Roller Rink Etiquette - How to Skate at the Roller Rink 

Anyone scared of going alone… I can promise you….you will make friends! There will be people who are eager to help you & show you some things! Be outgoing! I’ve gone to a rink once and the next time I went, people remembered me! It’s a great community

I've been learning to roller skate for the last 7 months and went to the rink for the first time last Saturday night and it was MAGIC! The floor felt like butter, everyone enjoying themselves, doing their sweet moves and I was in it! Total Saturday Night Fever vibes and I loved it! I did great! It was one of the best experiences of my life. 💓

Please add, skating is counterclockwise unless otherwise indicated. This means if you need to leave the floor, skate around to an exit, not against traffic if possible. Also, if you use a skate buddy, please hang on to it!

I've been going to the rink since February and it's been pretty good for the most part. But since the covid restrictions lifted here it gets a lot busier. Our rink has "floor guards" but I've never seen them do anything besides skate all fancy around the rink and occasionally (rarely) clear the area if someone falls. The outside lane is technically the fast lane but as said in the video, most beginners cling to the wall. Then you have your advanced skaters in the mix and with everything it gets pretty chaotic. In my experience with these types of scenarios (not just the rink or in skating) it's usually the more advanced skaters that seem to be paying the least attention. They do their thing, in their zone and I've seen them cut off more skaters than anyone. To a newbie who is just learning, that can really mess you up. I had a skater pass me, so he knew I was there, then do a cartwheel right in front of me and fell on the floor so I had to hurry up and dodge him. I guess just being aware of what is around you is the biggest thing. Oh, also raising a hand when exiting the rink so people know you are slowing down to step off the floor is a big one.

I love that I can see/study you skating backward for more than 10 mins :)

Dirty makes an important point about someone placing their hands on you to guide you away from the action: if an experienced skater comes up behind you at a faster speed, they may place their hand(s) evenly across your lower back. Your mid-section/lower spine is usually where your center of gravity is, and it's the safest area on your body to be led by as it has the smallest chance of throwing you off your balance. if you push someone at their upper body, the odds of them tipping over are a lot higher!

I prefer to go when there are lots of little kids. I am a 13 year old who can not skate well at all. When there are a little kids 1 I feel safer because my local skating rink is not to safe at night. 2 I don’t feel like the beginner because everyone is, and 3 they don’t go super fast so I don’t get anxious going out on the rink.

i love the tips about a touch happening, whether I'm in the way or going to get trashed, i'd rather someone move my dumb backside out of the way. I used to be the speed demon, but now I'm the older slightly disabled dude, who just got my first roller skates in 30 years, and cannot wait to get back on the rink. I was worried about how much has changed in the main time, you've helped me feel a bit more comfortable.

the advice you gave at 10 minutes is so accurate and was well much needed. nonskaters dont understand the language of frequent skaters

This is so on point. Thank you for covering this. I know I certainly made a few faux pas approaching skaters asking them for help while they were like really in the middle of doing their thing😳. I’ve had to learn to wait my turn (yes, skating to their song comes before you) and I’ll get all the help I need.

Congratulations on reaching 200k+ subscribers Dirty!! It’s well deserved and you’re a joy to watch!🎉🎊

One, thank you so so much for that! I've never been to a rink before and only moved to indoor skating two weeks ago. This actually encourages me to go to the rink (still scary af). Two, you have the smoooooothest back skate when you talk and record. All I do is stare at how you do it. Coming from a person who's been doing backwards bubbles since February and still doesn't get backwards skating lol. Yes, I've watched your videos. My body does not comply.

wrist guards look cool as heck, especially if they're a cool color and match your skates. I used to be a really great skater but haven't gone to the rink in a while, and my friend's birthday party was today so I really sucked, but eventually got the hang of it! My dad said he'd start dropping me off at the skating rink with my friends once a week to get better and I'm so excited!

Your rink looks so clean and inviting! I would love to skate there! Thank you for your helpful videos! ❤

Wow, Deb... Your Voice is Really Smooth ❤️

And this!!! THANK YOU! LOL! There really is an atmosphere in this space. Those of us who live this life, it's just obvious to us. But not to everyone. Excellent video.

