Why Rollerblading Isn't MAINSTREAM!

[@heyrandy727]

Tom, I really do feel like it’s creators like you that are keeping blading alive. I came back to the sport after 20 years after finding your channel. Unfortunately I’m suffering from an unrelated knee injury but these videos are getting me by. Keep it going my dude 🤘🏽

[@matthewweaver8212]

Similar situation and I agree. This channel is fantastic and makes me sentimental af

[@TomMoyse]

Thanks you so much dude. Hope you heal up fast! Really appreciate the kind words. I’m trying my best. Big part of the reason I started was because I felt there was so much missing - bar edits and interviews, there was nothing I was watching. I’d end up watching skateboard/parkour stuff instead and I don’t do either of those. I still feel like there is loads missing. I’ll keep going as long as I can. Cheers for the support

[@MichaelBarry1861]

Can relate 🙏🏻

[@jeffysoule2076]

Absolutely!

[@JAre-p5z]

Absolutely agree. Thanks Tom!

[@MrRobinThornton]

I love that I see at least 3 bladers in the park every time I go. I also like that many say, "That seems cool. I'd like to give it a go". Many parents say that they want to get back into it. It seems to be building.

[@TomMoyse]

Good to hear

[@J3f3R20n]

The hardest activity to make it look cool, the easiest to make it look goofy, and most people don't want to look goofy when doing something in public. Hell, i know people that skate for 17 years (allegedly) and they still look like they started a month ago, like small ducks learning to walk.

[@TomMoyse]

Haha yep. I think in peoples pursuit to do more tricks, or more accurately, cool tricks, they forget to just get the basics looking really nice. I actually think people put far too much onus on lots of spins or amplitude as a way to draw people in.

[@J3f3R20n]

@@TomMoyse oh yeah, and then people see it and think it's easy lol And then there's trying to finding a proper skate that fits well and it's comfortable which is a whole different can of worms..

[@TomMoyse]

@@J3f3R20n yea it’s blows my mind how uncomfortable skates can be. But my skates never fit as a kid and that never stopped me 🤷🏼‍♂️ trainers are easier though

[@jackhanson1274]

Wait... so duck waddle to fakie isn't cool? Shit.

[@rob.dark7]

​@@jackhanson1274 😂😂😂

[@sancactusman3096]

2024 gonna be the year of the Bladez!! Just ordered my pair of Them 80s skates coming Friday!!

[@TomMoyse]

Nice

[@tjl3979]

The lack of big personalities really hurt rollerblading in my opinion. Most Rollerbladers are fairly shy and reserved people and the ones who didn't fit that mold were never marketed. I think the biggest missed opportunity was not marketing the Santee guys. Damian Wilson and Nick Woods were absolutely hysterical in everything they did and were amazing at the sport. It's a shame they weren't 10 years younger. If they were in their prime during the Instagram and tik tok era, they probably would be the biggest Rollerbladers online

[@TomMoyse]

The Santee guys were wild, 2000 jackass era would have been a perfect time for them

[@RusPitman]

I've seen quite a few comments from skateboarders who used to blade saying that it was heaps of fun to do but they stopped due to social pressure etc. I think showing the general public just how fun it is to roll about again is key to getting the numbers back up. A less serious/core approach is definitely needed while still presenting it in a modern or "cool" context. There's also a wider spectrum of disciplines now that having people attempting aggressive AFTER already picking it up and having fun could be likely again.

[@joshuawomack656]

Totally agree. I’ve been intentionally blading our downtown areas during busy hours for the exposure, and am beginning to see more and more people doing the same. I also think there’s huge potential with the younger scooter crowds that are flooding the community skate parks. I almost never skate amongst the scooters without them lining up in droves to watch me and ask me about it.

[@TomMoyse]

Variety is key and I think we are starting to see more of that now.

[@John_Lee_]

I feel a similar thing is happening/has happened to skateboarding. It's almost un cool to do anything in public anymore besides just being on your phone.

[@TingTingalingy]

​@@joshuawomack656you must be pretty good to draw crowds at skateparks

[@joshuamelton7311]

My friends and I were just talking about this. Rollerblading on KZbin is behind. We think Jumbo is doing a great job so far in showing the scene in its entirety. Keep it up guys. Filming yourself cooking a steak while getting hammered doesn't count btw.

[@TomMoyse]

Hahaha. Yea Jumbo has great potential. Rollerblading KZbin scene is wide open for people to come and start doing something

[@TavsMusick]

As someone who skateboarded and Rollerbladed pretty equally through the 90s, I've always felt the negativity skateboarding put on blading really hurt the sport. Now I see a lot more people on blades at parks and cruising the street which cool. I wouldn't be surprised to see an explosion in the industry again soon.

[@TomMoyse]

Skateboarding played a huge part in its down fall, it’s a part of the reason we were pushed out the x games and lost not only exposure but sponsorship. There is other things that didn’t help, but that a whole other story

[@CRussell1986]

I personally believe rollerblading has the potential to be much more accessible to a wider audience than skateboarding, just look how the quad scene has evolved with social media and the amount of women skating now as a result. Also the free skate/social skate scene, just have a look at the crazy bastards doing social skates in London with a bit of a rave vibe on weekends. Would be great to see more towns/cities with that kinda of scene (like a parkrun for skates) I think the wider community of people skating will naturally filter to more people doing aggressive skating. I don’t even think it’s seen as uncool any more it’s just not thought about but media companies, same really for BMX and scooter

[@TomMoyse]

So many other styles and disciplines housed under rollerblading that could build a huge community

[@patrickthies8683]

Im a freestyle skateboarder. We suffer from alot of the same issues it seems. You can now see alot of rollerblading back in parks and stuff. The big thing that is not translating is technical difficulty. Im never to sure what exactly happened unless someone is doing obviously Crossfooted or 1 footed slides. The technical difficulty doesnt translate like a flip or rotation does. Videos like this certainly help to make for a some inside to create a shared experience. Also having modern events and content creating is key. New kids getting exposed to the sport dont care all that much wether someone was good at rollerblading 30 years ago so good job on filling that role!

[@TomMoyse]

Yes it’s interesting because so much of modern skateboarding came from freestyle right?

[@michaelswann9849]

I know skateboarder mag described rollerblading as the bastard red headed stepchild that lives under the stairs. Skateboarder for 25 years here. Its kind of quaint to see the one or two bladers pull up to the park. Like an old rival. At least we can both agree on our hatred for the scooter kids

[@TomMoyse]

Ha

[@yingyangfeet]

Great writing, you addressed this subject eloquently. Cheers M8, I look forward to your videos.

[@TomMoyse]

Cheers pal. Really glad you like it

[@TheRollingRaptor]

Wonderful. ❤ I'm not a big fan of competitions, but I'm all in for using KZbin to show more people just how much fun rollerblading is. 🤘 Fun's what's keeping blading alive.

