Skate session + skate balloon tag (like Mario Kart on skates) @ the flamingo

My birthday's this week, so I'm using that as an excuse to host the next round of skate balloon tag : ). This meetup has 3 parts: a skating session, followed by games of skate tag, and then a chill skate to go get ice cream.

• 7 - 8 pm: skate session around the flamingo sculpture, where people can skate, hang out, practice, and discuss tips and tricks

• 8 - 10 pm: skate balloon tag + skate flag tag (more details below)

• 10 pm: a short skate to go get ice cream with whoever wants to come. It will be a chill pace and we'll make sure nobody gets left behind. Depending on how we're doing on time, we'll either go to the Jeni's on Wabash (1.5 miles away) or on Wells (2.3 miles away). Afterward, we'll skate back to the loop together.

Skate balloon tag is kind of like Mario Kart, but on skates. A few skaters have a helium balloon tied to one of their skates, and the other skaters chase them and try to pop it. When a skater's balloon is popped, they join the other skaters in trying to pop the remaining balloons. At the end, the whole group is going after the last person like a zombie apocalypse chase. Here's a video from a recent balloon tag game. I'll also bring flag belts for flag-football style tag.

Info:

• We'll meet and play at the Flamingo sculpture at 210 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza).

• I'll bring all the supplies (helium, balloons, plastic tipped darts for popping them), so all you need to do is bring your skates. A helmet is recommended and pads are also a good idea.

Rules for skate tag:

• No physical contact! No pushing, grabbing, intentionally running into skaters, etc.

• No pulling on the balloon, either, although you may temporarily put your hand on it during the popping process.

• Players must stay within the cone boundaries.

I owe a huge thanks to NYC Skate Tag, which is where I got the idea from. Also, for discussions about Chicago skating, come join the Chicago Skating subreddit.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Skating can be dangerous. By skating with this group, you assume full responsibility for your safety and acknowledge that this group and its organizers are not responsible for your safety and are not liable for any injuries or harm you may incur.