Roller Skating Outdoors! How to Keep Yourself Safe!!!!! 

I heard this on a true crime podcast and it’s now my mantra when I’m out skating or doing anything outside by myself, “It’s better to be a rude chick than a dead chick” except they use a different word than chick 😂

Gen X unite! And yes, we are a little scrappy. First, it’s annoying that this video even has to be made, but it’s necessary. I grew up in our big cities and this is GREAT advice and exactly how to do it. No need for mace,knives, guns, etc. I also blank stare back, tell them “Mind your business” and/or “I don’t want to talk I’m busy”. Learn to be direct, confident, and in control.

Dirty Deb is NOT to be messed with lol

Yes! Bass in the voice definitely works. I used to be a runner and encountered all kinds of weirdos.I learned to be very to the point and direct. Genuinely decent people will back off immediately, but creepers take a little more work. They focus on women who look scared, out of their element, and unassertive. Get some bass in your voice and don't be that person, even if you have to fake it! Great video with awesome tips!

These tips are PURE GOLD and good for all sorts of settings. I imagine that they'd be rather difficult for me. I am naturally friendly and usually welcome conversations. But like you said, it's not rude to control the interaction in the ways you've mentioned. Your response examples were hilarious! You seem natural at it. I certainly wouldn't mess with you. Lol.

What great advice. As a man I'm so sad so many woman feel restricted in doing what they want to do because there are people with bad intentions around. I'm definitely going to pass your advice along to my 16 year old stepdaughter. Maybe later in live she will say: "the best advice my stepdad ever gave me was ,...." :)

Thank you for making this!!! You’re everyone’s kick ass big sis and we can all learn a lot from you!! Keep up the great content Deb! Xoxox

Definitely needed this.. I had person come up to me telling that I don’t belong… They were on a bike. I was like Ooh ok. I just kept skating. ☺️ because I always came here to skate all the time. And I was happily skating. ☺️💖

the fact that she’s been skating backwards and hasn’t looked back once.

Doing this will come easier if we realize we don’t owe anybody kindness or politeness... that’s what most creeps look for is people who don’t have a mean or stern bone in their body and feel as if they have to be nice and have to entertain a conversation when you do not have to

‘You’re backwards skating skills better be on par ok’ 😂😂😂 such good advice Dirty thank you so much! That’s a great dad you got!

We need to share this video and make it go viral. Never heard advice like this before but totally makes sense

Didn’t realize I could admire you more, but this is solid gold information.

amazing video deborah!!!! most outdoor skating safety videos just go over the general knee pads, helmets and stuff- but stranger safety is rarely ever addressed. i deal with sexual harassment A LOT so now i never leave the house without my stun gun & mace keychain!!!

Yes. Out-weird the weirdos. And direct the conversation assertively. So true about Gen X 😂👊

Great advice your dad gave you on how to take control of a situation. It reminded me of an old Bugs Bunny cartoon from back in the day, where Bugs Bunny is confronted by Yosemite Sam. Yosemite Sam has his guns drawn on Bugs, and Bugs says something like, "Where have you been?" . . . "you're late" . . . "here, tuck in your shirt" . . . "stand up straight" . . . "etc. etc.". Yosemite is so stunned by Bugs' confidence and control, that he just goes along with everything Bugs says! I exercise while I watch your videos, but when I'm at the rink, your words come back to me . . . I've progressed significantly :) I love all your videos!! Please keep creating them!!

Great advice Dirty.. we need to be alert, carry ourselves with strength and confidence AND trust our gut and intuition 🙏 I used to travel for a living and those attributes saved me many times when I was in a strange city. GenX baby 😆

Yaaaasss Fairy skate Muva! Ppl are weird. I'm grateful for my practice spot. Usually I don't see ppl there. I was out once and fell, tho and two guys came running to help. I didn't feel threatened but yeah that FIRM "I'm GOOD" stopped them in their tracks. Wishing safe smooth skating for everyone and sending Gen X love ❤️

As someone who skates alone often, this was so needed. Thank you ❤️

Thanks for this Dirty! These are definitely skills that we can use in any space we don't feel 100% safe in, not just when we're skating. When I'm going to a new skate spot I like to take a friend with me, I find that quite often people won't approach you if there's more than one of you.

I cannot tell you how timely and useful this video was for me. I was skating INDOORS and was groped last week. Today, this same man nearly knocked me over multiple times while trying to get close to me. I used my RBF (which he did not like), but I will use my voice next week rather than allow him to ruin my love of skating. Thank you, Dirty! I cannot wait to come skate with you at Fountain Valley!

Think about it this way, you are just minding your own business and they. Stopped. YOU. You don’t owe them anything like “putting yourself in their shoes”. THEY should put themselves in YOUR shoes because they were the ones who are trying to engage in the first place , not you. Thank you for this Deborah!