[@TomMoyse]

Thanks. Got to have it all, some people like competition and it a great spectacle (probably the main driving force of most sports) plus variety and various in video content 🤝🏻

[@TheRollingRaptor]

@@TomMoyse Yeah, true! I absolutely love all the amazing footage from events like Winterclash, I just don’t care who’s the winner. Just seeing all those people gathered together and getting pumped up by some blader performing awesome tricks: that’s what it’s all about, I guess. :-)

[@MusiCaninesTheMusicalDogs]

Oh, look who's here! Tim, a great skater with lots of great urban skating content! I bet his videos could get even cooler with some drone footage!

[@toddhansen5072]

I have a strange feeling a nostalgic resurgence of rollerblading isn’t too far off…🤷‍♂️ and I’m a skateboard guy…

[@TomMoyse]

Rollerblading has had a lot of “back to blading” over the last 3/4 years boosted by the lockdown. Be cool if there was another boost

[@asmonder6734]

What an exceptional quality work 👌You are like an archeologist of rolleblading mate. Even though I like how rollerblading is not so mainstream, sadly it won't help it to grow - so stepping up to be a mainstream sport is a bit involuntary necessity I reckon.

[@TomMoyse]

Thanks for the kind words. Going mainstream defo has compromises, but the pros out weigh the cons. In my opinion 🤝🏻

[@Jwjmvids]

Personally that's what draws me to it, even when it was at its peak 90/00s it was still anti pop culture, I think it always has been always will be the bad boy of extreme sports😅

[@fabianbene8594]

But look how far punk has come

[@TomMoyse]

Haha. Think everyone is on insta now so I’m not sure it’s really anti pop culture anymore - just not that popular. I guess it nice to do something not everyone does, but I’d rather it was mainstream and pros got paid

[@Roman-tc6zl]

bad boy of extreme sports is fmx.

[@Roman-tc6zl]

I think its not anti pop culture. it just got way too big in the beginning. the golden times were a bubble.

[@FR-AN]

Loved this one Tom, everything is spot on. And loved you plugging clips from Joe in SF. That video is thing of beauty.

[@TomMoyse]

Thanks man. Tried to take a different approach with this subject to previous videos that kind of touched on it. Joe is SF is stunning. So glad it final came out so I could plug in those clips

[@jonastronaut2942]

I think it would be cool to get a marketing competition going. instead of having a WRS style video competition, rollerbladers would present what you did to promote rollerblading. This could be anything from starting a local competition, help build a skatepark, setup demos, create your own media channel, create a clothing brand. Companies band together to build a prize, and provide promotional material to be used in their endeavour.

[@jonastronaut2942]

That or get shaquille o'neil to do a frontside on the stapes center hubba.

[@TomMoyse]

Guess One have a market award but there is no really prize for it.

[@Metal_Scott]

I'm really glad you make this content! I've been blading since I was 3 years old but just now in my 30's am I skating at skate parks for the first time and learning aggressive tricks. Every time I see someone in skates at the park it makes me happy to know that it's not dead yet. Sadly I think you're right about people not recognizing any roller bladers' names. I just found out that Takeshi Yasutoko has a KZbin channel and despite putting put absolute banger vidoes he barely gets any views at all. It just strikes me as a huge shame

[@TomMoyse]

Thanks for the commments. Yea it’s a strange old situation rollerblading finds itself in. I think what we can do is enjoy what’s going on right now, trying and support the companies and people who are doing good things and host events. 🙌🏻

[@aniekkerkhofs4619]

You are making some great points! In my local city we will have a miniramp contest in the middle of the city, which is also great for exposure and relatability!

[@TomMoyse]

Thanks you. Comp sounds like great marketing

[@ronaldorivera9297]

Awsome video i havent shred is a few years but you kinda got me motivated. I actually was in the DALY BREAD magazine once 2 pages and all a long time a go tho. I mivht vet a pair of skates thanks bro!!!

[@TomMoyse]

Sick! Glad to hear you’re motivated. You still got that Daily Bread mag?

[@ronaldorivera9297]

@@TomMoyse na my frien miguel ramos has it

[@TomMoyse]

Miguel is a great dude

[@olivertuite6440]

Great content as always. Spot on with the analysis can't wait for the next one.

[@TomMoyse]

Cheers man! Really appreciate that!

[@matgxx]

I live in Buenos Aires and there's a lottttt of groups who rollerblade all the city, there's groups with like 50 people and 1000, there's a lot of us here

[@TomMoyse]

Good stuff - keep it up

[@Maxigorito]

Tom, I really appreciate your content and your humor. You get the vibe of rollerblading and how it’s supposed to be fun and funny. I have something to say about this video: rollerblading is mainstream. I was at the beach last week, cool skatepark and all, and lots of people rollerblading along the beach front. Lads, families and women. They were enjoying seeing us skating the park and it seemed like they connected with us aggro skaters. I feel we should be appreciative of this connection and realize what we do is actually super cool. What’s your take on this?

[@TomMoyse]

Sound like a great scene where you are but this is not replicated world wide, or even just across the whole of Europe or America. Our industry can’t even really support it’s pro, I’m pretty sure none or next to non are full time. We don’t get Tv exposure, we don’t have external brands sponsoring rider etc. we are very far from mainstream. But I still think we can add to our culture. If there is something positive in your area try to capitalise on it, host jams and event, allows passers by to try on skates etc. thanks for the kind words dude

[@fastbladeproductions7961]

I"m so glad you came out with this video... I was wondering the same thing why isn't this mainstream.... I'm a quad skater that just bought my first pair of Rollerblade RB Pro X (I got wide feet) .... absolutely love them... the fit is perfect after a little heat... I'm in NYC.... so I'll be pushing as much as I can to get this more popular....

[@TomMoyse]

Amazing. Enjoy

[@mikedeezy]

Tom thanks for everything you do! Really appreciate the hard work you put into these videos

[@TomMoyse]

Thanks mate, really appreciate that. Trying my best to

[@johannesr8709]

I reall agree with you opinion on the media/youtube presents. Keep it up! Ur my go too for content on roller blading! Love it!

[@TomMoyse]

Cheers mate really appreciate the support

[@chris-piascik]

Another great video!

[@TomMoyse]

Thanks Chris. I really appreciate the kind words. I got a few more tales to tell

[@iamsensored7461]

As a skateboarder it seems like yalls community is going through what skateboarding did during the 90s We had a huge boom and peak in the 80s and then we became wack and stupid to the general public all before our style and culture was adopted in the early 2000s and ever since skating has blown up to the Olympics and I hope rollerblading gets there too because that shit is fucking HARD lmao

[@TomMoyse]

Yea be cool for rollerblading to get a little more mainstream attention. Would just like to see the top pros make a proper living from it

[@boseph97]

Great video, spot on!! Just need a decent televised event again and more content creators such as yourself

[@PalkasAd]

I am totally by your side and you had a lot of good points I never tought about. As you mention Rodney Mullen and you explain his style or style of tricks I thought it is the same view I have of Wizard Skating, high technical with low risk. And that is the reason it is so appealing to me. Great Work keep up the great work

[@TomMoyse]

Yes that’s going to have a bigger and bigger impact on agg as well I think

[@popthatbeep]

This is why you need POSERS in every scene. It's easier to for a poser to buy a skateboard, roll a bit and be looking edgy rather than trying to even stand on blades. Plus, getting on a pair of blades is a hassle

[@TomMoyse]

Yep. People buy into the lifestyle.

