What we’re about
NYC Rollerbladers held our first event on Oct. 1, 2023 at Randall's Island. Those in attendance were Matt, Trudi, Phylicia, Gilbert, Daniela, Bimbola, Jyllian, Kim, Nayarett, and Carlos. Our group now has over 1000 members on Meetup and over 600 on Whatsapp. We owe that success to the already-existing skate groups in NYC (Empire Skate, All Star Blading, etc.) who have banded together with us to create a collective where everyone's skating events are publicized, regardless of brand.
Norms:
1. Safety First: Obey the rules of the road, watch out for cars and your fellow skaters. Try to warn others of cars, obstructions or other potential hazards. Stay hydrated.
2. One Mic: when the leader of the skate is making an announcement, please refrain from side conversations.
3. Be mindful: Remember, we’re all here to skate and have a good time. Be mindful of the feelings of others and speak up if you have a concern.
FAQs
Where can I buy rollerblades?
Through one of the local vendors listed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yqra5n60ogq8B4Bn0JOm9YQcYG3y_gtdf1BI7vqdHcw/edit?usp=sharing
Online at http://inlinewarehouse.com
Avoid buying through Amazon or going to a general sporting goods store as the options will not be as good.
What blades should I get?
Recommended brands: Rollerblade, Fr
Type: Hard boot
A Note on Three vs. Four Wheel Skates
https://www.inlinewarehouse.com/fitlc/ThreeWheel-vs_FourWheel-Skates.html
Should I wear a helmet/pads?
Yes.
Do you lend out rollerblades?
No.
Do you offer lessons?
We host beginner events that sometimes include drills. If you want more formal and regular lessons, there are instructors listed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yqra5n60ogq8B4Bn0JOm9YQcYG3y_gtdf1BI7vqdHcw/edit?usp=sharing
Are quad skaters welcome on your rides?
Yes
Are long/skateboarders and bikers welcome?
Yes, but skateboarders should stay at the back of the pack to avoid collisions with rollerbladers. Sometimes, we brake suddenly and skateboarders are not able to react quickly, which can result in an issue for rollerbladers behind them. Bikers are also generally advised to stay at the back.
Do you know anywhere that rents out rollerblades/rollerskates?
Only the roller rink.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Westchester Coastal SkateWhite Plains Metro North, White Plains, NY
WESTCHESTER COASTAL
Might be the BEST skate of the summer, so do NOT miss it!!!Sunday August 10, 2025 Skate around Westchester & coast of the Long Island Sound with beautiful views.
*** GROUP-UP in White Plains at 9:45AM *** - by the Taxi Stand near the 6 story parking lot and the big clock
*** LEAVE PROMPTLY at 10:00AM Sharp ***
The full skate is an easy 31 miles, but there are options to do SHORTER DISTANCES. Details for Full Skate and shorter options are below
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We will start in White Plains, head east to Rye and Playland Park, continue along the coast thru Mamaroneck, Larchmont & New Rochelle, then finish in Pelham. We will visit Harbor Park, Larchmont Park, Five Island Park and Glen Island Park.We will have food & drink in Pelham around 3:30pm at Pelham Pizza, 113 Fifth Ave, Village of Pelham - (914) 738-3554 - pelhampizzeria.com
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FULL SKATE
Metro North Train from Grand Central to White Plains
GCT 9:14am to WP 9:51am
(or Harlem-125th Street at 9:24AM)
One-way fare: $9.75 (purchase before boarding train) RETURN WILL NOT BE FROM White Plains Meet at the Taxi Stand Skate 31 miles========================
Short OPTION 1 – RYE
Train from GCT to Rye Railroad Station GCT 9:36am to Rye 10:25am Meet us at 10:45 to 11am Need to skate 1 mile from RR to Rye High School (74 Parsons St - by flag pole) Map & directions on next page Skate the last 24 miles We get to Rye at 11am If doing Option 1, contact JimSkateNY (IG) or Jim Marx (FB)========================
Shorter OPTION 2 – MAMARONECK
Train from GCT to Mamaroneck Railroad Station GCT 11:05am to Mamaroneck 11:47am Meet us at 12:15 to 12:30pm Need to skate 0.4 miles from RR to US1 and 347 Mamaroneck Ave (by entrance to Harbor Park) Map & directions on next page Skate the last 15 miles We get to Mamaroneck at 12:30pm If doing Option 2, contact JimSkateNY (IG) or Jim Marx (FB)========================
Shortest OPTION 3 – LARCHMONT
Train from GCT to Larchmont Railroad Station GCT 12:05pm to Larchmont 12:44pm Meet us at 1:00 to 1:15pm Need to skate 0.6 miles from RR to Larchmont Mini Mart (at 14 Chatsworth Ave near US1) Map & directions on next page Skate the last 13 miles We get to Larchmont at 1:15pm If doing Option 3, contact JimSkateNY (IG) or Jim Marx (FB)========================
Rye Railroad Station, Rye, NY 10580 to 62-74 Parsons St, Rye, NY 10580 - Google Maps
141 Halstead Ave, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 to 347 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 - Google Maps Option to Bail at Mamaroneck – 12:54pm to GCT 1:39pm
Parking lot, Larchmont, NY 10538 to 3-19 Chatsworth Ave, Larchmont, NY 10538 - Google Maps Option to Bail at Larchmont – 1:56pm to GCT 2:39pm
Train back to NYC from PELHAM
Leave 3:38 to GCT 4:12pm Leave 4:05 to GCT 4:39pm Leave 4:38 to GCT 5:12pm Leave 5:05 to GCT 5:39pm Leave 5:38 to GCT 6:12pm and every half hour after thatSee mta.info for additional return train schedule.
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HELMETS AND WRIST GUARDS ARE REQUIRED. BRING WATER, SUN PROTECTION, AND LUNCH MONEY.YOU ARE SKATING/BIKING AT YOUR OWN RISK, responsible for your safety, and agree not to sue or hold the Empire Skate Club or any volunteers responsible.
*Note: Bikers must have $5 MTA lifetime permit available at Grand Central Station. May possibly be paid for on-board. Good for Metro North and LI Railroads. Yet, to ensure compliance, cost, and to save time print and fill-out form from http://web.mta.info/mnr/html/mnrbikepermit.htm.
THANKS and hope to see you SUNDAY!!!!