I was sent this video after facing some pretty bad harrassment while skating today, thank you so much for not focusing on outside aides that are supposed to keep us safe, but on attitude and words. I spoke up for myself today, told him he made me uncomfortable and to leave me alone, but that was ignored. Eventually he left when I started raising my voice and other people started looking. I hate how we still need to be cautious and keep stuff like this in mind while just trying to go about our lives. As I told a few friends today: is it so strange to want to exist in public without men feeling entitled to our time and conversation?

I've always been an outdoor skater through my 4 years of skating and have lost count of the amount of encounters of this nature I've had. For the most part people have been amazing and very sweet but definitely had my fair share of uncomfortable situations and unwanted attention. Thank you for this very helpful and important video! Glad to have some advice from a well experienced skater 🙂🙏

This is great advice for women, on or off skates! Im having my daughter watch this. Thank you!!!

This video made me emotional! Such an important topic and thank you for speaking to it Dirty! Great advice for on and off skates.

I'm not even a roller skater, but someone recommended this video online for young women to learn how to not feel stuck being "polite" to all sorts of random strangers, especially when they make you uncomfortable. It turned a light bulb on in my head! I've never heard about my voice being my best defense. Thank you so much Deborah!!

Thanks for doing this video! IT works for so many situations, not just skating! I've always used this method to get creeps unnerved and ultimately, leave. And I'm a Gen X-er, too!

This is very important 👏🏼 👏🏼 I only skate outdoors when the area is well lit and there’s plenty of light. I do not skate at night unless I have company. There’s safely in numbers.

I LOVE this video!! Thank you so much! I used spend a lot of time on the streets and definitely fell victim to this. Eventually I developed a similar method: Weird dude approaches me, "hey girl, how you doin?", Me with flat expression, "DON'T TALK TO ME!". End of transaction. Sometimes they mumble under their breath but they always leave me alone. Obviously my way is a bit less polite than yours but it's never failed me

Thank you for this! I've only been approached twice now, and only one time made me feel extra weird. The guy was working at the YMCA and i was just skating in the parking lot after they had closed for the day, and he came out and was just chatting at me, at first it was whatever, seemed fine, but it was just how long he was trying to keep me there chitchatting that made me feel nervous, and the fact that I was there to skate not talk to this dude...and then he just sort of hung around the parking lot even though it was clearly his time to go home...I didn't go back there for about 3 weeks and tried to go a little later so he'd be gone. He wasn't, and he came out and remembered my name so I noped on out of there.

OMG that is the best advise I ever got. I will be remembering this every time I go anywhere. I will be replaying this over and over. THANK YOU

GenX in the Houuussse! Thanks for being my Fairy Skate-Godmother! Love your videos, just wish I lived closer to your rink!

Woo, GenX solidarity! And yeah, I can see how this totally would work! They play a game like this on Whose Line Is Is Anyway, called questions only, and it is super rare that any of them can make it through more than 3 or 4 questions. And it is hilarious.

Absolutely priceless advice. Thank you so much, Dirty!

Whew! Thank you for mentioning the college thing, I just graduated and it feels like an uptick of weirdos invading my space! I’m all too familiar with the “hey how’s it going”/answering questions with questions, and sending men off to do whatever it is what they were doing. I live in NYC and currently skate in some parks nearby my apartment so my roommate always suggest switching up my spots and as my daddy reminds me “no grown man needs helps from a woman”. I stay alert and honestly get by pretty well. My issue comes when men in cars stop or slow down along the way :// that’s where I get really upset and uncomfortable but I know that I can’t escalate it for my own safety. But to be honest, it is pretty funny when you disarm them by asking questions/repeating their BS back to them. Thank you for this video 🙏🏾 your content is so amazing

There have been several SAs on the trail outside of my apartment this summer and I've been too scared to skate for a while now. This was really nice to watch and get this kind of advice. At least I'll feel better when I skate at other public places.

Really good advice Dirty! I've had this creepy guy watching me skate several times. I do not know for sure - but I think it's the same guy... I've changed my skating routine... That is; I've not skated as often and at different times of the day... It feels scary skating by my self some times... Love and light from rainy Norway

This is the best advice ever. I can't tell you how many times I've done the loud, "What's up" when I feel like a creepy guy or guys are coming at me. I once had three guys looking for an earring for me that didn't exist because I didn't want them to follow me down the narrow alley to my apartment. Once the street became more occupied with people I ducked out before the guys even noticed I was gone.