[@josephglass5287]

I think you're spot on with more personalities being shown, high quality KZbin videos or channels, and a blading league being able to play a huge factor as well as better brands and marketing. We had a comp in my state recently that was for boarders, BMXers, and bladers so I wish that coexistence was more common. Another new comp in my state, crowder power, had a women's and kids division last year and added quads this year which I thought was smart. I started blading again after a 15 year break from it thanks to watching the Barely Alive documentary and KZbin channels like yours. And interesting brands like Senate and personalities like Arlo Eisenberg is what got me started. Met a few pros last year including Montre Livingston which was inspiring. One important element you left out is starting local blading groups which works in bigger cities like Raleigh where they have a shop now too. I am also a big supporter of local and DIY skate parks. The more people do it, the better it gets, the more exposure it gets, and the more it will be accepted back into and appreciated by the mainstream. I'm honestly fine with where it's at now but it would be better if it was more popular if not so I just didn't have to deal with all the haters. It's a constant annoyance but not quite as bad as scooters or RC cars at the skate park at least.

[@TomMoyse]

Well put man. 🤝🏻 Yea there is lots we can do ourselves and even if it doesn’t results in a major uptake/sponsorship etc, it will just add to our culture for those who already do it

[@MyHam-os4bq]

Ive recently gotten into rollerblading again for the first time since I was a little kid, and I’m also getting quads for Christmas. I’ve been doing a lot of research because I really want to make this an actual thing for me (for fun and commuting around campus) and I keep wondering why it isn’t more mainstream, even tho it’s such great exercise and super fun. I think one of the reasons people don’t really talk about is that it takes a lot more skill and endurance than, say, biking, and even skateboarding. It’s more risky as well. It’s one of those things most people do for a couple weeks or months just to get somewhat mediocre at it and then quit. I would even argue that that’s part of the appeal for people who stick with it long term.

[@beach-foxes]

Aw wow I'm so fucking glad I found your channel - I'm really interested in the history of rollerblading and the culture surrounding it, so this is perfect, very informative thank you!!😊

[@TomMoyse]

Thanks you - really appreciate that

[@Siegefya]

I like that it's not as sold out as skateboarding is. I'd say at least 80% of skateboarding is sold completely out, not being controlled by people who actually skateboard or care to ever skateboard, only in it for the sales, then pull phony asz marketing gimmicks to make people think they actually care. Rollerblading, what we do have, vast majority of it is owned by people who actually rollerblade or used to rollerblade and/or still truly care about the actual act of rollerblading. However, I'd like for it to be more accessible, more local shops, even skates sold at department stores, sporting goods stores etc. Some of this requires some sell out. But don't get it twisted, not all professional skateboarders live off of professional skateboarding, actually a pretty high percentage of them, mainly ones with only core sponsors, and who don't do well in contest or don't skate contests, usually CANNOT live off of what they make as a professional skateboarder and this is getting worse as time goes on. It's a small amount of them that actually live off of skateboarding, and even smaller amount that make big money. So their core aspect isn't far off from where rollerblading is now, the skaters who really believe in core brands are what's making them survive as brands. The corporate aspect of skateboarding is absolutely crushing their core side, and has been for years, they are trying to hang on but it's tough competition. Nike and Adidas absolutely came in and killed their core shoe game, Vans is not core anymore and hasn't been for a while, neither is etnies or DC, Es kind of is but no really kindof the same thing as etnies, I think their main owner is actually a corporate company. I love how Julio and THEM is handling things, I think his brand absolutely should be supported, even if you don't like the skates at least support the softgoods because Julio has the right idea. Oh and lastly, I'm on the side of Fvck Salomon, and I wish skaters would stop trying to dig those out of someone's basement and let them crumble, it's really unfortunate they built such a good product because I wish they'd just disintegrate. I do not feel the same way about K2 for instance..I'm not mad at people skating k2's still, because K2 at least tried when things really started to slow down, and they are still into the fitness recreational aspect. Salomon was the first ones out when things got tough, I don't respect a company like that corporate or not. It's not about "skate what you want and have fun" to me when it comes to Salomon, I'm 34 and started skating around 99-2000 I was around when they shut down and it wasn't cool how they did it, cool they introduced UFS, great..fcck off. If they ever come back I still won't like them, because that just means they are back because rollerblading is popping and I don't respect that. So, I don't mind corporate involvement, just do it with respect.

[@TomMoyse]

Yep support Julio and Billy. I think the pros outweigh the cons in terms of biggest sponsors coming in. I’d rather more people made a living off rollerblading than they do now. There is more we can do without that though. More intelligent use of KZbin

[@bobanmilisavljevic420]

I think a big problem with rollerblading is you don't have your shoes with you as easily. Maybe somehow highlighting carrying shoes in a backpack as part of rollerblade culture to get more people into using skates 🤷‍♂️ I don't even skate anymore but I like your channel and if I ever started again, it would be because of this

[@Tomp4ul]

Agreed.. there was a time me and my brother would skateboard to the skatepark to go rollerblading, mainly because it was super easy to go in shops on the way without having to either lock a bike, or change out of skates.

[@TomMoyse]

Yea the whole shoes thing is a bit of a stinker. I wonder if there is something in embracing it more like you said. Thanks for the kind words about the channel and glad you can still enjoy it even though you’re not skating right now 🤝🏻

[@RusPitman]

@@TomMoyse instead of keys let's have shoes hanging from belt loops

[@TomMoyse]

@@RusPitman hahaha yes

[@Tomp4ul]

@@RusPitman Lightweight & ez slip-on/off, like crocs but with a bit more streetwear style to em, I could see them hanging from belts n bags

[@xn-triq7607]

The problem with making content this good! Is you've gotta follow it up, but I believe in you bro 👏🏾 This was next level, you're definitely leading the way in RB culture, you actually get it!! Ricardo & other's are just bit 🤦🏾‍♂️ (I don't wanna say corny but.....) 😏

[@TomMoyse]

Haha cheers dude! Just trying to make stuff I’d like to see. Really appreciate the support and kind words 🙌🏻 I’ll keep trying my best

[@RusPitman]

Yeah Tom's stuff doesn't just feel like "standard KZbin content". He's injected his personality into it and developed a style which makes the videos more engaging and less "hey guys welcome to my channel".

