Conversation with Secret Skate Society UK

Today we are having a conversation with the Secret Skate Society UK. In this interview you can find out about the origin of the group, Charity trail skates and what it's like creating new friendships through roller skating.

 

Can you kindly introduce yourself and the group for us please?

We are the Secret Skate Society UK, based in the East Midlands. We’re a group of quad & inline skaters of all abilities covering park, rink, and trail skating. Our main admin team consist of our co-founder Katt Finch-Davies, Laura Webster, Duane Brough and Katy Marsden-Barrow.

 

Photo of admin team on a Leeds Trail skate (left to right Katt, Laura, Duane, and Katy).

 

How did you both first come across Skating (roller, inline, quad)?

Some of us have been skating for years and others started during the pandemic, which we feel was a key point in time where many of our members picked up skating.

 

When did you start the group and how did the idea of Secret Skate Society form? 

The group was formed back in 2022, a lot of us used to skate with a lovely bunch of people called the Derby City Rollers. The group disbanded due to work and life commitments, however we decided to continue on with the great work they’d already started. The name was inspired by the original venue’s location which was hidden unless you knew where to look. Now, the secret lies in discovering the details of the next event, including when and where it will take place!

 

The group is continuously growing, is the group for everyone ( all ages, abilities, genders)

Absolutely! Everyone is welcome to join! (with the only exception being the chats are restricted to 18+ only). We have an open-door policy, the one rule we have is ‘Be Kind or Be Gone’ - Negativity is not tolerated within our group.

 

Members at the summer Ramps & Pizza event held at The House Skatepark.

 

For everyone reading who isnt in the group where are you guys based? 

We’re based in the East Midlands, operating mainly in Nottingham and Derby, however we often travel across the UK for events.

 

What is the skate scene like for you in your area?

It’s great, we're fortunate to have numerous fantastic local indoor and outdoor skateparks, some of which are free! Additionally, our area has beautiful scenic trail routes and multiple indoor roller rinks.

 

Members on a sunny Nottingham Trail skate.

 

What's the most rewarding thing about being part of the group?

Finding a nice welcoming community is sometimes hard to come by and we’ve all made so many friends through skating. Our most significant accomplishment is creating a safe space where individuals can be unequivocally themselves without fear of judgement.

 

Do you feel safe in the skate community and how?

100%! Luckily our group is full of like-minded individuals who respect each other.

 

Members enjoying the bank holiday at Rollerworld.

 

You've recently been holding charity skate events, can you tell us a bit about this and who you were raising money for?

The charity trail skate marked the beginning of a month-long fundraising effort for Mind in which we raised £192.50! We're looking forward to organising a Christmas charity event to further support a cause that holds a special place in our hearts.

 

What's the difference between quad and inline skates?

Quad skates feature wheels arranged in adjacent pairs, whereas inline skates have wheels aligned in a single row. The appearance is obvious, but the choice often comes down to personal preference and prior experiences, e.g. people who have ice-skated before may lean toward inline skates.

 

Photo taken at SSSuk charity trail skate.

 

Can you tell us about all the different nights you do like trail, skateparks ect

Tuesday nights – Park skating (various venues to choose from, usually Asylum)

Wednesday – Trail skating (either Derby or Nottingham route)

Thursday – Rink skating (usually SkatelandUK or Rollerworld)

However, people are always active in the WhatsApp chats and arranging meet ups between Themselves.


What new skate tricks are you working on right now? 

In our group we have a range of skating abilities, but we always support and cheer each other on when someone successfully lands a new trick!


You have a special event happening on the 23rd September. Can you tell us about this?

This event is pop-up roller disco hosted by Shoot-the-Duck, we are supporting this by providing stewards and first aiders. This event will be held at Sneinton Market in Nottingham.

 

SSSuk members on a recent Derby Trail skate.

 

If you had any advice for beginners getting into skating what would it be?

Keep your knees bent and eyes forward! Oh and always wear your pads! We’ve seen some nasty falls both in person and via the internet. Be safe and always ask for help when trying something new. Take your time, don't be shy as no one judges (we all started somewhere).


How did you guys meet? How did the members find out about the group?

Our main admin team all met through skating. We’ve become such good friends in the time that we’ve known each other. Members mainly heard about the group via social media or word of mouth, every new member receives a warm welcome!


Anyone you want to give a shoutout to?

We would like to give a big shoutout to Dean and Jodie for all their support this year, as well as previous Committee members in last year’s team.

We would also like to shoutout to our regular venues:

SkatelandUK (Nottingham)

Rollerworld (Derby)

Asylum Skate Park (Sutton-in-Ashfield)

The House Skate Park (Sheffield)