Another tip, yknow how people say "pretend they're in their underwear" as if it would make the situation less intimidating and gross... well instead if you need to use your big voice just pretend they're a naughty dog. Guy touching my drink bottle off to the side of where I was skating "OI WHAT R YOU DOING!!!" "oh I err..." "GET OUT OF IT" (leaves)... obv I did not drink any water from that bottle after. Also yelling "BACK OFF" straight into their face if they keep on approaching after you told them to leave also works well. Esp since you don't want to take steps backwards(risking a fall since nervous) to get your personal bubble back and making into into a public scene puts more pressure on them from other people.

Thank you for this, Dirty! Inevitably, each time I'm practicing at a local outdoor rink, someone stops to watch. And that's okay, but the last one purposely released his two big dogs on me in an attempt to come into the rink and pick me up. I must be brainwashed because I remained polite and smiley in that situation... I really needed to hear this! Great advice!

This advice is literally some of the best advice that any woman can ever give to another woman (or frankly something that anyone can give to another person). I've needed this advice for way too long and it is crazy that I've gotten it from a skating video rather than anyone else I know. Thank you Deb for the sincere help you give to fellow people! 💛

Can you just come with me every time I go out skating?! But really, I've had your videos playing each time I've gone out to practice and it's so motivating (and comforting)!

I’m 2 days into skating and you truly are my fairy skate godmother! Thank you for these amazing videos!

Thankyou so much Dirty! This was a great lesson and it'll definitely make me feel more safe when I'm out skating by myself! I love your energy! Such a strong woman! A great role model ♥️

I briefly explained this to a skater today. If you don’t feel comfortable keep it moving. If someone says something creepy move them on. Don’t give them time. Stranger danger is real. This is a great video

i love you so much

Gun toting skater… whole new image to “Dirty Harry!” 🤣🤣🤣 “Do you feel lucky? Well do ya’ punk?” … backwards cross over- lunge… POW!💪🏿

Thank you Dirty for these tips! Let's use our VOICE Ladies!!! 💗

Beginner here! The fact that I haven’t gone out to skate alone because of this fear and now I’m watching this 🤍🤌🏼😪 thank you!

Hey, Dirty! I'm brazilian, 46 yo, and I want to thank you for being my teacher!!! I just love the way you explain the things and make me confident to try stuff even when it's damn scary! I'm starting with skating now and you're helping me great time!!! Big hugs from Brazil, professora!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

This video came at the perfect time! I just got a helmet and want to start skating outdoors. Thank you for all you do! Love all your videos.

Love your videos. One important advice prior to and always is to let someone know where you're going to be. Especially if you're skating alone.

Love this, thank you. I saw a video of a french girl who does super weird and loud noises when creepy men talk to her.. Sounds like a turkey, dinosaur, Hissing like an angry cat or just like crazy and guys run away saying: weirdo or sth like that. She even has them on video. Seems pretty effective.

im so grateful that youve made this cause i wouldnt have even considered it a teachable aspect of skating on it own and its gonna be so useful in purely jsut providing a bit of extra confidence to go out more in any situation

I'm so glad I found you Deborah! I came for the skate advices and stayed for these life advices! 🤩

Thanks so much. About time someone addressed this. Great advice. Thanks to Dirty’s dad for the good advice.

She seems like the kind of woman that can kick someone’s butt 😁love the vid ty!

THANKS MOM

i went roller skating for the first time since before covid and now i want a pair of roller skates

This advice is gold Dirty, I have used it many times and works like a charm, it let's them know you mean business and they best not mess with you or else 😂 it is so fun and hilarious seeing their reaction when they see that you play the game much better than they do, most are just looking for attention. I use it off and on skates. Us older generation been there done that and can teach others and help them to build confidence in themselves and boldness. You gotta learn how to confront people and be comfortable doing it, you can let others dictate your life, you gotta be the one on the drivers seat not them. Excellent advice Dirty! Packing guns and knives is a bit too extreme and really theres no need for it.

This is so amazing! What an awesome video to make, you are THE BEST Dirty!!!

Males, they are my problem too. I've had many bad experiences just skating around the dirty city I live in. I started putting my knife on my phanny pack where it's well visible to those who would want to try. I started carrying when a male on a bike tried to drag me behind him on his bike. I'm a lone rider, I'm going down with a fight. My mental health puts me in hyper-vigilance every moment of my life. I know what humans are capable of. I am always on guard. I will do anything to protect myself, I won't let anyone hurt me again. Years of therapy to be able to go outside after bad things happened to me...I'm not being robbed of that again.

I am a new skater, and I really appreciate your content and your spunk! Thanks for being you! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Happy skating!

The most dangerous thing you will probably encounter are unleased dogs, and according to the owners it's always your fault. But I'm a dude and black (brings along a whole set of different problems lol) but this is sound advice.