[@xn-triq7607]

@@RusPitman I'm with you bro, if anything it makes me want to unsub whenever I hear.... "Hey guy's! Make sure you hit that subscribe button and push the bell" 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@TomMoyse]

@@RusPitman haha thanks you, genuinely really appreciate that people like what I do.

[@TomMoyse]

@@xn-triq7607 hahaha I try to avoid the whole please subscribe stuff, and just be myself instead. Threw in a bit about KZbin membership and my merch this time just to try and help support myself so I can continue to do this. Going to try and keep it up for as along as a can but it’s wild trying to make this my job haha. Thanks again for the support

[@chanceblevins6682]

In other words it didn't have fashion brand names to appeal to the sheeple

[@anadraham2995]

💪🔥💪You did a truly fantastic job with this video brotha💪🔥💪

[@TomMoyse]

Thanks you mate

[@rapstarD]

I just got a new set of fr1. Gonna get skating again. I loved skating from 96 till about 2007. Here in canada winter kills us. Flowskate youtube channel is near me in Alberta. Nice to have skaters around still

[@baskets8429]

Street league is something we need A park w good street type obstacles I remember going to the old Chicago Windy City Riot We has smooth below waist marble ledges , a ledge going over two sets that’s long , handicap rail Some other rails over steps Combine solid street spots in a park setting and that would make for a good show

[@TomMoyse]

Would be ace

[@TheAbsol7448]

I did a little bit of casual rollerblading as a kid. I'm 23 and a little unfit now and I've gotten extremely interested in this in the last couple days. I know it's not the best comparison, but I have a _really_ good grasp on motion and momentum in video games(Super Mario 64 especially), so I think it's very possible for me to get really good at something like this. I was never too interested in skateboarding, but this looks _really_ fun and I had no idea this was a thing.

[@TomMoyse]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@AmandaabnamA]

You just gotta get on! Just compare yourself to how you were previously and no one else. It's takes work, but you'll feel real accomplishment and a change in your body quick

[@WahBauarbeiter]

I skateboard and i rollerblade, and i love both.

[@TomMoyse]

Sound

[@vekomaboomerang4094]

I was born in the late 80's and was fascinated by Rollerblading growing up. I remember my mom buying me a pair of Fisher Price roller skates for me to skate around the kitchen. Up until 2018, I hadn't seen anybody doing any rollerblading since the early 2000's. During the past 6 years, I've worked at two different thrift stores, where they have a section for Rollerblades. So, whenever I would see rollerblades come through our production area, it would take me back to my childhood. I believe that if someone is able introduce Generation Alpha or the next generation to rollerblading, maybe it could make a comeback sometime in the near future. There are a couple of Rollerblading channels out there, all you have to do now is create a new group of fans.

[@TomMoyse]

There are fair few, really talented younger skaters from Japan, South Korea, Brazil and spread across Europe. They will be the ones driving new people to rollerblading but ultimately there are just so many more options these days, ones with better reward systems and more potential for career paths. We just have to keep doing what we doing and focus on building stronger foundations and supporting brands that add to the culture

[@Jordan.Skates]

Great vid. I think two areas that need focus is kids and adults to make skating more attractive in getting into. Agreed that so much focus is on massive tricks that the smaller content gets overlooked. I started a channel because I found a hole in the market, and am just a dude, who loves to skate, is average, and reviews products with edits after riding them for a while.

[@TomMoyse]

Keep it up mate

[@mondop5270]

As an early 90s skater- who was fully immersed in the punk scene i look back at how skating was not simply stuck in one scene. Punks, hip hop, etc etc all had their own but similar scenes which crossed over. Hip hop has made the big skate clothing brands sorta mainstream. Skating always hated roller bladers?! One day i watched a dude taking on a set of stairs completely un skateable (on a board) was maybe 50 stairs? He was doing like a 1000mph and landing about 10 stairs from the bottom, on the stairs edges and trying to clatter roll down the remaining sets... fkn mad as... after about 5 goes he landed it. Respect! Courageous af! After that i felt with the same extreme tricks that many skaters envied ( even the average joe) rollerblading could take off. But...Roller blading and bmx suffered from the 80s 90s cringe factor... unwarranted but due to some colour ridden fame from movies and culture its got a bad wrap. Never bladed more than about 1hr, that first hour i got some very very early blades...

[@TomMoyse]

🤝🏻

[@caseydoingthings]

1000% as a skateboarder and rollerblader its the RELATABLE stuff like truth videos, bacemint videos etc the more tech creative stuff that sparked me from an outside perspective to into blading I credit Forever Now and Face the Music to getting me interested and those had some stunts but more so just style and energy and relatable content... PS love your channel you're the best youtube rollerblade content for sure!

[@TomMoyse]

Cheers mate. Variety is defo key. Rollerblading would benefit from better insights into the lifestyle 🤝🏻

[@userb3nje909]

As an amateur blader, I'm generally the only one on blades at a park. But a lot of people (kids), ask me if its scary being on blades, so maybe there is a fear factor keeping from people trying blades. Its also much eaiser to bail on a board or scooter. When I was learning, not knowing how to stop is a big factor, no one wants to be that guy at the park that cannonballs into some kids or ruins someones line because they cant stop. And lets be real, unless you wanna wear someone elses (sweaty) boot, its hard to get into unless you fork out some cash. Skateboarding and Scooters you can just use your friends, but blades and skates require some initial investment before you can even work out if you like it or not.

[@Andrew_kiwi_AF]

As a kid when I started skateboarding a skate park was a vert and maybe a mini ramp. Years later around 97 I moved to blading as it was the in thing. Groups of skaters everywhere and parks were huge and amazing. I swear there was more skaters then borders at one point. 22 years later I bought some skates and it hurt to just put them on but I support the sport with much pride. Brooke Howard smith was behind senate but I didn’t know this back until recently after I became a local friend of his in a complete different scene to skating.

[@TomMoyse]

Yea at one point there was more rollerblades, which is mad to think

[@MichelBakhos]

💯 you covered every aspect! Great presentation

[@TomMoyse]

Thanks mate really appreciate that

[@sr20shanexxx95]

Used to skate all the time. They shut down a vast majority of the skate parks in my area & what little parks remain are dominated by skateboarders. There are absolutely no rollerbladers in my area anymore as well. Most quit after parks closed or cracked from public pressure of being a “fruit booter.”

