a quick emoji resonse.
