As we head into the new term and start back to school, college and university, we look forward to welcoming new roller skaters to the small selection of classes we are starting again this September.
Almost everything will be different, our venues, our instructors and the number of people we are able to welcome.
However, our tiny class sizes mean you will get to know other skaters quickly. Our high instructor to participant ratio means you will make the best progress you can, and we love working with new venues.
Learning as an adult can be really daunting, so here are a few stories shared by some of our lovely skate community in Leeds.
Nic said:
"I loved the idea of skating but had done very little, even as a kid. I found the RGG ‘Beginner Classes’ and thought “This is for me!”. As I’d just had my 42nd birthday when I started, I assumed that the class would be full of people much younger than me but I couldn’t have been more wrong! I didn’t know anyone else there but everyone was very friendly and welcoming….it’s fair to say that the roller skating community is the most fantastic, diverse and inclusive. Having no natural ability at all, I was entirely reliant on the RGG teaching me….which they did brilliantly and safely. Learning how to stop and how to fall without hurting yourself gives you so much confidence to progress. And the best is thing is that you will see improvement in every single session…..and when something new ‘clicks’ it’s the best feeling in the world. Everyone is cheering you on from the side lines because every skater, however good they are now, remembers what it feels like to put those skates on for the first time."
Gemma said:
"Fuelled by fond memories of skating as a child I booked on the Roller Girl Gang beginner course as a 30-something. From the first class I was hooked again! Expect lots of encouragement, lots of laughs and perhaps a tumble or two...no-one’s perfect! Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a complete novice you’ll always be welcome at a Roller Girl Gang session. Come and join in the fun."
Lizzie said:
"My sister and I attended the beginner course together as we thought it looked fun! Neither of us had skated since being children and so we were very much beginners.
Before the first class I felt really nervous. I didn’t really know what to expect and was scared of being terrible!
There was such a friendly welcome when we arrived that my initial anxieties went away.
I felt like it took me ages to put my skates on and stand up but by the end of the first lesson I felt much more comfortable being on skates.
Each lesson built on the skills from the previous lesson with plenty of time to practice. Mel was always on hand to offer extra tips or help when needed. It didn’t matter at all that we all learn at a different pace.
Everyone in the group was really supportive of each other.
After completing the course I felt much more confident and had developed a foundation of skate skills to keep building on.
Since completing the course I have carried on skating and have attended further Roller Girl Gang sessions and workshops. I have made some lovely friends through attending classes. Skating is not only fun but also a great workout and great for your emotional wellbeing!
I really enjoyed the confidence boost learning to skate with RGG gave me. Everyone was made to feel welcome and I loved the friendly and informal nature of the sessions. The instructors are so patient and happy to go over something as many times as you need.
I have continued to enjoy attending RGG sessions and love the skate community I am now part of."
Rosie said:
"I first skated with Roller Girl Gang two years ago on the beginners course and I haven’t looked back!
Having never skated before, other than as a child, I didn’t really know what to expect and I felt really nervous.However I really shouldn’t have as I absolutely loved the sessions and have loved continuing my skate journey with RGG.
The sessions were very well organised, the skills were broken down clearly and there was plenty of time to practice the skill being taught.
RGG were so skilled at ensuring they supported everyone at their own level and that the progression of skills was appropriate for total beginners yet with added challenge for those more confident skaters.
I haven’t been the quickest at picking up new skills but I was never made to feel like I wasn’t good enough. In fact what I love about the RGG classes is that all achievements are celebrated, whether it’s falling over slightly less in a session or nailing a really tricky skill - all progress is amazing!
I really enjoyed the confidence boost learning to skate with RGG gave me. Everyone was made to feel welcome and I loved the friendly and informal nature of the sessions. The instructors are so patient and happy to go over something as many times as you need.
I have continued to enjoy attending RGG sessions and love the skate community I am now part of."
We plan to continue to build the classes we can offer as we continue to secure venue space across the city. Thank you for understanding and being patient as it is vital we do this safely. Roller skating has become incredibly popular during lockdown and we will continue to do our best to support the skate community.