[@TomMoyse]

It’s a sad situation. Hopefully you can still get out there, somewhere

[@Equinistah]

Grew up skating (inlines ONLY could never skate on "quads" lol) at my local skating rink and was there EVER singly Friday and Saturday night as a kid up until i was 18 (which was 2006) and so 2006 was the VERY last time I skated until just this past Saturday night we went to a local rink (not my child hood rink sadly as they had to close due to forclosure in 2021...but the rink we did go to was actually originally built like 50 years ago by the EXACT same company that built my childhood rink so they look IDENTICAL inside and have the same maple wood floor in the same size so it felt like "home" to me! Skate Factory in Vero Beach, Florida) and it was also my hubby's 1st time skating (also on inlines) since he was a teenager (im 36 and he is 37 now) and we had SO MUCH FUN and to my SHOCK the skating rink was PACKED. The parking lot was so full there wasnt many open spaces and when we went in the place was packed with all ages. Kids, lots of teens, and even a lot of adults (there with kids and without) and everyone was having such a good time. It made me SO HAPPY to see everyone skating and having a good time. felt like i stepped back into time lol. (actually, i never remember my childhood rink buying quite THAT busy...other than the lock-in/all night/7am to 7pm skates (where I was one of the last girls still up skating by 5am while most kids were passed out on the floor or a bench lol) but man I thought i would "pick it right back up" and i was so wrong lol I was SO off balance and out of shape and tho i didnt fall i came CLOSE a lot of times. after a hour or so i was starting to get my "rhythm" together (as was my hubby, tho he did fall a couple times lol) and i was doing some (not too pretty) cross-overs in the turns and was able to skate on one foot more and more. I cant wait to go back, but we are deff gonna go to adult night (every thursday night) next week cause my hubby didnt like the little kids on the rink cause both times he fell it was due to a small child cutting him off or falling right in front of him which annoyed my hubby. But i think skating is making a come back for sure. I ordered my own skates (powerslide phuzion argon 100s) and they will be here today (i hope) and they are 3-wheeled which ive never skated on so this should be....interesting lol.

[@eighton]

This is a great video!!! Awesome work Tom. Looking forward to more

[@TomMoyse]

Cheers mate - I appreciate that

[@boganblader2679]

Fully agree with all this❤ there is an organisation in australia called the airborn blading academy trying to unify all the state comps into one big league so id like to say aussies are trying to do their bit

[@blazinrokz]

I did not know this. Thanks for the info 🤙🏻

[@TomMoyse]

Good on ya! Hope to see it happen!

[@Neptune8]

Non rollerbladers don’t understand how challenging and unforgiving the sport is and anyone who grew up without it or who grew up only skateboarding, they won’t respect it. I think everyone should try it and they might enjoy it

[@xdepredatex]

I been thinking about entering the KZbin arena. I only have one skate related vid up, if y’all wanna give it a watch I’d be hyped. Just me and my friends, we’re all beginners just havin fun!

[@TomMoyse]

Good stuff man. Keep at it. Probably best to just rattle out videos to begin with. Then once you start to find what you like don’t worry about posting all the time just get the quality in there! 🙌🏻🤝🏻

[@xdepredatex]

@@TomMoyse much appreciated!!

[@puddlestheninja]

Genius, great takes man. Feels spot on. Great video as always.

[@TomMoyse]

Thanks dude! Really appreciate the support

[@AstroWolf18]

Didn’t expect this to spark so much controversy on Reddit. “I’m too lazy to watch it” ??? LOL. That’s Reddit I guess 🤷‍♂️. The KZbin community seems much more receptive. In any case, this was another great insight into the scene. Keep doing what you do, man. You’re easily the best blading content creator and you’re certainly doing your part to keep this red-headed stepchild (forgive the expression) of a sport alive. Looking forward to the next one!

[@TomMoyse]

Haha few Reddit types lost the plot. Thanks for the kind words man. I’ll try my best to keep it going

[@332FG-Pitman]

Sunday Brunch had really nice vids, some funny moments and laughs with some really nice, not necessarily high level skating, but just smooth and looks amazing

[@TomMoyse]

Yes Sunday brunch vids are great

[@LeeMacfarlane]

The RV tour videos are the only ones that keep my attention now. We have some ace personalities in blading and your right that's what gets people invested

[@TomMoyse]

Just got to get that in the videos more. Can totally understand how some people don’t feel comfortable with that, but they more they did it the less they would think about a camera being there. And I’m sure there is natural and authentic ways you can do it

[@sqwat90-06-now]

"I'm not asking for a rom com called Dustin Latimer's Diary" But you should be!!

[@TomMoyse]

Hahaha let’s get Shane to make it - be and interesting Mindgame come back

[@sunflowerlightlove3891]

Hey great video and perspective. I think in-line skating isn't utilizing the different forms either. On social media there is a growing number of Wizard/Flow skating, there's urban skating, and inline figure skating. This is all to say what would help the community is if there are different forms being shown and also making them accessible.

[@TomMoyse]

Thank you. Got to show it all

[@scottanderson3751]

Must of been 94/95 when for my birthday I walked into my local skate shop wanting to purchase a pair of roller boots but the shop keep was putting these new rollerblades from America up on the shelf-never heard/seen of them before so I was curious. Five minutes later I’d had a pair of blades on my feet and fell over once;I bought them and unless it rained I skated ever single day after. I done a lot of street skating and a fair amount of roller hockey but by 20 I’d given it all up and never skated since. Anyways,I’m 43 very soon and gonna get me a pair of blades coz why not ✌️

[@TomMoyse]

Yes man

[@Habeev07]

Im 34 y/o and lived it. Back when I was in middle school, 6th grade in 2000 till my freshman year in 2004 It was a belief that blading was EASIER and trying to steal skateboardings thunder. They called us gay and fruitbooter ofc bc the perceived rec skate look that permiated the early 90s rolling around with heel brakes and a walkman on our hip speed skating looking corny. About 2001 the skating level in a few short years basicaly 10X'd the amplitude and difficulty. Our new star skaters of the time were literally all teenagers compared to skateboardings old guard in their mid-late 20's and looked at us a immature and not ready to be EQUALS to them on the extreme sport circuit. Arlo Eisenberg even speaks about how blading was just too self absorbed and immature at the time for major sponsors to take Blading and its rising stars serious. The lack of a true AMERICAN star didnt help. We had the best street skaters but Park and vert are what the Xgames was about and it wasnt quite developed on our part yet. Blading had a PR issue along with a smear campaign from skateboarding and Jackass' collective fandom. Im glad to see blading where it is now but if Xgames came calling these days I wouldnt be opposed to it. Time heals all and exposure is what we need. More opportunity to show how fun and gnarly this sport is.

[@TomMoyse]

That’s why it fell from grace. But there is plenty we can do now to develop for ourselves if nothing else

[@guy9360]

It's telling I live less than 100 km away from Winterclash and I had not heard of it until I started actively searching for "what's up with inline skating these days". At home, most inline skating will be young kids, roller disco's or longer distance tours with those huge wheels. Which is fun. I haven't seen an aggressive inline skater in 20 years though. Presumably in skateparks but surely not the once I've seen. It's hard to understand for someone who was a kid in the 90's, but it dawns on me maybe a lot of young people taking up scootering and skateboarding simply don't even know about aggressive inline skating.

