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Starting as a beginner in 2020, Dr Belinda Prunster of Small Animal Specialist Hospital in the Sydney suburb of Alexandria is now coaching rollerskating.
“Just before the COVID lockdowns of 2020, one of my friends had seen rollerskating videos on Instagram and wanted to give it a try. None of our other friends were interested so I went along with her and enjoyed it immediately. I wasn’t naturally gifted but I love a challenge and committed myself to learning how to skate.
“I started at RollerFit, a company that teaches everyone from beginners to advanced skaters. There aren’t many rollerskating rinks in Sydney, so classes take place in sports centres on indoor netball courts. You’re going to fall when starting out but luckily, I’ve always been flexible which has avoided any serious injuries. You soon get good at falling and a soft landing is my special skill.
“For two years, I was skating three to five times a week with RollerFit and absolutely loving it. The company asked if I would like to become a coach and it felt like a natural progression. For the past few years, I’ve been teaching kids and adults from beginner level up to intermediate skaters. I show beginners how to move forwards, backwards, stop and turn around. The footwork gets more intricate as you become more experienced.
“I love roller dance. The first roller dance song I experienced was Yeah by Usher and it’s still the best song when you’re on skates. Roller disco is also very popular and if Xanadu by Olivia Newton-John comes on, the place explodes.
“I’ve made some of my best friends through rollerskating. It’s a warm and welcoming community that embraces and encourages everyone. There’s also a competitive element to rollerskating, though I’m not a part of that side of the sport. Artistic, figure and free dance skating are very beautiful. Speed skating is fast and furious and roller derby is a fun team sport. I enjoy rollerskating purely for the recreational aspect.
“Presently, I teach once a week and take classes two to three times a week. I’m hoping to master one foot turns which are still a bit tricky. I also find jumps a bit challenging but I’m getting there. I’ll forever be the student and the teacher.
“Rollerskating appeals to me because it’s a nice way to practise something that’s challenging and different. There’s always something new to learn and it never gets boring. Rollerskating is much like dancing except you’re on wheels.
“The more time you spend on skates, the better you become. If you’re contemplating giving it a go—just do it! It’s the best thing ever.”
