I'd been to a few Roller Stop events when they were operating as a mobile disco, so I was really happy to hear that they had found a permanent new home.
They've done out the space pretty nicely. They've laid a gym hall type floor, and put some pretty lights in, there's lockers for your bits and bobs, benches at the sides for if you want a wee breather, and handy rails to grab on to if you want to stop. There's also a cafe, which I didn't use.It's easy walking distance from the subway, and they have a bike park if you want to come on two wheels.
You can take your own skates, or hire them there. You can also hire (for free I think) other protective equipment such as wrist protectors, knee pads and elbow pads. If you're not an experienced skater, I'd definitely recommend wrist protectors and elbow pads. Even if you are experienced, wrist protectors are still a wise move. I'm surprised they don't have helmets as you often see people falling and totally clattering their heads. I mean really, people knock themselves unconscious. I'm glad this place isn't anywhere near a bar because at the mobile events, I'd previously seen some peeps who'd had a wee bit too much of the old dizzy water and then got on skates - it's not a good combination. Your ambulance awaits.
We were there at a mixed session ie kids and adults. I would NOT do that again! Kids are a flippin' liability man! They bolt about in all directions and don't look before darting out in front of you. That's one thing I think the staff could do a wee bit better - monitor the kids more. I know we're all there to have fun but some of those kids are CRAZY DANGEROUS. Yes little miss purple top and yellow trousers, I'm talking about you. It could be like the swimming - the lifeguard blows a whistle and points at you and you know you're in trouble and then you behave for a little bit.
One advantage to the kids session though is that it was normal chart music, which I think is fine. When I've been before it's been dreadful 70s disco music - not the stuff you've ever heard before - the stuff that hasn't survived the test of time and is just horrible. So I was quite glad of some Little Mix tbh. I'd be interested to hear what the tunes are like at an adult only session.
I'll definitely be back here - it's great fun, good exercise, and something different to do. I'd like to get really good at skating, but for now I'm happy just to be managing to dodge the weans and remain upright. read more