A guided tour of one of the Midwest's most vibrant subcultures, one DIY ramp at a time.

The American Midwest may not have a reputation as the nation's skating mecca, but maybe it should. In Midwest Shreds, Mandy Shunnarah travels around the region for a deep dive into its skating culture, detailing the activity's long, storied history there and the large and diverse skating community that calls the Midwest home today. Here, you'll learn how skating has become a form of mutual aid in Iowa, follow hard-core street skaters as they vie to become King of Cleveland, experience the transcendence of skating in a converted St. Louis cathedral, meet the anarchists who've built their own skate paradise, cinder block by cinder block, in southern Ohio, and encounter skaters from Des Moines, Madison, Chicago, West Lafayette, Detroit, and other corners of the Midwest.

With writing that revels in the crunching scrape of hard wheels, the joy of nailing a trick for the first time, and the grit required to fall and get back up again, Midwest Shreds illuminates a small corner of Midwest life and offers a portrait of the rich cultural history and diversity that makes the region what it is today.

Scott Stephens received his first set of roller skates at age six in 1966 - and soon he was staging Roller Derby games in his backyard. Growing up in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s, it was impossible not to have heard about Roller Derby and the Los Angeles Thunderbirds, whose games were televised. In fact, many of the T-Birds were just as popular as those on traditional sports teams such as the Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams. When Stephens started training at the new T-Bird Rollerdrome in Pico Rivera, it was mainly because he loved roller skating on a banked track. He had no idea that the Roller Games league was low on skaters. From 1978 to 1981, from his seat on the infield of the track and on the track itself, Stephens was part of everything the games had to offer, including its underground scene of shadowy characters and venues, adrenalin seekers, and alternative lifestyles. He loved it Trace the history of Roller Derby and Los Angeles' flagship team, the T-Birds, with this brilliant account highlighting the sport's booms and busts.

Part manifesto, part how-to-guide . . . required reading for anyone who's searching for new ways to be fearless. --Carrie Brownstein

When most Americans hear the words roller derby today, they think of the kitschy sport once popular on weekend television during the seventies and eighties. Originally an endurance competition where skaters traveled the equivalent of a trip between Los Angeles and New York, roller derby gradually evolved into a violent contact sport often involving fake fighting, and a kitschy weekend-television staple during the seventies and eighties. But in recent decades it's come back strong, with more than 17,000 skaters in more than four hundred leagues around the world, and countless die-hard fans. Down and Derby will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the sport. Written by veteran skaters as both a history and a how-to, it's a brassy celebration of every aspect of the sport, from its origins in the late 1800s, to the rules of a modern bout, to the science of picking an alias, to the many ways you can get involved off skates.

Informative, entertaining, and executed with the same tough, sassy, DIY attitude--leavened with plenty of humor--that the sport is known for, Down and Derby is a great read for both skaters and spectators.

A photographic look at Brooklyn's iconic Empire Roller Disco by photographer Patrick D. Pagnano.

Brooklyn's Empire Rollerdrome opened its doors in 1941 and soon became the borough's premier destination for recreational and competitive roller skating. But it wasn't until the late 1970s that the celebrated rink reached iconic status by replacing its organist with a live DJ, installing a state of the art sound and light system, and renaming itself after the nationwide dance craze it had helped to originate: the Empire Roller Disco was born. In 1980, the acclaimed street photographer Patrick D. Pagnano went on assignment to document the Empire and its legendary cast of partygoers. The resulting photographs, gathered in Empire Roller Disco for the first time, capture the vibrant spirits, extraordinary styles, and sheer joys of Brooklyn roller disco at its dizzying peak.

From the beloved brand Moxi Roller Skates comes The Little Book of Roller Skating, the go-to guide for all things roller skating!

Whether you're just starting out or simply need to brush up on your skills, this book is filled to the brim with all the essentials you'll ever need. From the anatomy of the roller skate and skate maintenance, to trick breakdowns and outdoor skating crash courses, to DIY ideas and off-skate fitness suggestions, Moxi provides concise and accessible tips that make getting on wheels easier than ever.