Competing in the Tampa classic next year. Usars. Really warmed my heart to watch this video. That part where you said "don't be afraid to ask a better skater how to skate" almost brought a tear to my eye. My workout regiment can be so aggressive sometimes I forget it's supposed to be fun. I live in the vicinity of Dave Simmons (him knowing I've been taking this seriously) I jokingly asked. "So you going to sponsor me next year?" Dave casually says "sure I think you could pick out some equipment" I practically sobbed for an hour..

omg i needed this!! just went to roller rink for first time ever on Sunday & wanna go again and again- but did fall twice cause the floor feels so different and kept feeling like was gonna ram into people so felt like back to basics all over again 🤣

Shout out to the DJ at Skatin' Station in Michigan on adult nights. "SLOOOOWW SKAAATERS! THE WALL IS NOT. YOUR. FRIEND." Love it. 😊 Thanks for the video, Dirty. I'm familiar with rink etiquette but there's many great tips here for handling anxiety. 💕 Much love from Detroit!

I grew up in a skating family, started skating at 2, my daughter started at 11 months. Everything is so on point, especially with putting hands on people. IT WILL HAPPEN!! I also help out the floor guards with the kiddos, they can't be everywhere! The most important thing is ask questions and HAVE FUN!!!!

I love your videos 😊 I could listen to you talk about anything, you have an awesome vibe.

That rink looks sweet! This video is great! Thanks for making it! I had a lot of fun at a rink as a kid and this really brought me right back to the memories!

Love this lots of good info for new skaters just sent this to my friend who's gonna be heading to rink for the first time

What a great video! Great , accurate message. I’m a lifelong, good skater. To reiterate, skate is a philosophy, people who skate support others who skate, at all levels. Do you, have fun, roll on. It’s been this was as long as I’ve done it. 80’s,90s,2000’s,2010’s,2020’s. Skated in 5 decades now. Welcome to skate if you’re new :)

I've definitely been in the wrong lane on the rink! Interesting how the rules are diff. everywhere i.e. running track vs. skate rink etc..

I run to the inner of the rink. Lol. I'm so new. I get there before everyone and hangout in the middle or just outside if ppl are practicing...I've been in the land of the fast and furious (outside rink) and almost died trying to get off the floor. It's like playing frogger....lol. I was almost rink kill 🙀🦫

I'm hitting a proper rink tonight (cheapest way to tell if I want to keep my quads or switch to inlines) and I had to restart the video bc its very soothing watching you calmly skate backwards around the rink

So my family goes to a rink in Cheyenne, its a nice rink for what it is but its constantly fend for yourself. There aren't floor guards necessarily but there is the dj that'll come make a few laps and regulate as needed. Then on the P.P.E. aspect. We condone the use as needed, like I'm working on getting the kids into hockey and my son, I have him wear a helmet, when we play hockey, then our daughter the elbow wrist and knee pads since she still is working towards getting away from the controlled flail to be moving. Just an as needed thing lol Love the vid!

We have a lot of teens and tweens on their phones out on the floor, too. They may look confident, but pass them with caution!

I had the opportunity to visit your rink last week and man oh man I enjoyed myself! I went Thursday for R&B night and let me tell you, I was thoroughly entertained! It was so much fun!!!! I didn't bring my own skates (flew in from Texas) so I had to settle for rentals so I kept it simple and just skated in one directions lol!

Dear Debbie, This is the best rollerskating tutorial I have ever seen in my life. You seem to have a wonderful personality and you explain everthing so clearly. Congrats! Too bad I don't live near your rink!

Thank you for posting this. Not all rinks support this and it's a shame. It's a real downer when a rink doesn't enforce rink etiquette. I've been to rinks that do not even have floor guards. It's the wild west out there. Kids going the wrong way, or acting like cats that need to be somewhere else fast across the floor. Jam skaters staying on the outside corners doing their jams, impacting the shufflers out there that are carrying the speed on the outside lines. It really makes for a bad experience. Again thank you for posting this.

Interesting about the gentle touch to move you over.. Thanks.

Great video as always! I'm finally starting to get the knack of skating. At the age of 42! I will admit that coming to the rink in the beginning can be intimidating. There is a lot going on: lights, music, smells, movement, voices, etc. It seems like general chaos! And then of course are all of the amazing skaters. Especially as a beginner, navigating all of it can be challenging. And when you get on your skates you are just trying to stay upright while all of this activity is around you. Let me tell you, it's no mean feat to try to maneuver around fearless children going this way and that while you're just trying to basically move forward! Also, it was for me frankly terrifying to be on skates the first few times. I had to realize that it was okay it feel afraid and still go for it anyway. I still have so much to learn, but two months ago, I was afraid to simply stand up on skates! Now I can do a few laps on the rink at a time. So you *can* teach an old dog new tricks!

