Columbus' Adult Roller Skating Scene

For some of us, the thought of hitting up the roller rink and lacing up a pair of skates is best relegated to elementary school children. With the scarcity of rinks and lack of attention to the scene, you might think roller skating is on the decline. But a visit to Skate Zone 71 on Adult Night is proof that roller skating isn't dead - it's just gone underground. We got a peek into this vibrant subculture that is flourishing right here in Columbus.

[@WhiteFuryJade]

"The more skaters - the bigger the family" . What a heartfelt phrase

[@pheenix42]

"Just me, my Eights, and a wood floor." Here is a man who has his head on straight.

[@aliciablanchard2500]

I agree with what the gentleman said... it’s an amazing stress relief. I go solo and free my mind from every care in the world...

[@a7laktkota]

Amen!

[@ladykay8183]

I’m about to dust my skates off and hit the floor Saturday

[@freddymarcel-marcum6831]

How did it go?

[@loyalti1287]

😂😂😂😂 I can't, Rollin 😷😷😷😷

[@user-qk7sc2rw2d]

@@loyalti1287 same😂

[@maryriley6163]

Man, that was delightful. It takes me back to the eighties when I skated nine sessions a week. I was 33 and felt on top of the world when I was roller skating. Thanks for making me feel young again.

[@markfalso6634]

Wow! I only went to 2 sessions a week. You did 9 a week! That was amazing! I did though skated about 4 to 6 times a week when I was working at a rink for a year in 1990. Boss said I can skate anytime but has to have lights off. So I did!

[@Itsbrandonali]

The skating scene where I live is minimal. I wish I had friends who are passionate like me about roller skating!

[@chromecuty]

BRANDON ALI ditto

[@Itsbrandonali]

I think I might! @JUSTPASSINGTHROUGH

[@aliciablanchard2500]

We have an adult rink in MN that is pretty dope but I always wanted to travel to see other rinks.

[@roisincolcomb9517]

Same

[@rubylimey7614]

I understand..i go solo🙂

[@SOULSafeProductionZ]

Dude said he had been skating for 58 YEARS!That's CRAZY!

[@gaillacour8872]

I started skating when I was 7 , I’ll be 64 in May and I still SKATE, if only the RINKS open back up in Northern California, they are all shut down in the Bay Area 😔

[@markfalso6634]

Hey, I am 56, skated since age 13. That would be 43 years. I recalled I was skating in the late 1970s a guy who looked 80 something and he followed to the same rink another place because the one in 1970s closed in 1983.. and then people told me he's 88 years old (I think this was 1986 they told me). He was skating like those skaters in the video. Wow! So, anybody can do it.

[@Hdidbi_3049]

I’m 15 and I just bought new rollerskate and I’m excited lol

[@markfalso6634]

Thats great! Have fun!

[@gobcyips499]

same bro

[@who8dapple]

Stay safe, enjoy and keep on rollin!

[@theartist_harlivi]

A new Aussie skater here...feeling the depth of love and freedom and being in my own world, sharing in something and finding a family on wheels. It feels like I found something I never knew I was missing. Beautiful video, thank you.

[@omargarza4724]

How can you not love this? I’m 53, Hispanic and always wanted to skate. Where I grew up as a child there was no such thing. For my 53rd birthday got me a pair of skates. Watching videoes and there is this, a rich alive culture! So awesome to see, wish I had been skating in my childhood. Maybe i would have a little bit more skill .

[@anjollabanton230]

Omar don't knock the skills u gave acquired.good on u. I took roller via ice skating. Love every new breath it has given. I started Just before my 60th👍👍👍🤣🤣

[@rexsexson5349]

Only in my town, Columbus, Ohio. Love it. Being 42, well yeah never lose the inner child.

[@taylorwarren5808]

Rex Sexson 😱😱😱😱😱 IM GOING. This is like a DREAMLAND to me! I love skating and this would be perfect!!

