Roller skating, a cherished activity for many, is experiencing a revival thanks to social media and events that have sparked interest among the younger generation. Platforms like TikTok have played a pivotal role in this resurgence, drawing people back to the rink.
At the Arizona Center, Kendra Mikkelson rediscovered her passion for roller skating during an adult skate night hosted by Zoni Girls. “I love skating, it’s my passion,” Mikkelson shared. “(I’ve been skating) for most of my life, since I was 8. But I just got back into it within the last two years. What I like is that you don’t think about anything else, you just go into a bubble. I like the music, and I like the vibe.”
Businesses like Zoni Girls and USA’s Skateland in Mesa are capitalizing on this renewed enthusiasm. Zoni Girls, founded by sisters Paige Alexandria, Tashi Gorzen, and Sasha Gorzen, began their venture in 2019, inspired by their father, Mark Gorzen, who taught them to skate as children.
The sisters rekindled their love for skating during the COVID-19 pandemic, frequenting skate parks in the Valley to hone their skills. TikTok became a significant source of inspiration, with daily uploads capturing the sport’s essence, as noted by multiple media outlets during the pandemic.
Aryton Temcio/Cronkite News
Skate brands like Moxi, Riedell, Sure-Grip, and Impala enjoyed a surge in popularity, with products consistently selling out. “You would try to go on their website, look for skates and they were sold out; it was crazy,” Alexandria remarked. This boom extended beyond enthusiasts, influencing major companies to incorporate roller skating into their marketing efforts, as seen with brands like Coca-Cola and Honda.
Zoni Girls initially focused on apparel for skaters but soon saw potential in hosting pop-up roller rinks at events. Their big break came when they were invited to create a pop-up rink for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour pre-parties in Glendale, which marked one of their first significant events. “We went through that whole process and learned a lot about contracting, and that was one of our first big events,” Alexandria explained.
Recognizing the demand for skate rentals, the sisters expanded their offerings, eventually opening a skate shop in Tempe. The overwhelming response led them to pivot from a clothing brand to a full-fledged skating brand, culminating in the opening of their own rink in downtown Phoenix.
Meanwhile, USA’s Skateland in Mesa continues to thrive, buoyed by its rich history and the nostalgic draw for successive generations. General Manager Angela Webb credits the rink’s enduring popularity to its ability to connect different generations through shared memories. Webb, who rekindled her love for skating in her 20s, noted, “There’s so many different types of skates and styles of skating. There really is something for everybody out there, for whatever you want to do involving roller skating.”
Aryton Temcio/Cronkite News
During the pandemic, roller skating saw a surge in popularity, providing an outlet for physical activity and community connection. Webb emphasized the activity’s adaptability, stating, “You don’t need a lot of space to be able to do it. There’s so many different styles that you can do. You can just go in and skate by itself as just a physical fitness activity.”
—
Read More Arizona News
