Starting an Inline Skating Club: A Comprehensive Guide

Hello hello. Stephen @whataspoon here. In this article we shall look at how to start your own Inline skating club. Inline skating is an exhilarating activity that combines fitness, fun, and community. Whether you're an experienced skater or a newcomer to the sport, starting an inline skating club can be a rewarding way to share your passion with others. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the essential steps to launch and grow a successful inline skating club.

Here in London there are many clubs around that host weekly street skates, lessons and more. There are so many around as London is a city full of Inline skaters. If you find that there are a few skaters in your area with no clubs to join then maybe it is time for you to step up and create some motivation for others nearby to skate. There are always a few Inline skaters around hiding in the shadows. When you join together with them you could motivate more people in your area to take it up so they can join in on the fun.

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Finding Members for Your Inline Skating Club

The first step in creating your club is to find like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm for inline skating. Here's how to attract and recruit members:

Leverage Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are powerful tools for reaching potential club members. Create a Facebook group or page dedicated to your club, where you can share event updates, photos, and discussions. Use relevant hashtags such as #InlineSkating or #RollerBlading to increase visibility.

Attend Local Events
Visit local skate parks, recreational areas, and skating events to meet skaters in person. Speak to as many skaters as you can and show them your links online so they can join or follow your page. You could even make some business cards with QR codes or links to give out to people if you have the budget for it. Engaging directly with skaters can build personal connections and encourage them to join your club.

Collaborate with Skating Shops
Partner with local skating shops and sports stores. Ask if you can display flyers or posters in their stores. At Slicks we promote local instructor groups and street skates. When you come into the store we can direct you to the famous London Friday Night Skate or the Battersea Easy Saturday Skate. This information is really helpful for our customers to find things to do in London after purchasing some skates. I can only assume that your local skate shop would do the same for your club, especially if there are no other clubs available in the area. In case you are interested then you can check out the London Street Skates on their websites below:
London Street Skates
Battersea Easy Saturday Skate

Utilise Online Forums and Communities
Participate in online forums and communities dedicated to inline skating. Websites like Reddit or other facebook groups can be excellent places to announce your club and invite members to join. In the UK we have the UK Blading Community (UKBC) Facebook page which promotes aggressive Inline skating throughout the whole country. If you were starting your own club in a town in the UK then this page would be very happy to help you promote your club there. Please engage with the admin of the particular facebook group before advertising your club on their page. Check out the UKBC Facebook page. 

Organising Your First Club Skating Event

Once you have a group of interested skaters, it’s time to organize your first club event. A well-planned event can set the tone for future activities and establish a strong foundation for your club.

Choose a Suitable Location or Route
Choose a location or route that is safe, easily accessible, and appropriate for the skill level of the participants you are targeting. Parks with smooth pathways, dedicated skating areas, or even closed-off streets can be ideal spots. Ensure there are facilities like parking, restrooms, and seating areas for breaks when planning an event in one location. When planning a route I would suggest aiming your first one at all levels by making it as easy as you can. Stick to smooth areas with less traffic so that as many people as possible can join in. Plan something around 12 miles that will take about 2 hours to complete with a few breaks during the event. Try to make sure that the breaks are at areas with a shop and some seats so people can rest.

Plan a Schedule
Outline a clear schedule for the event, including meet-up times, warm-up sessions, and breaks. There are also some apps online that you can use to plan a route before sharing the route with others. The Fleggz app is a good example of this.

Promote Safety
Safety should be a top priority. Encourage all participants to wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Brief the group on basic skating etiquette and emergency procedures before starting the event. If you are leading a skate then it would be a good idea to share hand signals to look out for so the group behind you will know when to stop, turn left or to turn right. 

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Incorporate Social Elements
Include social elements like group photos, a post-skate picnic, or a visit to a local café/pub. These activities foster camaraderie and make the event more enjoyable, helping to build a strong sense of community within the club.

Continuing To Promote Your Inline Skating Club

Growing your club requires consistent promotion and outreach. Here are effective strategies to keep your club in the spotlight:

Maintain an Online Presence
Keep your club’s social media accounts active with regular updates, photos, and engaging content. Create a website or blog where potential members can find information about upcoming events, membership benefits, and contact details.

Host Regular Events
Consistency is key to maintaining interest. Plan regular skating events, meetups, and practice sessions. Special events like themed skates, competitions, or charity fundraisers can attract new members and keep existing members engaged. Halloween can be an amazing time for a street skate. Who doesn't want to see a group of skaters all dressed up whilst skating through the streets.

Engage with Local Media
Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, and community websites to share news about your club. A feature story or event listing can provide significant exposure and attract new members.

Network with Other Clubs
Collaborate with other local sports and recreational clubs. Joint events, cross-promotions, and shared resources can benefit both your club and the partner organizations, expanding your reach and fostering a broader skating community.

Offer Membership Incentives
Create incentives for joining your club, such as discounts at local skating shops, branded merchandise, or exclusive event access. Offering a sense of value can encourage more people to become active members.

Starting an inline skating club is a fantastic way to bring people together, promote an active lifestyle, and enjoy the many benefits of skating. By finding the right members, organizing engaging events, and effectively promoting your club, you can build a thriving community of skaters who share your passion. The people I have met through Inline skating will always be my favourite part of this amazing lifestyle. 

If you found this information useful, check out our Health Benefits of Inline Skating article here.