[@tweetiebirdism]

Is it still open?

[@mayajohnson2677]

@@tweetiebirdism yes it is!

[@OldSchoolDanceFitness]

Just went skating for the first time in over 10 years. Fell in love all over again. These folks are for real-amazing talent and great love. Can't wait to get back into it. Thanks for the motivation!

[@GeemailMailboxx]

Man I remember skating in the 70's when the DJ plays that one song and your immediately immersed into your own private world, you don't even notice the people around you anymore, you just let happiness flow through you and do your Thang. 🌻🌼🌞👍🤗

[@Ayplus]

Thats a dope rink

[@michaelrezzuto8794]

I can't stop smiling as soon as I get in the rink.

[@aliciablanchard2500]

MICHAEL REZZUTO Everyone calls me smiley at the rink because once I’m skating I’m happy. The dopamine that flows through you while you skate is unreal.

[@manoncauvier4295]

Columbus adulted and High paroulett e partager avec amis Manon cauvier

[@manoncauvier4295]

Bravo patin roulettes super bon musique monde entier bravo bravo félicitations

[@vdubdesigns6530]

I skate quads too, and I also play roller derby and it's my favorite thing to do!

[@markfalso6634]

I skate quads too but not in derby. Ha.

[@davidjessee7701]

I skated my whole youth.. I'm 54 now..i was a floor guard in the 80s.. My boots were Riedell. Plates were sure grip with zinger wheels...

[@Kim1987sc]

This makes me want to relearn how to skate. I haven't done this since I was a child.

[@Skiergold]

I picked it up again last year after 12 years away. Trust me when I say that it never leaves you. Other than that, just have fun!

[@Kim1987sc]

@@Skiergold Very true!! Hope that goes the same to me!!

[@user-dq2ym1nn9k]

go for it - i'm 39 and am back into it after 25 years hiatus...It's all come back to me

[@tmptheville]

We Love Skating in Columbus💖: )

[@ndtwins4011]

I got to cjhs it’s the middle school and every weekend you got over 70 kids planning to go skating so I think our generation gonna bring it back after it was falling out

[@knghtgraphixstudios5475]

Been driving to that rink from Cincinnati for over 20 years and there's nothing like skating there....the talent, the music, the friends and the sessions...best place to skate in Ohio. Fact #1: All of this footage was taken on the Icy Hot Weekend, the biggest skating event in the Midwest. Fact #2: I'm in this video

[@Ruby_Mullz]

I’m 18 and I’ve been skating since I was 10. Since lockdown started I’ve missed it so much because my rink is closed. Can’t wait for this to be over and get back, I feel so free when I skate and it’s like one of passions has died atm! I just love going fast around the rink to some good tunes!

[@lisamarie0678]

I've always wanted to learn how to skate but haven't had anybody to buddy up with.☺

[@markfalso6634]

Aww. Lisa Marie. If I was living closer, I would teach you and help you skate.

[@lisamarie0678]

@@markfalso6634 Thanks😎

[@malakvalentin2352]

Such beautiful people. This world needs more skaters.

[@teresah.6696]

This video should be much longer, I really enjoyed everyone you spoke with...very nice rink, I like the layout.👋👍

[@13Bull13]

“ For 3 to 4 hours I am free no worries in the world“ I love it! I grew up in a roller rink. Skated for 56 hours 2 to 3 times a week. Great way to meet chicks get exercise meet new people and we had a ton of fun. Got experience DJ, skate guarding, working the ticket counter and snack bar. My first jobs were at the rink! I saw this being Anna urethane coated, smooth as hell concrete floor!!!

[@Bunny20246]

I just bought my skates a couple days ago so I'll be going to the rink next month I'm so excited and this is an amazing video

[@karenvonclezie4678]

this is my old childhood hangout !!! I love this place so much!!

[@shawnmurphy4025]

My tribute goes out to Bonnie thanks Bonnie for all the fun and memories of skating at that rink back then in Columbus Georgia 1984

[@mdeborah827]

Just watching ya'll is a stress reliever.

