The Gen X Skater Blog

Last Friday saw the very first Urban Community Skate Awards 2026, hosted by Roll'n Boogie at Tottenham Community Centre in London.

This was yet another wonderfully innovative idea brought to life ...

During my visit to Detroit, I met Michael as I was leaving the Detroit Roller Wheels skate session. As I walked through the car park, Micheal was hanging out with friends, and began chatting to me ...

I first caught glimpses of Shawnee Shawn doing her thing during the first JB Legends of the Wood event in Chicago at Lynwood Roller Rink.

I watched her glide effortlessly past the JB skaters on th...

I had been in Chicago for eight days by now and was enjoying a Tuesday morning Over 25s session at The Rink — where the average age of the skaters seemed to be around 60+. It's a place where you ca...

After landing in Chicago on Monday, I wasted no time getting myself to the Rink for my first skate of the trip later that evening. The following morning, I headed to the 10am–2pm over-21s open skat...

I first met Steve last year, as he was enjoying a jam during a social skate meet.

I can honestly tell you that Steve is one of the warmest and most open hearted skaters you could ever hope to meet...

The skating scene is a fascinating one. Essentially, we all show up for the same reason—to have a thoroughly good time on our 8's. We get to enjoy a continuous stream of party vibes, creativity, an...

If you’re a London-based skater, you’ll know just how rare a good, flat, smooth, skateable space is. Open areas where skaters can come together throughout the day are not plentiful.

That’s why wha...

I’ve known Roland since 2022, when he first took photos of my son and me on roller skates.

The skate scene was much quieter back then, and Roland was just beginning his skate photography project.

Si...

My fellow Gen Xer, Kat François started skating about a year ago. We first met when she joined one of my roller skating courses, and I can honestly say that we've maintained a strong connection eve...

I was first introduced to Laverne at Gatwick Airport whilst on my way back from Skate Love Barcelona a few years back. Since then, our paths crossed a few times when meeting with our artistic skati...