6:40 this is so true I learned this my last skate session. I was like thank god kids can’t drive

Honestly, when I come into a skating ring, my first move is to scope out all the people I want to stay away from, which means speed skatings, slow skatings, show-off skaters, and most of all talkers (kids do not bother me). I really do try to stay away from these types of skaters so it takes me usually about 20 minutes before I hit the floor. I have to skate watch first. I blend in easily and most times can keep up but I would consider myself a smooth skater when i like to feel the breeze without overdoing it. All you said is definitely what I see and I can work with it.

Roller skating is my favorite thing to do

Our rink definitely does not allow food or drink on the floor. It isn't even allowed out of the little cafe area. If you bring your own food and are eating on the benches, they will ask you to move into the cafe. Some of us adults keep water bottles on top of the lockers and grab a quick swig while off the floor, and they turn a blind eye on us. ;) I'm sure if we were doing more than grabbing a quick sip and popping it back on top of the lockers, nowhere near the floor, they would move us. They don't even allow hats, scarves, sweaters tied around your waist or shoulders, anything like that. They will pull you off the floor and have you stow it. They really try to prevent anything that could fall and create hazards for other skaters. Also no cell phones in hand, and no ear buds or headphones. No distracted skating. They try so hard to keep us safe.

absolutely fabulous video, you covered everything and then some!!! Your rink, you and family really are awesome! I'm in Vermont and we lost our states only rink, super miss the rink nights! Thank you for making this video and keeping skating strong :)

I love you girl! You are the best. Thanks.

My rink has plastic pannel floors, ive been dying to skate on a wood floor 🥲

Hi Deb, I really appreciate this PSA on what to expect at the rink!! Would you be able to do an instructional video on how flat areas end up on skate wheels, along with how to best avoid these from happening and other than the noise these flat areas make, is it dangerous to ride on wheels that have flat areas? Thanks in advance.

Looking slimmer Dirty ! I’m the same shape as you ! Thanks for the videos , Learning so much!

Great tips! Not in California. Not many roller rinks where I am 😕

learning how to skate is best done on friday and saturday nights. youll learn awesome foot work, and pick up on things like how to enter and exit the floor and not to cut across the floor.

Number one...Do not be rude, ever, and any good rink will ask you to leave. Even if you have been skating 500 years, that simply means you should know better what NOT to do.I just skated out of town and here is my regimen. I like to get there when the session starts because I love to warm up myself and my wheels. I put my stuff away, lace up, do a last minute check, and ease onto the floor. Then I notice the floor lines, the surface, and start to warm up my wheels with deep edging, some simple pivots, and then go from there. Advanced skaters must know how to stop and change direction on a dime, or they need training backwards ,forward, and sideways. When you are going backwards your head should be turned in the direction you are going ,so you can see around 270 degrees of the floor. You should be able to plow, hockey stop, and tstop on both sides. Good skaters read other skaters, and by their shoulders/head, they can tell which direction you're headed to. With wisdom and experience, you know when to do inside and outside sweeps, only when you have room, and that includes turns, jumps, and any other moves you know. Now the beginner probably knows little to nothing about all this for whatever reason, so the correct assumption is, that you need to give them room. I know the team I work with, we work with the skating guards to help control the floor if someone goes down.Point being, respect your space and other's space ,and have fun......

such a great video. Appreciate your insight on kids that can't drive yet!! Thank you!!

HI DIRTY!! I LOVE YOOOOUUUU

I always keep my drink in a flask!!!

I do wish rinks would also take more action against people who form a line like 4-5 people across so others can’t skate or get by! As far as trash outside, I was usually the last one out with another group so we would clean up the parking lot if there was trash!

Also those pvc helpers are a good ideal but I can think of a way to make them better. I feel they makes them bend forward too far. Adding a small bar across the triangle would help them keep their weight where it belongs.

love your videos! Could i request a video on dealing with aches and pains whilst skating? im struggling with cramp in my feet whilst skating and i cant figure out whats causing it :(

I think there was a skating meet at the rink a few weeks ago. My coach and a couple other skaters from my skating club went out to California for a meet.

When i first got on the rink it was never hard to me to skate idk why or how , i love fountain valley skating ring ever since world on wheels closed down, fountain valley very popular in the La/cali area 😘

Definitely pick up trash and stuff if you see it. I remember someone lost a nut on the rink and it was just sitting there like someone could've really fallen hard because of that nut being there

Such a great video ❤️🙏🎉

My kids always have that classic complaint omg to many kids 🙈 I find it fun and adorable watching the little guys trying to learn something so fun like skating.