[@jacquelinedarst8313]

Yes u meet many new faces every week. A retire figure skater here thank u for sharing 💓😗.

[@michelleschermerhorn6308]

My Rink! I was born & raised in Columbus, Ohio this was best called USA Skate for the time I went there, and I'm sure I "learned" to skate there under a differnt name , but I was to young to know what that was. I learned to skate in that rink when the "beginners" had to learn in an "inner circle"(in the middle of the wood floor) I had a teenage brother, I was in elementary school, so I could sit on the floor OR watch & learn/try! Needless to say I was an advid skater by middle school, when they finally put the beginners rink over to the side! I grew up in this rink!! I watched them start to incorporate dance along with skating, they started doing concerts....I saw Roxanne Shante perform at this rink when I was 14. This place was my home all through middle school & high school!!

[@rudyrudy6882]

Thank you for your work and time always great, make me feel like rolling again 🇧🇪🙏

[@shawnmurphy4025]

I remember when i was a teenager about 13 i used to skate at the roller rink in Columbus Georgia on Saturday mornings with a lady named Bonnie she would have games in the middle of the rink like races and see who could get to the front first and whoever won got a free coke the first 5 people anyways that was in 1984 it was so much fun back then

[@karlam323]

What a great video!

[@shawnmurphy4025]

Oh what fun it was and with everyone out there hard to believe it's been 35 years now

[@callieduval3000]

I love roller skating I like the furniture in the middle I miss it

[@mayajohnson2677]

Damm this brought back memories😭❤️ we used to have filed trips at school here. And discounts every Friday. I love this place.

[@s81n]

That rink looks amazing!

[@feralLove]

My first pair of skates were in '68, the adjustable kind and then early 70's the white, shoe kind. No roller skating rink near where we lived so the city sidewalks it was. Good wholesome fun!!

[@snepNL]

This looks so much fun.

[@williambillmulholland4799]

We need to get you guys to come to Monett Missouri to our skate night

[@bodytv5629]

I love it! So beautiful❤

[@keithdmaust1854]

So lucky you guys have a really nice floor and rink !!!

[@pickinikki8905]

i absolutely love this

[@ChiefRifa]

Great content

[@roliepoliecolie2200]

Thanks for sharing. 😎😎😎

[@darleneharris5157]

Wow, just so amazing to watch these skaters!! They make it look so easy💞

[@byronschroedel432]

Bad ass, bring it back nation wide!

[@luvTacoCat]

I was never a good skater. I stayed up and that's about all. Watching these skate videos inspire this all body to skate and learn

[@ThundermanSze]

I come from a rural town but when I was a kid we had a rink for several years. I would skate there almost every weekend.

[@Holeeschiite]

To me, I think this is better than going to the club lol

[@ceebee8042]

Nice production

[@geoffreym2311]

I grew up in that skating rink. It still looks good. Love my city...I live in the baltimore/dc area and I've gotten back into the culture.

[@DeeDee-hx1km]

so damn cool.... and a great stress reliever!

[@random9183]

Love Skate Zone 71. Hometown Rink 🙏🙏

[@dylans_vibeschannel]

Same bro 🎉 Skate Zone 71 🔥🔥🔥

[@MaxSkates]

Awesome!

[@darthmaul2005]

This dude be styling in his skates, like you go in your fancy sneakers on them wheels. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@michaellwalker8748]

The entrance to every rink is the same lol

[@8track829]

I'm now in my 50s, living in London. Just like back in the day skater from all over the world are all love!

[@charriwithrow6498]

I come to learn new moves! I love it!

[@chevysmooth4523]

loving this!!!!1

[@shartingfish5761]

Just moved here from NY.. where i used to go skating.. had no idea columbus had this going on..

[@Op614Roll]

And now skates are on 3 month waiting lists, quads and inline. A lot of new options are also coming into the market weekly.