[@HenrikBSWE]

I'm 37 and grew up in the countryside on a small Island on the west coast of Sweden. We had about 1000 people in the winter and 2000 in the summer because people get summer houses out there. I got my first rollerblades when I was 9 or ten, and for many years I was just out rolling around with my backpack. Not doing any tricks, just going places and shoplifting. Those years was amazing.

[@HenrikBSWE]

Yeah, and it was a brown "stuff" backpack. That I wrote cool things on, like south park, when the first season came in 97. And rage against the machine. Hahaha

[@TomMoyse]

Cool man, wasn’t expecting the bit about shoplifting haha

[@TCHANKAPODCAST]

Spot on! Great job mate.

[@TomMoyse]

Cheers man - I appreciate it

[@mountainpeakcloud8442]

Very interesting insights, lots of great points. Skateboarding is more mainstream, but the only house hold name is Tony Hawk, and that's really because he had a video game that everyone played, even people who didn't skate. I'm into blading, also skateboarded in the 90s, I'm a action figure collector and heavily into metal/rock music, and there's are commonalities in terms of how things stay popular, and you're right that it is KZbin, but short reels on things like Tiktok are huge in things blowing up, as are popular video games. The Deftones were just another 90s band amongst many, but they've blown up with the younger generation because a few people decided to make tiktok videos about them. In the action figure world, there are a lot less kids getting action figures these days because or shows, and far more because of video games. All the kids wanted action figures from Fortnite and Roblox, because those were the games they were playing, where as in the 80s, everyone wanted action figures from their favorite cartoons. I really feel like if there was a cool video game with blading in it, it would go a long way to popularize it with kids, which is the demographic you want to get into it if you want to make it more popular. I feel like our current time is a lot more accepting where something like blading could totally be seen as cool in the mainstream. It was considered "cool" in the 90s among some skateboarders to characterize blading as "gay", but that kind of homophobic attitude is thankfully not cool with a lot of the current generation. Part of the issue was that skateboarders back then used the tropes of things like rollerskating and ice skating being more feminine, to characterize blading in a homophobic light, and while there's absolutely nothing wrong with rollerskating, ice skating or being feminine, I think blading has specific cultures and styles that stands on their own which should be nurtured and marketed. I have to agree that the huge grinds, while impressive, don't do a ton for me after a while, it feels a lot of the same. I'm much more interested in street skating, how people interact with different objects and obstacles in creative ways, around their city or neighborhood. The same goes for skateboarding, I get board of watching different people doing the same old flip trick or ramp trick... I'm much more interested in someone like Andy Anderson who comes up with creative things to do around the city streets, even if what he does doesn't seem difficult or dangerous... That's why I love channels like Flow Skate or Mushroom blading, because they break out of the repetitive grinds where the only way to really top the last person is to up the danger level, which isn't that interesting to me, and becomes more like an Evil Knievel stunt type thing. Lastly, I think a kind of channel that really helped Skateboarding, that blading could really learn from, is the Braille Skateboarding KZbin channel. Regardless of how people feel about Aaron, him going to local parks, teaching kids simple tricks, making simple tutorials, making goofy videos with silly challenges, and just interacting with his skate community in a very open way, has done a lot to bring a lot of kids into a culture that can at times feel very standoffish. Something like that in the States could be a powerful force, because it seems like blading in Europe is a lot more popular as a culture compared to the States.

[@TomMoyse]

Bam, Nyjah Huston, Jason Lee and Rob Dyrdek are all pretty massive name. There is other non pro skaters that are associated with skateboarding like Tyler which obviously boosted it as well. Rollerblading needs variety. braille doesn’t appeal to me at all but can see the clear benefit of having a rollerblader version of it. I think that’s a long way off though without big investment and decent level skaters who are comfortable in front of camera. I think it’s more achievable to do more lifestyle type content on KZbin as that doesn’t really require capital, just ideas and times to do it

[@lupo3694]

Really good content, very impressive. I don't blade but I did as a kid (90s), then I switched to skateboarding and finally got into BMX and stuck with it. I remember the attitude of the old days, but I think skatebording evolved and is far less elitist and snobish, than it used to be. Braille, the biggest YT channel in skateboarding, made quite a few videos with rollerbladers, by inviting pro bladers in their privat park. I feel like, much like me, these young sports have matured quite a bit since the 90s and all this fighting seems pretty childish now.

[@TomMoyse]

Yea things are defo different now. New gen don’t really care, more interested in just getting on with it

[@thehalcyonflight]

I'm usually 50/50 on agreeing with your opinions about blading but I 1000% agree with what you've said... I've been saying FOR YEARS our media branding is YEARS behind every other sport... and it's hard to say these things to the scene with out them just saying "you're a hater and pine for the old hammer days". The fact that ALL these KZbin and insta oages exist for bladers and brands, and yet MOST of them have very little following or subscribers comparative to the amount of people who claim to do it. The sad truth is, we don't appeal to the younger generation (21 and under) NEARLY as much as we should. That's what branding IS... CocaCola isn't trying to market to a 40 year old who's already going to drink it no matter what... well that's what 95% of our market is... 30 somethings keeping the sport a float because most have a blading product hoarding problem

[@TomMoyse]

I’m interested it what you don’t agree with hah

[@AmandaabnamA]

That's cause the younger Gen just wants to get a skateboard to sit and post at the skate park. Getting out and doing it is a whole other thing

[@chilli-iceolive-abode2447]

I'm disappointed there wasn't a Wealdstone Raider reference in the fans section 😭 Interesting video and all good points. That rollerblading meme 'They don't know I've got a rollerblading channel' was on point haha

[@TomMoyse]

Hahaha it was either me dancing or Wealdstone Raider. 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Fivoe-MF]

Real and true!! I was a booter from 95-14 and am seriously thinking about re-donning the deathtraps after a physio told me that my back pain is a result of my body needing to be flexible for so long, then no longer needing to…. Essentially by body is crying out for it. On the other hand, i know the fact that my shoulders, knees, hips, ankles are shafted is 100% the fault of blades…. Not to mention that i essentially have 2 left arse cheeks, good times 😂😂😂.

[@TomMoyse]

Haha get back on it man

[@Fivoe-MF]

@@TomMoyse my new wheels and bearings came yesterday so no doubt i’m guna look like bambi on ice as i systematically ruin myself 🤣🤣🤣

[@AmandaabnamA]

​@@Fivoe-MFif you did tricks more it's probably more form that than the blades itself

[@yoshawnsmith3573]

Totally agree, there should be a rollerblading league. It would be such a sick event.

[@TomMoyse]

Yea - I realise it very easy for me to just say we need it. Making it happen is a much harder thing. I would love to see it

[@yoshawnsmith3573]

@@TomMoyse all it takes is the idea, and you pretty much put it out there into the universe. It'll happen sooner or later.

[@TomMoyse]

@@yoshawnsmith3573 cheers mate.