I like this strategy, but what happens when someone gets frustrated with me doing that and starts yelling? At work I've had plenty of men harass me, probably because I'm a skinny dude with soft features (as if I chose that..), and they think they can walk all over me. I get scared, because these guys aren't afraid to punch or stab a guy who dares not to be down to them, in their mind they're probably just "cleaning up". And I feel like if even while skating, this type of guy(group) comes up, I use this actually cool strategy, they will yell to become more threatening, and I will have angered them. What do I do then? I quit my job because there's too many of them, and I haven't gone out skating in a while because they are everywhere...

this strategy probably works great on “karens” if you know what i mean. 🤣

I laughed so hard at the gun… I had an idea or where that was going lol

I just saw a video of a skateboarding woman. Creepy man came up “Can I show you a neat trick how to do that flip?” She said “I’m good thanks” three different times. Don’t say that!!! It wasn’t until she finally said, strongly, “I SAID NO!” that he finally went away, calling her a rhymes with door. Say “NO”not “I’m good thanks.”

I wish I saw this video a day earlier. Some dude came to me and started to chit chat while I was practicing in a park. I saw him approaching me and I couldn't react on time. Thank you Dirty for the valuable tips. You are pretty bad ass! 💕😍💃

I am happy that I live in an area, where I feel super safe most of the time. If someone comes up to me while skating, they are usually really nice and friendly people who skate, too, and who want to give advice or compliment me on my pretty skates. ;) And I am good at telling people if I don't want advice. ^_^= But your tipps are super good!!!!

"Gen X, we've been in a fight." Hell Yes!! Great video!! Love all this advice, will be passing along to my older teens for sure!

I'm dying thinking about myself shooting a gun with roller skates on. 🤣😭

You are the best! I love your videos. Thank you for this.

Thanks Dirty! Your Dad also!

Also I have mastered my bubbles ☺️

Very sound advise for young ladies, thank you. Another one is try not to skate alone, bring a friend and be in a group, especially towards the end of the day when it's just starting to get dark. Can't tell you how may times I've seen very young girls rollerblading or running alone on forest trails, when it's almost getting dark and there are not too many people around to help them, should God forbid the need arise. If some weirdo starts following you, try to attach yourself to a group of people and stay with them, don't feel uncomfortable just because you don't know them. Make small talk about politics or whatever until they get you safely to a parking lot. If physically attacked, yes, scream as loudly as you can, do not allow them to gag you and take you to a second location where you know what will happen...

1000/10 advice but dude she skated backwards the whole video and looked over her shoulder like four times. Friggin amazing.

Gen Xer too! Speaking first is great! It works im a retail environment to deter theft. Great video!

Great advice, thank you Dirty. 💜

Wow, I love your attitude! And your advice!! Thanks so much for sharing these simple tips. I am definitely going to share this.

Thanks inn a beginner helped me a lot!!

i’m going to skate outside for the first time today! i’m sure going to use this tips, love your videos!

The first time I came across your vids. I knew you were our fairy skate god mother 💕

This is excellent information for everyone, not just skaters. Thank you so much, will be trying this method out!

When I need that mum moment, come watch Deb 😍

Literally just watched a show on Dahmer...Invisible Monsters, crazy you posted this today.

so funny!

... sound advice for life.

Woman, I love you! What great advice!

Oh DDH you are hilarious and full of common sense (if only more people applied your approach to life then the world would be a much better place)! As a fellow Gen X-er (54 years young and a lifelong skater) I really agree with your comment re knowing how to fight - I was constantly getting into scraps when I was a young gal, it was just kinda what you did as part of the whole growing up thing. Young people these days have missed out on a LOT of life lessons by staying in and playing those daft computer games.

Even for guys that encounter bullies, these are very good tips. As a gen x myself, I had to do this same tactic, and it does work. And like she said, are you all crazy? A gun, a knife and mace? Are you wanting prison time? I know people that packed and they still had prison time to serve, just for packing, because it came up in the police search. Needless to say if they even threaten an innocent inquisitive person, that's a federal offence. So like she said many times before. Skating is a social activity. Learn proper social etiquette/skills and you'll be fine. You don't want to go to prison for accidentally pulling a trigger on someone that was innocently inquisitive.

This is very helpful!! I don't have an indoor place to skate where I live so I have to be outside. I'm thinking of ordering myself a pair of skates, I used to do it when I was little and I really enjoyed it! Now at 22 I really want to get back into it!

THANK YOU. watched this. THANK YOU. as a pretty girl, I get this shit all of the time. THANK YOU. I never knew what to do. THANK YOU. ALison

You make skating look so easy! So grateful! I just started and I have battle wounds.. lol how dose one fine there balance for beginners..

Thank you, and thanks to you dad

THANK YOU for this!! I needed to hear this!

This is the best thing on RU-vid!

Thank you!!! Yes!!!

I loved your words to me.