John, this is Delenn, our exchange student from Yedor. She's studying interplanetary relations, like you. She'll be joining us on our trip to the Mediterranean, to study Ancient Human culture. I trust you'll exercise nothing but the fine art of diplomacy.
Pros of going to the skate rink:
- The surface is much easier than outdoors
- Cool lights & DJ playing music
- Fans/air conditioning (I’ve gotten pretty hot in my backyard after only 15 minutes or so since it’s been really warm lately)
- I think falling hurts less in terms of both texture and hardness
- Can skate longer without getting fatigued
Cons of the skate rink:
- Children. But easily abated by opting for 18+ skate nights (Wed 8pm-11pm and Friday 10pm-1am) - TBH I more so blame the parents that don’t teach basic etiquette. It has nothing to do with being an expert (I’ve literally been skating 2 days), it’s just common sense stuff...
- Can only turn one direction
- Obviously doesn’t help me get skilled at skating outside or uphill/downhill, etc.
- Costs money ($12-$15 depending on which local rink I go to. $15 for the rink that has the 18+ skate nights)
But man, the rink was so smooth. I went from very wobbly outdoors to skating on one foot at the rink (I also had loosened my trucks) - nothing crazy but I was getting in good practice just balancing on one foot. I think I’d like to go to the rink once a week or so for the most ideal practice and then do more outdoors in a parking lot or something.
I also have my first skate bruise! All the YouTubes I’ve watched about skating says everyone falls no matter how good you are and “if you’re not falling, you’re not skating” haha. It’s on my upper outer thigh/lower butt since I landed kinda on the side of my butt (the ideal way to fall!). It was one of three times I fell haha. I had a sweater tied around my waist so I think that helped because it didn’t really hurt at all despite the bruise!
Also, my shoulders are super sore?? Was not expecting that. I think just from using them to balance and holding them out, etc. Also the other two times I fell, unfortunately my arms took some of the force (not the way to fall) so I wonder if that contributed too. I don’t feel injured though, just sore in my legs and arms like I had a good workout (cuz I did!).
The thighs just simply refuse to quit. My bestie got me an insulated fanny pack that doubles as a championship belt. I've got the coldest water bottle ever, and that shit matters in Texas heat. Stay hydrated. Skate more. Slather sunscreen. Sweat the liquor out.