About
A brief introduction.
So long ago it's hard to remember, but I got the good parts.
I am a big fan of Roller Skating.
I grew up around roller skaters and spent most of my teen years at a roller skating rink-- I spent a lot of time at the rink.
Ironically, I didn't care for skating when I was little. I can remember being in 1st grade and not loving it. Mostly, I was fearful and embarrassed. I was surrounded by many adults who could skate very well, and I did not want to look foolish. Instead of skating, I spent countless hours in the skate room handing out the rentals, while family and friends went out to skate. Over time, I put on skates and practiced while handing out the rentals. Skating around in that little room gave me just enough confidence to head out onto the skate floor-- and once I got out there and got going, I never stopped.
I did almost every job at the skating rink-- floor guard, DJ, skate repair, etc. I loved everything that was set before me, even scraping gum off the skate floor and sweeping it-- well, maybe not the gum thing, that was gross.
The owner of the skating rink was a real pro at the business, and I was blessed to have him, and his son, teach me so much about the rink and roller skating. I had training, instruction, and tips on artistic/figure skating from them and many other great skaters.
Some of my most valued lessons in skating were from the “regulars” at the rink. They kinda gave themselves the title of Rink Rats, since many were there weekly and had all become good friends. I always appreciated that group. They were friendly and helpful-- what I would consider good representatives for Roller Skating. It was their generosity and outreach that led me to help others as best I could both as a young man (with what little I knew) and now (being much older).
Regrettably, as life became more hectic, and financial pressures grew, I couldn’t keep up with my passion for Roller Skating. I took a short hiatus from the sport (about 25 years). It was my regaling of skating rink memories that planted a desire in my children to want to learn to skate. Despite getting up there in age and having grown out of shape (no fault of my own, of course), I gave into my children’s pleas and desire for a fun family activity. How could I not return to such a fantastic sport?
Recent History
With my big comeback, I put on my old skates, and it felt really good. When I stepped out onto that skate floor I felt like a teenager again. I haven’t had so much fun exercising. I could feel myself doing things, and moving in ways, that I hadn’t done for over 25 years. I was a little rusty. And, there were some things that I just didn’t have in me yet to do (like one-footed spins and jumps, and shoot-the-duck-- my knees aren’t what they used to be). As much joy as I was having skating around like a young man (and showing off to my wife and kids what I could do), I was getting greater joy teaching my family how to skate.
As I and my family were going skating, and my kids were improving their skating skills, I had opportunities to give some tips and advice to other skaters (mostly beginners). It makes me very happy to see people improve in their skating skills, and in turn, have an even greater time with this wonderful activity-- especially when family is involved.
It was with that in mind that I decided to pursue becoming a professional Roller Skating Coach. Recalling how I was taught, and how I helped others when I was younger, I sought out certifying organizations for skate coaching. I am registered through USA Roller Sports as a skating coach, along with a coaching membership with the Society of Roller Skating Teachers of America (SRSTA) in the Artistic Coaches Association (ACA). In addition to Beginner's Learn-To-Skate classes, I coach the artistic discipline of roller skating, which includes dance, figures, and freestyle.
I also sell, repair, and upgrade roller skates-- customizing the skate to the skater for a better, more profitable, and enjoyable experience, which leads to increased performance.
I created this website to benefit roller skaters and help improve their equipment, skills, and abilities.
I would love to help you learn how to skate or improve the skating skills you currently have, so if you are interested in skate lessons (and live in East Texas), please contact me.
