Singapore: island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. It’s also home base of Afiq, roller skater and newest addition to Chuffed team Asia. Afiq is one of the admins of @cibsingapore and overall roller skating enthusiast who tried more than 10 different pairs of roller skates, as he says. We wanted to learn more about what’s happening in Singapore in terms of roller skating, so we sent him a few questions.
How long have you been roller skating and what inspired you to start?
I came across social media posts of trail skating around late 2019. Having had totally zero skating nor a sporty background – I learnt the basics in a parking lot in my neighborhood, dabbled in rhythm skating for several months and I eventually found park skating. Looking back, it’s been a heck of a journey.
Tell us a bit about the roller skate scene in Singapore. It’s pretty much flying under the radar.
The roller skate scene is relatively small, the largest skate meet we had was about 25ish skaters? With maybe about an active 5 to 10? We do have some regular skaters; some who go less often, and there’s those who choose to hang up their skates. All in all, I try to respect each skaters’ space – to skate when you feel like it – and that you don’t have to be friends with everyone.
What skaters from Singapore should we watch and follow?
Daphne @daphne.notcool
Despite undergoing surgery for a skating-related injury and taking approximately six months recovery, she came back stronger and motivates me to explore different styles of transition skating! Although on the other hand, I’ve slyly been begging her to try street.
Ida @saiyidah.w
This lady right here full sends everything like nobody’s business, a force to be reckoned with I would say! Street section is where you would find her most of time. It’s always a delight to watch her try new tricks!
Jatt @jatt_amat
An OG blader who skates quads too. He would selflessly be sharing tips and tricks, as well as trying his best to guide newbies into the intimidating skatepark world.
You recently made it into the Chuffed Asia skate team. What does it mean to you to be part of it?
I am grateful to Sam for the opportunity! Never would I have imagined roller skating to spark a burning passion in me. The work that Chuffed has done is tremendous and it’s heartening that Sam along with her team is expanding the network of roller skaters, especially in Asia!
Which skateparks and street spots are your favorites and a must visit?
The weather here can be quite erratic, sunny one moment and raining the next. Luckily, there’s an indoor skatepark that opened some months back, East Coast Xtreme Park, Porvida Skateboarding (Indoors) @porvidaskateboarding, Jurong Lake Gardens.
Street skating can be a hit or miss in Singapore with regard to the lawful citizens and national police force. The central business district offers a variety, whereas the suburbs requires further finding.
Favorite tricks you go for everywhere you show up?
5050s on everything and everywhere! I also recently discovered acids and my other comfort trick is mizus.
What does your skate-travel wish-list look like?
First, I would really love to visit the skateparks in Asia as it’s within reach. Other than that, definitely Australia or somewhere in Europe.
What do you do if you are not skating?
I work an office 9 to 5 which depletes most of my energy mentally. Skating definitely aids in taking my mind off things. I do enjoy an occasional pottery or painting class.
Anything else you want to say?
Live Laugh Skate
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