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Skaters' Stories Series - Episode 18: Claire
by Mel Blackwood Roller Girl Gang's vision is to empower people to roller skate into their most joyful life. Everyone has a story to...
Skater Stories
Mel Blackwood
May 24, 2023
2 min read
Join us on YouTube
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12:38
Changing cushions on Arius Plates (on an older plate)
Watch me struggle to change the apparently easy to change cushions on my Arius plate! It's really not that hard, my plate is a bit older and it was a bit stuck in places. Why am I swapping for medium cushions? To have more stability and less lateral movement. This will aid my balance. At least in theory. My preference for cushions is slightly firmer in the heel. I have installed the same in all positions though. Thanks for watching! If you found this useful, please let me know. You can purchase replacement Arius cushions from my skate shop - The Skate Sanctuary www.theskatesanctuary.co.uk
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02:48:45
BTS Shop Shenanigans
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12:12
Roller Skate dance Choreography International Dance Day 2026 (awkward skaters over 40)
Created for the non-dance specialists out there. this dance for La Fine Equipe's 'Don't Panik' is all about contrast in your movement. It's playful and incorporates lots of the drills you may have done previously. Have fun and stay weird ☺️
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06:47
If I fall, I'll wear the KNEE PADS (beginner roller skaters over 40)
Just put the pads on! in this video: Moxi x 187 killer pads: https://www.theskatesanctuary.co.uk/product-page/mix-n-match-moxi-pads REKD triple protection set :https://www.theskatesanctuary.co.uk/product-page/rekd-heavy-duty-protection-set Triple 8 Covert knee pads : https://www.theskatesanctuary.co.uk/product-page/moxi-covert-pads-not-yet-available-in-the-uk HOW TO FALL SAFELY: https://youtu.be/oTg_2IbnS8k?si=088AaMaB0Oae5cRb Chapters 00:00 Intro 01.18 What is right for YOU? (No comparison) 01:27 Moxi Pads 02:01 REKD Pads 02:14 Covert Pads 03:22 How your body stores trauma 04:45 Re-write the story 06:16 Practise Self-Compassion
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19:00
First Impressions of Skate Origin Wheels & Bearings
Join Emily and I as we tap about these bearings and wheels. While we were sent these as a gift (highly unusual!) we will be giving our honest review always. We have a long standing relationship with Derby Laces founder and we know they would want nothing but an honest review from us. No company can improve it's product/ service from people saying something is better than it is. We've simply been sent them, there was no agreement to do any kind of video / promotion. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:36 Durometer 03:13 The Bearings 06:00 You are watching us spin bearings, yes really 07:03 How much are these magical bearings? 09:28 Our relationship with Derby Laces 10:29 Bearing installation + outdoor skating story 13:02 Wheel Library 14:08 When to upgrade & our promise
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01:48
Improve your footwork ON roller skates with SLALOM CONES (skaters over 40)
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09:27
SUEDE DYE a roller skate boot with me (Nubuck or Suede)
Have you got a slightly tired looking boot and it's time for a refresh? Get some suede dye on it and you'll be laughing! Just make sure you know what to do. Most boots will require 2 bottles of dye - you won't use all of it, but you'll have some left for touch ups. Suede is more absorbent than Nubuck . Colour mixing applies, so whatever colour you start with, consider testing a small patch. eg. if they start pink and you colour them blue, they may end up purple. WIFA street Suede, Deluxe & Xtreme boots are available from our online shop. https://www.theskatesanctuary.co.uk/search?q=Wifa Angelus Suede Dye available from our online shop https://www.theskatesanctuary.co.uk/product-page/angelus-brand-suede-dye-uk-stock
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02:07
DISCO SPIN on roller skates (fun trick for skaters over 40)
This short tutorial was filmed at MOVE IT SHOW 2026, and sadly the audio was terrible! It was so loud in the expo, I couldn't hear myself at all, so ended up talking waaaay too loudly for the little mic. Nevermind! I've voiced it over so you still have the instructions. This trick is great for skaters with some experience, also those who don't like spinning because it makes you dizzy. If you enjoy learning with me, check out my roller dance playlists or grab my LEVEL UP & FIND YOUR FLOW online course https://www.theskatesanctuary.co.uk/onlinecourses
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