Photo by Gregg Dunn
Oh, My Quad!
1863 saw the world’s first four-wheeled “quad skate,” and it’s been rolling in and out of the public eye ever since. Today, the masses applaud social media for resurrecting roller skating as a once-dead recreational sport. Truth be told, Berks has been ahead of the curve all along, and it’s showing no sign of putting its toe stop down to brake any time soon. With its variety of beloved rinks, skate park enthusiasts, derby skaters, freestylers and artistic skaters alike; Berks’ tenacious and devoted local skate community hasn’t skipped a beat, and it certainly never lost its cool. Tighten up those laces, skaters; Reading Skatepark Association has been hard at work, and city officials have even reported that Reading is expecting a new cutting-edge skate park of its very own!
Has your mind darted to roller disco, polyester and the lemonade stands of your youth? What about Farrah Fawcett's feathered bouffant or Olivia Newton John grooving through Xanadu? Don’t worry. No itchy polyester crop-tops or corduroy cut-offs are required to get you to strutting, though safety gear is encouraged.
Come Skate with Us!
Believe it or not, a nervous grin or shy wave can gain you access into one of the most en vogue clubs around. A far cry from Mean Girls’ snarky “You can’t sit with us,” today’s breed of roller skater is approachable, diverse and can be seen sporting cheery hoodies emblazoned with ‘Come Skate With Us!’ Berks’ skating community “is welcoming to all people,” says Kristy Brown, 43, of Reiffton. “(It’s) so inclusive. You’ll find people of all genders, races, sizes, ages and orientations in the roller skating community.”
Amy Kline, 33, of West Lawn chimes in, “When I first started skating, I could barely stand up on skates; everyone I met was super helpful and encouraging when it came to learning how to skate. They’re some of the most supportive and encouraging people I’ve had the pleasure to meet.”
“Within the skating community, everyone is equal and has the freedom to express themselves. It allowed me to know the determination and courage to always fight to be the best I could be,” beams Jay-Lyn Feliciano, 19, of Reading. This community “is also the best humanity I have ever experienced. It’s a welcoming group that pushes you to be the best and allows you to be whoever you want to be.”
Park Stars and Derby Dames
Park skating and roller derby may appear as mere mayhem, but quirky camaraderie is where it’s at. This hyped-up whirl of endorphins offers the cheeky catharsis we could all use. Speaking of cheeky, roller skating is good for your brain AND your bootie. “I’ve always found the gym to be so boring,” says Kristy. “It’s not just skating around a rink. There’s derby, jam skating, speedskating, trail skating, park skating — there’s something for everyone!”
Roller skating offers low-impact, fun and dynamic workouts. “I feel powerful when I’m on my skates,” Jen Beebe, 37, of Temple shares. “I don’t like walking, jogging or running, but I love to get miles in on my skates. I feel dead tired, but so alive afterward; it’s fabulous.”
“It gives me my sense of self and a way to exercise while having fun!” says Tanara Govern, 50, of Lenhartsville. “My favorite thing about my skating community is the inclusion of everyone. The local rinks that I go to in Berks County are always filled with a mixed crowd of young and old.”
Rink Rats to Royalty
Rick Smith, 73, of Douglassville, a towering man of few words and a self-proclaimed loner, began roller skating at age 15. Like any sensible young man, he figured the roller rink was a prime scene to meet girls. Much to his surprise, he was good — multiple-time national champion good! While racking up titles in the rink, he remained a lone wolf, only discovering the warmth of the skating community when paired with his spry new skating partner and now bride-to-be, Kathy Tini, also of Douglassville. “When we first started skating together as a team, he never even spoke to me when I went into the rink! On the floor, however,” Kathy swoons, “the chemistry was amazing.”
At 63 years, she met her skating partner and life partner. They competed together until retiring from competition in 2017, continuing to teach throughout their competitive years. Kathy was invited to Shillington’s Skateaway, starting the artistic skating club. Teaching on skates three days a week, she is now 75 and proudly proclaims, “I’m still hell on wheels!”
“The beauty of skating at any age is the freedom it gives you; the timeout when nothing matters. I’ve loved the camaraderie skating has afforded me in my later years. I’ve met so many skaters from around the world, and we all have our story — our love of the freedom you feel.” As for roller skating’s uptick in popularity, Kathy wishes, “We’re hoping the popularity continues for a sport we’ve given our best years to!”
Staying Gold
Consider the baton successfully passed to the younger generation by way of all-star artistic roller skater Alivia Spitz, 15, from Exeter Township. Bursting into her competitive roller skating journey at Berks’ own Fantasy Skating Center at just 9 years old, Alivia was smitten. Shortly thereafter, she set her sights on winning a medal with Team USA. 2021 brought her National Championship medals and, this year, she’s skating in the Junior World class division. “Every time I step on the rink, I feel a sense of determination to reach those goals. When I’m feeling stressed with school or with friends, I use skating as an outlet, and the rink is a safe place for me.” Alivia’s love of skating goes far beyond the rink, acting as her finely tuned compass. “I get to do something I love. I experience many things, good and bad, all of which will help me navigate my future. Overall, skating is my ‘happy place’ and pushes me to be the best person I can be.” That is most certainly a win.
