OTR Skate

A night of roller skating? Sign me up!
Every Final Friday, Over The Rhine Recreation Center opens its doors to adults for a 3-​hour skatefest. The Center has an old school roller rink, which is one of the most stylish in the city: colorful skate murals on the walls, fresh hardwood floors, and brightly colored plastic skates (which are a treat compared to the typical grungy suede skates at other rinks.) They also have a secure room to store your shoes and small purse.
In addition to skating round n’ round, this is a great event to people watch. I always like observing groups of friends and deciding which individual had the idea, «Hey! Let’s go skating tonight!» (which in my friend group, is usually me.) You can tell this by watching one good skater, followed by a chain of stumbling skaters hanging onto the wall for dear life. Then there was the couple who entered the skating rink bum-​first in an awkward, yet hilarious, attempt to stand up. Plus I saw a skater who looked like Sid Haig. My night was complete.
I had a blast skating for three hours straight, but there were some things that need improvement:
— The DJs: The August event was advertised as an 80’s skate, but I heard a lot of hip hop. Also, hearing Britney Spears’s «Until The World Ends» four times in one evening is too much. And nothing will clear out the floor quicker than playing Rebecca Black’s «Friday.» Can we get some new tunes?
— Roller Games: What happened? I was looking forward to this, but only saw once race the entire night. Advertised were lots of contests like roller limbo and derby races.
— Food Truck: A food truck was supposed to be stationed at the event, but I didn’t see it. It would be great to have some nourishment after a night of pounding the rink.
If these things improved, OTR Skate would be a 5-​star event.
Tips For Newcomers:
— The outer edge is for entering and exiting the rink, as well as for slower skaters. Faster skaters use the inside.
— If you fall, curl into a ball, then get up using your knees. This keeps you from getting hurt and avoids others from tripping over you.
— Skating 101: Bend at the knees, lean forward slightly. Keep your legs spread at shoulder width. Find your center of gravity, which should feel like your «gut» is at your bellybutton not in your throat. Keep your muscles relaxed; being tense leads to falling. Swing your arms to help with balance.
— Don’t wear long sleeved collared shirts or a babydoll club dress. You’re overdressed and will get too hot.
Cost: $ 3.00, which includes skate rental
OTR Skate takes place the last Friday of every month.