Philly Landskaters
Varsity Skate
planner
HARDER. FASTER.
Overview
Tuesday night’s VARSITY SKATE meets at the foot of Philadelphia Museum of Art’s steps. It departs simultaneously with the JV SKATE.
When
Tuesday’s at 7:00 PM between all year as weather permits. Push-off time is 7:20 PM.
The VARSITY SKATE and JV SKATE depart simultaneously. You’ll have until the last moment to decide which one you want to skate with. See our calendar for details such as departure time, etc…
Join the *Landskater email list-serv for last minute updates and changes.
*The list-serve is NOT an email newsletter. It is used prudently by all members.
Join with confidence that any email sent to list is specifically related to skates and skate events.
Where
Where We Meet
Where To Park
If you are travelling by car you’ll find the most nearby parking is on Pennsylvania Avenue and side streets to the adjacent north of the Art Museum.
Where We Skate
Who
Intermediate city street inline skaters with increased cardio and leg stamina will enjoy the VARSITY SKATE. Be able to stop at any speed, drop in from curbs, jump or swerve around pot-holes, manage wet pavement during sudden rain storms or other wet surfaces, etc…
What
The number of stops varies, based on the skill levels of the skaters and the size of the group. Generally there will be approximately 3 group ups to make sure that no one is left behind and that everyone is comfortable with this pace.
There will be a "sweep" skater at the back of the pack on all skates who will assist with making sure no one is left behind.
How
There can be up to 1-2 “mild” uphills, and 1-2 safe downhills on SOME skates; based on the direction of the skate. Nothing too challenging for the group and generally, Rocco tries to avoid them. Skaters should be able to brake on the mild down hills. 90% of ALL skates are on flat terrain.
How Long
The duration of the VARSITY SKATE out and back is approximately 90 minutes which includes all stops and breaks.
How Far
It ranges from 12 to 18 miles of inline street skating through the streets of Philadelphia.
Post Skate
Sometimes members meet up after our group city street skates for a drink (or meal) somewhere within a few blocks of the Art Museum. Some of our favorite haunts include: Bishop’s Collar, Kite and Key, or other local skater friendly bars/restaurants.
FAQs
What skill level is the Varsity Skate?
Being an intermediate skill level is not enough. You need some lung and leg stamina as this skate does push up hills without pause and has less stops throughout.
Do I need a helmet?
Helmets are STRONGLY recommended. Rocco also advises wrist guards, knee pads and a water bottle. Rocco skates Rollerblade brand and some skaters use them and other brands, such as K2.
How long is the mid-way water break?
The mid-skate water break is 15 minutes.
Final Notes
Our city street skates feature a lead and sweep. Do not pass the lead skater as matter of respect. The sweep is a skater who assists in keeping trailing skaters or struggling skaters from losing the group. If the skate group is stretched out or broken into parts temporarily for example by a stoplight, simply skate forward and expect to find the group ahead. When we turn corners we mark them with a skater who remains there to signal the turn to all trailing skaters.
We stop for injured skaters, but we don’t end skates entirely due to an injury. We stop skates for skate repairs too. We don’t leave skaters to fend for themselves but as adults you should be prepared for the unexpected such as injury or an unrepairable skate. As mentioned in our FAQs above, a standard expectation of all skaters is to bring payment for any rideshare or public transportation in case you are unable to finish.
Cliff
LANDSKATERS EMAIL GROUP
Landskaters stay informed of every skate through our Landskaters Email Group
Skate leaders notify the group in the event of last minute changes such as rain or nearby events
The official skate season is April-October, get in on ad-hoc off-season skates
Request to join our Landskaters Email Group
Street Talk
How Philadelphia Inline Skating Started
In the spring of 1992, inline skating was starting to explode in the Philadelphia area. The convergence of two groups led to the first Philly City Skates, and then to the creation of Landskaters.
Do Big Wheels Make Skates Go Faster?
Okay. Logic is telling you that larger wheels means larger circumference and that in turn means fewer turns for a given distance. That doesn’t take into consideration the variation of momentum due to resistance, torque, and other factors impacting the moment of inertia.
If only the answer was that easy.
Are Rollerblades and Inline Skates The Same?
Beginners call them Rollerblades even if they own K2’s or some other brand. There lies the answer for most. Rollerblade is a brand of inline skates with historical importance. For most Rollerblade owners Rollerblades and inline skates are more than the same, they are (only) Rollerblades.
However here is the grim truth for all you Rollerblade owners.