Alright, so picture this: it’s a regular Thursday night, and the beats of some West Coast rap bangers are blasting loud and clear. Over in one corner, a group of O.G.s are deep into a game of spades, while skaters all around are getting ready to hit the rink. Customized Stacy Adams boots with those fiberglass wheels are the weapon of choice for these folks. And let me tell you, the ones already on the floor are putting on a show – busting out tricks, dancing in sync with the music, and pulling off turns that defy gravity. They’re vibing, they’re grooving, they’re just free. Roller-skating in L.A. is a whole vibe.
For the Black community, this tradition goes way back to the ’50s and is still going strong today, even though there’s a serious lack of rinks in the city. Most of these skaters can’t even remember when they first learned to skate – it’s just part of who they are. If you’re Black in L.A., chances are you’ve got some serious wheels.
So, when I started digging into the history of indoor roller-skating in L.A., I knew I had to start at World on Wheels – the legendary rink that closed in 2020. Nipsey Hussle helped bring it back to life for a hot minute in 2017, but then it was gone for good. World on Wheels was like the Mecca for Black skaters in L.A., everyone had been there at least once.
With some help from skating documentaries like “United Skates” and “Roller Dreams,” I connected with some true legends in the skate game. Folks like Horace Butler from the Scooby Brothers crew, Roxy Young, the brains behind Roxy’s Backyard Sk8 Boogie, and DJ Wayne D, the man behind the Sk8 Pop Up. These people have been in the skating scene for decades and have seen it all.
In L.A., skating is more than just a hobby – it’s a way of life. Rinks are like a second home, a place to let loose, connect with the community, and just be yourself. Regardless of the challenges they face, these skaters are committed to keeping the tradition alive.
Now, let’s talk about the style. L.A. skaters have a vibe all their own. It’s all about the footwork, the swag, the confidence. Stacy Adams boots and those slick moves – it’s a whole mood. And the music? Oh, you better believe it’s a big part of the whole vibe. You can’t just play any old tunes at a West Coast rink.
But now, with World on Wheels gone and only a few rinks left, the skating community is feeling the pinch. It’s tough not having a spot to call home. But these skaters are resilient. They’re finding new ways to keep the culture alive, whether it’s skating in warehouses or turning vacant buildings into impromptu rinks.
At the end of the day, skating is more than just a pastime – it’s a family, a community, a way of life. And for these skaters, no matter what challenges come their way, they’ll keep on rolling. Because that’s just what they do.