Rollercade San Antonio, Texas we tore it up

Great video!!! So good

Yep Hadleys guilty runnin his lines skain faster than everybody else weavin through. Ive been known to jump laterally to avoid runnin over someone too.

Something's that's bothered me a lot the last few times I visited my local rink is that these 2 grandpa's who are very good skaters kept coming up to me and my friends (my friends were completely newbies) and giving us unsolicited advice on skating. While they were very sweet and kind, it made me very anxious as I was suddenly hyper aware of people watching me skate and practice moves. Plus my friends didn't know how to politely say no to them, and I felt like I had to stick around them so they wouldn't be approached again and feel uncomfortable. It really ruined the night for me, and though I know they meant well, it's making me reconsider every time I want to go back. This might seem stuck up, since I was getting advice from some obviously very skilled skaters, but I already have extreme social anxiety around doing physical activity and skating is one of the few things that I can do.

I went with my sister and it had so many people sitting on the walls... So difficult, me and my sisters are beginners so Geez!

Slower less experienced skaters please stay towards the inside, leaving the outside lanes open for faster more experienced traffic.

May have been worth mentioning (in this current time) to wear your mask and wear it properly.

And don't forget to tip your roller rink operator! ;)

Great video👍🏽

i still dont like the waist thing

PS: Does your rink do reverse skate? I feel that helped me as a kid with my crossovers both sides. & I always make fists to get up if I fall, I had a kind skater once tell me this avoids getting fingers accidently run over :)

Is this your first time renting skates? Okay, please go into this room to put on your skates. (video in continuous loop) "Hey Skaters, I'm Dirty Debra Harry with the Dirty School of Skate..."

I haven't been to a roller rink since I was a like 12 or 13 years old I'm now 47 years old, I love outside skating so much I don't know if I will ever go back to a rink or not although I haven't been about to go to the park skating for over 2 months now because I been working, when I was young learning how to skate I always clinged to the wall and all the adviced skaters would whip passed me, one time to keep myself from falling I grabbed hold of this guys shirt and we both went down laughing so hard I said I'm so sorry, thank goodness he was nice about it and said oh it's ok no problem and we both laughed it off, he helped me up and we both we on skating, I had fun going to the rink, I couldn't go alot but when I did I had alot of fun.

Come on people...don't litter in the parking lot or anywhere, that's what trash cans are for. I thought that was obvious to anyone over the age of 5. 1. Dirty, w/over 200k pls start a patreon acct. were we can easily support such a wonderful channel. Even if only a tiny percentage signed up like 3-5k at anywhere from $1 - $3, and the cut Patreon takes... it would really help. 2. Your skates are to die for...very cool.

Great video!! (Like always..)

Hey when I skated at 15-19yrs old I was taught fast skaters outside kids inexperience ext the inner lane but the two rinks I went everything was all over. It feels like avoiding traffic. I don’t mind every is skating with the mix. It’s that they don’t tell people where to skate. The rinks I went to the floor guard would tell people where they should go. They also use these pvc things to help people skate but no one is helping them. I try to tell them bend their knees but I’m a guy and if I even say this is how you the parents go nuts. The poor kid just wants to learn to skate but I am afraid to help now a days. So the last two places I went kids were in every lane falling all over no one helping. So it was stop and go skating the whole time.

Skaters on the floor most definitely don’t pay attention to anyone at all. (Aside from traffic) I get self conscious because I haven’t finished repainting my skates. But then I remember there was an older gentleman found at the rink dead and no one knew until emts came.

Thanks for sharing

Hey. Can you explain the kingpin angels on plates and what the different angles are better for as far as forms of skating like artistic or dance or figure, etc

Ok BUT do you have a tutorial for that spin at the beginning?

What about the expert skaters that hog the entire span of a section on the rink (not the middle) doing routines. I find this disruptive to everyone else. This should be done in the middle …. Right?

not an etiquette question, but why are there white circles painted on the floor and why are there little number signs up on the ceiling?