[@jackostrand7687]

Great writing and perspective, totally agree

[@TomMoyse]

Thank you mate

[@QuakeNukem]

Only bladed for about 2 years from 8th grade - end of freshmen year but, before that and till now been skateboarding for 24-25 years. It was really fun tho had this indoor vans skatepark and took train to philly on weekends. Best I got was 3rd at mt. dew at Vans Skatepark and 5th at Sony Playstation at Franklin Mills Woodward Park. Tbh I found skateboarding more accessible like shops were easier to get to, didn't have to carry a big bag to carry skates around when going into the city less to worry about and more fun to just cruise. Brian Shima was one of my favorite bladers tho that dude was buck.

[@TomMoyse]

Yea skateboarding is way more accessible, it’s fits into the whole lifestyle things better as well. Yes Shima is an icon!

[@brentreichert2998]

I feel skateboarding already had a foot in the fashion industry with the importance of skate shoes and clothing. Rollerblading doesn't have that. Its a lot of screenprinted designs and labels slapped on rather than dedicated design. I RARELY see podcasts covering pants or clothing

[@TomMoyse]

The importance of shoes in skateboarding defo set them off right. Anyone can buy into that. Not so much for rollerblades haha. Would be great to see more clothing brands doing different things. Think it’s a very tough and small market. It’s got to be someone who is on that path already but just so happens to dig rollerblading

[@brentreichert2998]

@@TomMoyse I couldn't agree more. I would for one like to see some more pants available

[@Throawei]

A very small number of ppl did aggressive skating back then. They prob sold 29.1 million bikes too, but only a tiny portion do street BMX.

[@TomMoyse]

29.1 millions people rollerbladed facts. Throw out assumptions, but it was bigger than bmx and skateboarding combined at one point

[@Throawei]

@@TomMoyse not in the way you're implying at all. You sort of take a leap when you're talking about aggressive inline culture and conflating it with the very small number of purchasers who have any clue what it is or was. 99% of ppl who get a bike don't know who Dave Mirra is.

[@ChaoticBinary]

The first rollerblader that immediately pops into my head is Airdolphin

[@jay2k536]

Can't wait for the new anarchy skates, the only thing I can afford

[@TomMoyse]

I think there is cheaper options out there already. The all black m12 maybe?

[@orrenhimself]

And make vert great again.

[@TomMoyse]

I know a guy for the job

[@jakridings4718]

I feel like two of the biggest problems with rollerblading's adoption is you can't cruise around on them and hop on and off the same way you can with a skateboard or BMX. They really don't suit being a mode of transport well since you have to swap on and off to shoes. Secondly the style really doesn't look great. I've been skating for 18 years and my style is still nothing to be admired by anyone outside of the sport, where as anyone doing a kickflip at a reasonable speed looks pretty cool and competent. Rollerblading suffers from a lack of practicality and desirability. Without that, it's never going to have the mass adoption and become a lifestyle for the casuals.

[@TomMoyse]

Yea lots of little road block that’s don’t give rollerblading and easy ride. I believe we can do way more with content to show that are people getting over the whole, having to strap on skates thing, show the life style show the culture

[@woooshskates7248]

Awesome video fella. I have just one Question. Who's that team we call United?

[@TomMoyse]

Oi oi oi on the tear at the moment

[@jeremyfanfaron3659]

💯 Agree on contests. Fise is doing a really good job to bring crowds watch what usually is hidden under the highway bridge at the exit of the city (which we call a skatepark). We need more comps and downtowns infrastructures.

[@TomMoyse]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@minhdang423]

I love skateboarding. There are pros and cons to being mainstream. If you're not mainstream, consider that a blessing.

[@TomMoyse]

I think the pros outweighs the cons. Pretty much no pro rollerblader is full time

[@jameswjesso8863]

I am surprised you didn't mention @flow skate . It seems like they fit the kind of channel you were speaking about. Their videos are super accessible and positive feeling, and part of what me got back into it.

[@TomMoyse]

Great channel, I’ve talked about it before in my wizard skating video. This was more focused on aggressive skating. Flow skates naturally lend themselves to more accessible feeling edits as it’s way lower risk. I compared to Storror just because it’s higher risk, like agg skating 🤝🏻

[@jameswjesso8863]

@@TomMoyse Thanks for the explaination!

[@TomMoyse]

@@jameswjesso8863 thanks for the comment. Hope you enjoyed the vid

[@jameswjesso8863]

@@TomMoyse I always do. Your vids are great :)

[@TomMoyse]

@@jameswjesso8863 much appreciate dude! 🤝🏻

[@ThatShaunBoy]

Agreed on Jumbo! Think it has a lot of potential. Just hope Cody and the gang keep it up regardless

[@TomMoyse]

Yea they are doing cool stuff

[@wetokebitcoins1769]

it's not mainstream because shoe companies can't sell shoes off of rollerblading.

[@TomMoyse]

I can see that. But at one point is was mainstream and we need to take those skates off at some point haha I personal think blade companies are missing out not doing a simple shoe like Last Resort. There is no competition (within blading). Guess THEM did the Clark’s and I got those

[@t3chno0]

​@@TomMoyse only you can pull off the Clarks mate😜. I'd look like a right plonker wearing a pair😂.. Rollerblading industry need to pump out proper skate shoes. Intuition booties maybe? 😀.. Not good for Spanish weather though 😅

[@TomMoyse]

@@t3chno0 haha. I’ve been saying it for a while but Roces need to bring back their trainers

[@ezrakhayyam5609]

If some guy can figure out a way to make shoes that can be as good for parkour / skate / bmx / streetball and add a wrap-up xjadow style blade to it, it would be amazing ! Imagine a street pentathlon in one afternoon with just a pair of shoes & a backpack ;)

[@tawmifm]

Why did so many of them back out of BMX then? Why are there no scooter shoes? Why does parkour only have independent shoe brands?

[@brendanmckeever-kz5zi]

Mr. Moyse, Your edits are spectacular. Your use of superimposition is impressive. In your monologue, you began to suggest a correct answer for why skareboarding is more popular than rollerblading. Please allow me to elaborate. Specifically, rollerbladers are stuntmen, whereas skateboarders are magicians. Notwithstanding similarities, e.g. wheels, use of velocity, and/or mediums, the two pastimes are fundamentally different from one another. Further, you are right to suggest that rollerblading's lack of appeal to the general audience in comparison to skateboarding is the cause of rollerblading's decline in popularity. Have you ever wondered why magicians appeal to more people than do stuntmen? The answer is manipulation of symmetry. A human is naturally assymetrical, which is why we love to watch a human manipulate something symmetrical, like a skateboard or a boomerang. Conversely, rollerblades, assymetrical objects, when strapped to an already assymetrical human, make for less of an attraction. Essentially, with rollerblades, a human becomes an expression of shear masculinity, one who must rely on brute strength to overcome his/her newly self-imposed impediments. Thus, the extent of external interest in rollerblading is reduced to one basic concern. Will this person end upright?

