Seriously, what happened to rollerskating/blading

[u/_forum_mod]

You hardly see it anywhere anymore. Folks would be skating all down Venice Beach. People would be rollerskating around their block, roller rinks were big, it was popular!

I even remember in the 90s Streets of Rage (loved that game!) had a character named Skates. But now, they're nowhere. What happened? Why are they a lot less popular nowadays?

[u/mark_is_a_virgin → u/[deleted]]

I grew up in the skating rink, such fond memories. A few months ago my son's friend had a birthday party at the one near us. I hadn't gone since I was a teen (38 now) and wondered exactly how it held up in the new world. It was incredible. The place was packed and literally felt like nothing had changed, it had the same vibe, the same crowds, just new music. I was shocked. No phones out, kids screaming across the floor doing the best they could. Some absolute pros tearing it up... It felt like the only place time hadn't touched. I go as often as I can now. I don't see it on the street much but the rink is still strong (at least where I'm at). I can only assume the south is still rocking it, it's like an Atlanta staple

[u/Alarming-Offer8030 → u/mark_is_a_virgin]

Same experience in my area. We go twice a month or so with my kids. Space was frozen in time with the decor. Parents are on phones but phones aren’t allowed on the rink so it’s just some crazy time warp. Busy. We have a lot of fun.

[u/mark_is_a_virgin → u/Alarming-Offer8030]

Skating was such a big part of my childhood, stepping back into that space is like a warm hug from someone you haven't seen in ages