I’m not in your city. A couple of years ago I had my brand new skates fresh out of the box. I went skating for the night session. I sit down and put on my skates. I roll over to put my stuff in the locker. I felt one of my wheels was bumpy. I sit down and take off my skate, I see a wad of chewing gum stuck to my brand new wheel. During the day session someone did that because the gum was fresh. It took days to get all of it off and I was PISSED 😡

I'd like to add that it should be your responsibility as fast skater to see slower skaters ahead of you.. Last night I was hit by a guy who was at the end of a train of 5 other guys who were just WEAVING all over the skate floor.. I didnt even get a chance to see him out of the corner of my eye before i was slammed to the floor with him on top of me.. AND I was in the inside area, where the sorta fast skaters usually skate.. I can sorta fast skate just fine.. but this guy literally saw me as he hit me... Today i feel like i was hit by a car, im almost 40, my body is protesting. My husband saw it happen, said the guy was going at least 20mph when he slammed into me.. should see my knees today! Look like my knee cap was relocated cuz of the swelling! ALSO!! The guy who works at the front desk felt so bad that he got me ice and checked on me multiple times.. AND as i was getting ready to leave he skated over and handed me a voucher for one free admission with skate rental.. but i use my own skates so thats cool! Ill be back next week as per usual

What's the hand holding about...is that like a "skate spotter" type thing?

Nice video

Another woman got mad at me on Sunday for bumping into her boyfriend because he was sitting on the ground (he just fell) and I was going backwards and didn't see him. Somebody pointed him out to me so I slowed down, but I still bumped into him. He wasn't hurt at all, and I didn't cause him to fall over again, nor did I fall. I just BARELY TAPPED him! XD And his girlfriend got so mad. It was kinda funny to be honest.

Side note: any fibers/woods videos coming soon

hey deborah what happens if someone puts there hands on you

Well, half way into the video and all I’m thinking is your rink sounds like a fairytale compared to the rinks around here. Never mind the buckets hanging from the ceilings or the warped floor boards, floor guards aren’t even a thing around here. There are no “lanes” there are only “get out of the way or get run over,” this applies to the wall, middle, center whatever, its a free for all. The kids shoot out from the side like little missiles. Then there are groups of girls with their arms linked together to act as human clothes lines. As far as the walls, there are normally full groups of people just sitting there so you can only use half the floor. Most adults won’t even skate because they are afraid of getting hammered by the boys that insist they need to race the entire time. If you’re unlucky enough to get hit by one of them, its pretty near as bad as getting kicked by a horse. Mind you, these adults are also the parents of said kids. Not to sound rude, but I really wish they would teach them some manners so everyone could safely enjoy themselves. After all, if you accidentally run into one of their kids that darted out in front of you, those same parents also get upset.

Question? I have tile floor with deep grout... as a beginner I keep getting stuck should I switch to gummier wheels? Thank you ❤️

Hard for me to picture you angry or upset (like in the drinking pouring which is beyond obvious). Yeah, absolutely right on that one... but I'd sure feel bad if it's you the one who comes to me... angry. I guess the best suggestion would be to tell people (when they actually buy the drink) that they cannot take the cup/glass bottle with them to the rink. Again, it's pretty obvious, but some younger people (like kids) won't think of that... at all. Especially if they have friends waiting for them in the rink.

Any tips on speed skates

I think rule number one would be don't fall every ten feet like I would lol.

Anyone have any advice on how to join one of those "crews" of people cruising around in a group? At my rink they just skate to the beat of the music together; Looks like fun and I think I'm a good enough skater to do this but I bet they all already know each other? Seems strange to just skate up and join? I feel like a kid in kindergarten lol, not sure how to join in with the cool kids....

Be nice to make this vid a national commercial. Some ppl make enjoying a local rink IMPOSSIBLE. Pics, take time to do after an open session. Phone use NO! only off the floor ESP if you cannot skate. Food, gum, beverages never on the skate floor....empty pockets of all loose change. Check your kids hair decor and refasten if needed. Teach kids proper etiquette by showing them AND check their laces. No climbing on rails. Use this time to bond with your kids and your inner kid

Rules of roller rink 1:no violent behavior will be tolerated 2: no shoving or pushing 3:no climbing over walls 4:no food allowed on skating floor 5:no guns knives weapons 6:no t shirt with foul words 7:no profanity 8:no outside food 9:no house playing 10:no tampering with fire alarm 11:no flirting:if rules are not followed u will be eject from building no ifs & butts u been warned

Oohh thumbs down....you pick up the trash...lol I am so glad to know the wall is the fast lane. Or watch like highway...uh I need a drink🥺🥺🥺

hey Deborah I have a request for you

No! The part about touching is awful advice! It is not ok to touch other people without permission. Keep your hands to yourself.

Why does etiquette have to be involved in everything. Can’t we just have fun