Southern Californian Rollerskaters Still Hold on to Tradition Despite the Decline of the Sport’s Popularity

Despite many people facing uncertainty amidst the chaos of COVID-19, the pandemic gave way to an unlikely resurgence in rollerskating and roller derby. Regarded as a prominent pastime from the 1960s to the 1980s, rollerskating quickly became a quarantine hobby for thousands of people to practice in solitude. However, with quarantine restrictions being lifted mid 2023, the suddenly popular sport diminished as many saw a return to normal life on the horizon. Rollerskating culture had experienced its second decline, and slipped once again into a stagnant state. Today, the culture and impact of roller skating still has one foot on the track, with small pockets of skaters and derby players taking pride in the uncommon and often peculiar sport. 

The origins of modern rollerskating date back to the civil rights movement, serving as a symbol of progression and means of equality. Across the United States, black communities were barred from “Whites Only” roller rinks. To many opposing parties, the demand for representation in roller skating rinks in the 50s and 60s seemed insignificant. However, the demand for equality in any and all spaces was a vital driving point within the civil rights movement. An example of unwavering grit could be seen in the then 27 year old Ledger Smith’s 685-mile journey from Chicago to Washington D.C., on quad roller skates, to attend Dr. Martin Luther King's famous “I Have a Dream” Speech. While Smith’s exhibition remains widely unacknowledged today, his journey set in place the symbol of freedom that rollerskating still holds. 

Following the next nearly six decades of Ledger Smith’s journey, rollerskating rinks across America saw a turbulent history. In the Inland Empire, numerous rollerskating rinks experienced the boom of the 1980s roller skating culture, followed by a steep decline in participants in the 1990s and early 2000s. Local rollerskater Carla Estevez recalls some of her earlier memories of roller skating, saying “The place I learned how to rollerskate was in Riverside-Rollercity 2001. And that place closed down. I used to go every weekend.” Carla’s story is one of many. Stardust Roller Rink, located in San Bernardino fell victim to a fire years after its doors shut, ultimately diminishing any chance of the roller rink’s revival. 

The rollerskating culture of today looks vastly different from that decades ago. Resilient rollerskaters have taken to local skateparks and streets in order to skate. The transition in the culture of rollerskating is not based on the success or defeat of roller rinks, but rather the continuous fight for community. Frances Zelaya, a 27 year old rollerskater in Perris, California says “The best skate experiences honestly come from a community. The community is super welcoming, loving and supportive, and just wants more people involved.” Subcultures of any kind operate with a sense of grit and arrogance. Rollerskating is no different. When well-kept wood floors go up in flames, rollerskaters rely on one another, and the spaces available to continue the sport. 

To many, roller skating may seem cut and dry. However, the sport offers a variety of styles, tricks, and gameplay. Percy, a 21 year old roller skater from Washington, has gravitated towards freestyle skating-a choreographed dance style of skating. “Honestly, it looks a lot easier than it is,” Percy says. “Sometimes it can be really simple. You just have to get a feel for it and understand what's playing. Your feet are going to naturally move, but it's a matter of making it smooth.” Despite the challenges and frustration that comes with each rollerskating style, the sport offers an almost therapeutic effect. 

The foundation of any subculture relies heavily on a sort of frequency unknown to most, yet acknowledged to those within. Rollerskating is a textbook example. While localism is prominent in cultures of punk, skateboarding, and surfing, the beauty of rollerskating is its lack of localism. This allows for seasoned skaters to flourish while simultaneously encouraging those who are just starting out. Carla Estevez puts it perfectly, saying “If you want to try it, try it. I know it might seem scary, but it's definitely for everyone.” Nowadays, the roller rinks seem few and far between, but the culture is still alive and well, and has truly preserved the original mindsets of the sport.