[@flowerchild3312]

I miss Skating, Started at seven .Our local rinks have closed 😢 Hoping one day they'll reopen , That's where I'll be ........

[@codystewart1014]

I love you guys.

[@progressissuccess743]

Subscribed! This brings back memories of when I was a kid. Can I use some of these clips for a documentary?

[@blondebnny]

Made my day ..I miss my old skates now

[@wtchfrmpnw]

I MISS THIS. Dont have this in the state I live in now.

[@jamarcussimmons3044]

I didn't know people were still skating....a lot of people are still skating... from all over... i'm wowed

[@vixen8452]

i went to that exact skate rink once

[@sonofsanto]

I saw the title and thought Christopher Columbus was gonna be skating lmao

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

awesome people and cool rink!

[@kennethbarmer9736]

Love IT!!!

[@smkmd1961]

I know the feeling of freedom of worries when skating.

[@miguelito4603]

Love this. I wish I could skate like that.

[@noris6448]

How's from NJ remember TWIN CITY roller skating rink, still have my skate, i used skate three times a week, now i skate at Branch brook park skating ring.

[@kendrabair6926]

I did roller derby for a bit, tore a ligament in my ankle and haven't been on skates since.

[@ladyestherproductions1398]

Awesome 😎🤩🥰

[@Aliensarethinking]

Beautiful Vibes in there getting it

[@scottm5425]

Inspiring

[@PushandGlide365]

Nice!

[@tweetiebirdism]

We’re older and skated a lot in the 1970’s. Would love to go here, is it still in business? I love watching these skate dancers!

[@Lifeonnmarz]

im 15, but i love this place sooo much ! it’s so amazing :)

[@trevonsmith1139]

stress free life I swear I love s8ing

[@newenglandbassassiassin8364]

My childhood flashed Infront of my eyes 👀 Friday nights a roller kingdom were on fire 🔥 but we didn't have these skills very few people could shuffle like this it's culture

[@Aliensarethinking]

Yeeees! Positive message

[@cindyk4294]

These people are having a ball… so fun to watch!

[@shortbutsweet25]

Love it 🥰🥰🥰

[@joeyhalvorson3231]

I know what I must do now!!!

[@wekqv4237]

My mom knees are bad now but when I was nine like 5 years ago she made sure to teach me how to skate

[@kcire-tv3wy]

I thought the same thing after years of playing basketball on concrete. Once I started skating again and stretching and wearing compression sleeves during skate sessions, my knees actually started to feel better and are stronger. Unless your mom needs a replacement, she might can get back out there. I'm 48.

[@mariereeder3635]

@@kcire-tv3wy I'm 49 and I'm heading back after this virus crap. Smh

[@mistybrown5066]

Love it where is this at

[@TheOnlyMsMissee]

THIS is MY city!!! Man, I miss Columbus!!

[@rebeccarhodes6611]

Its great exercise I enjoyed it when I was a kid

[@guamtek]

Columbus also has a vibrant and growing community of rollerbladers as well. Both sports have been scheduling and enjoying group night skates for a few years now. Check out Columbus night skate on Facebook!

[@legitonejc]

Yeah, as soon as I learn to skate backwards, I’ll be on my way LMAO!....😁💀

[@shawnmurphy4025]

I don't even know if Bonnie would still be alive now she was in her 50s back then

[@Rosesbathroom]

so this is what an actual skating rink is where i work its legit a rink and thats it

[@sndman60]

I began when I was only 5. I grew up on skates in the rinks all over NC. Escaped to an alter universe and was always live. Went into the military and so wanting to get back to it.

[@showgirlsaroundtheworldada4484]

Excellant skate vlog! Where is this place ???

[@markfalso6634]

That rink above was filmed at United Skates of America Interskate 71 in Columbus, Ohio.

[@markfalso6634]

Sorry my mistake, I meant Skate Zone 71.