[@Pratalax]

Another excellent video. Really appreciate the angle you've found for yourself among the broader blading media of today. Must be a lot of work and you do it well. I disagree somewhat on the SLS point though, but for a specific and subjective reason that we might be able to steer around should we have the nouse: Having been away from skateboarding culture and media for a long time, i started seeing a few sls videos pop up on my feed and watched some and by god it was some of the most anodyne, sterile skating i'd ever seen. It was frankly boring. I thought "thank god rollerblading hasn't gone like this cause this is dogshit" and felt like skateboarding was dying....then i got to see some actual street videos, which completely changed my mind. it's still alive and people are still doing dope shit - and more creative stuff too. I think a good thing that has happened for rollerblading lately is a bit more of a unification between disciplines. I think it's helped open the door to more creative opportunities but also helped build a healthier, more welcoming community.

[@TomMoyse]

Thanks for the kind words. Yea I’ve seen some of the skateboard world trash SLS for similar reasons and the judging but the whole industry still benefits of it. As much as some people don’t like how it represents skateboarding there is still packed out areas watching, exposure, soo spot shops and prize money that then helps these skater and allows them the time to make decent street parts. I think the pros well out weigh the cons. For rollerblading this would be massive

[@southlann]

I am saving money while researching what I want to do and focus on. The more I research, the more I need money 😅

[@TomMoyse]

Always the way

[@RabidAaron]

Leon Basin is our Rodney Mullen

[@TomMoyse]

That’s a good comparison

[@FuCkoff-sg2tp]

Im agree with all this reasons, but also i think why blading is not that popular - is that we dont have teaching content, if u look at skateboarding, they got alot of teaching videos which help u become from a fucking noob lvl of skating to really advanced tricks.

[@TomMoyse]

Rollerblading has a lot of how two videos. Acosta Blades, Jump Street and AM used to do them frequently

[@orrenhimself]

Yep! Not one video on how to do a Pop-Tart. Most don't even know what trick it is, let alone do it or teach it.

[@NoBuddyz]

Jon Julio is our Tony Hawk! Give him a video game

[@TheHalofivebroken]

The problem with inline was the learning curve you have to learn to roller-skate on them before you can do anything. Also, my reason for going to a skateboard (at 16) was convivence I didn't have to carry shoes in a backpack just toss the deck down and roll out. I'm happy to see a sport I loved in the mid 90's is still around but the problem with all this is Gen Z and Alpha are not running out to buy inline skates and in a lot of cities you are hard pressed to find a retailer that even carries them. The real reason why inline died was it was a fad for most people the honeymoon was over after 10 years and you were left ride or dies. People realized it is not an easy sport and with everything it takes dedication they didn't have it, so they dropped out due to convivence or just interest in skateboarding. We have to remember while inline was making its dying gasp Tony Hawk completed the first ever 900. The millennial was like 4-12 when Tony landed big they didn't grow up watching Bruce Jackson spin in circles to Paula Abdul or Chris Edward land a mc-twist to KoRn. They saw Tony Hawk or Shawn White win the X-gold to Bad Religion that is their idea of the ultimate extreme sport. Getting aggressive inline back into the light requires defining it as its own sport not just an alternative to skateboarding running duplicate events in tournaments. Inline needs its own events with its own scoring system. Also getting the hockey guys back on inlines in the summer will help your sport. Mostly just skate and post on youtube get people interested get them to interact. As Tom said it will never be as it was in the 1990's but you can get people on inlines again. Inline will never be as big as skateboarding is because skateboarding has 30+ years on inline and it is an Olympic sport. It also has the interest of Gen Z and Alpha with skaters like Sky Brown and Sakura Yosozumi doing things never thought possible at that age with a skateboard winning an Olympic medal. Ultimately inline was a victim of its own success oversaturation of brands as well as poor choices in branding such as the "destroy all girls" thing that Limp Bizkit stunt pushed women away from the sport and ultimately caused ESPN to pull the plug on the sport. In contrast skateboarding has become this "good vibes" scene where older kids help little kids with foot placement and how to move around on their board. It has become something that brings people together rather to skate or watch people skate Inline needs that to live on or it will just become a dead fad like pet rocks and waterbeds.

[@rustysarkela7754]

Smart thoughts. To get something like street league you need a huge financial risk taker like rob dyrdek. Which goes back to your point about personality’s who transcend the sport

[@TomMoyse]

With the street league idea - we’d probably just have to start with existing skateparks and drum up momentum that way. But like you say it would really benefit from some who had capital and was a name

[@LeSkateWA]

I find myself watching skateboarding a lot even though I rollerblade. It definitely took over, its more accessible for just anyone to pick a board and learn flat ground tricks... Its harder to get $500 skates and have to actually learn grinds or spins and flips. I can see why skateboarding is more popular for sure. Even the youtube channels, I always thought if rollerblading had good youtube channels like Braille, id be there watching that instead of skateboarding.

[@TomMoyse]

Yea it’s way more accessible, you don’t even really have to take part is skateboarding to be part of it, you can just grab a board and chill. Rollerblading doesn’t really have that unfortunately. I really don’t like Braille, it’s doesn’t appeal to me at all but I understand that it does have a big appeal and rollerblading would benefit from a high production show like that.

[@nickdial8528]

I bladed aggressively in the 90s. The culture war between skateboarding and blading was just stupid comma it really just came down to immaturity and being clicky comma but it is what it is. I don't think anyone can sit here and say it doesn't look cool when a good blader is on a half pipe getting twenty feet of air and landing back flips. Although one thing I miss is playing hockey, roller hockey is damn fun. As exercise, though, it's a low impact, hi gh cardio activity that works all the muscle groups, so as far as exercising, It is an awesome sport. Also, with good blades, the speeds you can obtain as well in tight turns, skateboarding has nothing on it as far as that goes.... You can haul some serious ass with a good pair of blades.

[@skyboy19ID]

Wizard have huge potential in being "relatable" since they're make low risk trick look cool and fun but somehow the hype is slowing down. The content about wizard blading also somehow slowed down in my youtube recommendation(I barely use Instagram but I suspect people moving to Instagram). I'm not saying that we under utilized Wizard on social media front but based on this video I feel like most of inline skate barely have "personality" or "lifestyle" or even interaction between inline skater that attract larger audience. TBH Game of Blade between big youtube creator like you vs Brandon could attract some viewer outside rollerblader/inline skater, might be worth to try.

[@TomMoyse]

Yea I see a fair bit of wizard on insta, wish the was more longer content like JK in 5D. Think it’s still growing and that will develop. I think it’s influence on agg is great and adds and extra layer. With the game of blade - I think it would be more impactful with a pro comp - like the berricks

[@TRAVIESO_NA]

Roller Blading needs like what slappy culture in skateboarding did for skateboard modern culture. It shifted it.

[@TomMoyse]

🫡🏆