Learn about roller skating's physical and mental benefits, take a quiz to find out what type of skater you are, and so much more! With engaging illustrations, infographics, and pop history and other interesting facts throughout, The Little Book of Roller Skating isn't as fun as actually getting on your skates--but it sure is close!

A PROMINENT AND TRUSTED BRAND: Moxi is one of the leading voices in the roller-skating industry. Female-owned, body positive, and accessible for all, Moxi is committed to producing high-quality, ethically made roller skates and encourages people of all shapes and sizes to get on skates. They have been featured in the New York Times, Thrillist, the Wall Street Journal, and more, and their brightly colored skates are currently sold at Urban Outfitters, Ban.do, Dolls Kill, and roughly 200 roller rinks and skate shops worldwide.

PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE WITH A TWIST: Learn the ins and outs of roller skating from the fun-loving experts. From roller skating safety to awesome trick how-to's, with bright and engaging visuals, The Little Book of Roller Skating has you covered!

A COOL AND UNIQUE GIFT: This compact, 6 x 6 inch, brightly colored book is the perfect blend of fact and fun--perfect for anyone in your life looking to brush up on their roller-skating skills in style!

Perfect for:

• Roller skaters of all ages and levels
• Skateboarders, inline skaters, and ice skaters looking to learn more about roller skating
• Sports enthusiasts and roller derby fans
• Paring with skates or skating accessories to create a unique gift for birthday, holiday, or any special occasion

It was the 1950s, a time of gray uniformity and the company man. Young women were supposed to get married, take care of the cleaning and cooking, and raise children. But Lottie Zimmerman wanted more. The awkward tomboy had dreamed of becoming a force in Roller Derby, an increasingly popular televised sport where hair-pulling, raucous brawls, and chaotic spills often took center stage over lightning-fast runs and breath-taking maneuvers around a sharply banked track. Together with her gal pals, Elsie and Rebecca, enter a rarified world of big-time legends, battles in motion, and competitive grudges, overcoming obstacles that had left many women of the era feeling envious and frustrated. As they worked their way up through the professional ranks, they rode the roller-coaster of impact and mayhem - both on and off the track. Eventually, they learned what it took to reach the highest, and were soon reveling in the cheers of countless fans. And yet, while the action on wheels attracted audiences in the millions, much of this post-war adventure remained hidden from view. Part high-speed action, bruising contact and modern-day showmanship, and part female comradery, innovation, and survival, Roller Babes is the story of an era that now seems fresher than ever.

Scott Stephens received his first set of roller skates at age six in 1966 - and soon he was staging Roller Derby games in his backyard. Growing up in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s, it was impossible not to have heard about Roller Derby and the Los Angeles Thunderbirds, whose games were televised. In fact, many of the T-Birds were just as popular as those on traditional sports teams such as the Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams. When Stephens started training at the new T-Bird Rollerdrome in Pico Rivera, it was mainly because he loved roller skating on a banked track. He had no idea that the Roller Games league was low on skaters. From 1978 to 1981, from his seat on the infield of the track and on the track itself, Stephens was part of everything the games had to offer, including its underground scene of shadowy characters and venues, adrenalin seekers, and alternative lifestyles. He loved it Trace the history of Roller Derby and Los Angeles' flagship team, the T-Birds, with this brilliant account highlighting the sport's booms and busts.

Get all the adrenaline and fun of roller derby skating without having to break a sweat. Get 50 coloring pages with 50 fun facts about this exciting sport. That is over 100 pages of content. All the pages feature original hand drawn black and white pictures showing women and girls having fun on roller skates.

Apply your chosen color palette to give life to the pages in this inspiring activity book. This would make a perfect gift for those who love to roller skate and rollerblade.

Laugh while you learn basic and advanced techniques for inline skating and rollerblading from an expert and renowned cartoonist!

William Nealy revolutionized learning how to inline skate. Whether you're a rank beginner or a skating pro, William's Inline! educates and entertains like no other how-to manual you've ever read! His hard-earned crash-and-burn skating experience, four-dimensional drawings, and twisted sense of humor give you the most comprehensive, easy-to-understand, and detailed book on skating ever written.

Inline! teaches you everything you need to know to become a seasoned blader, from taking your first baby steps on blades to more advanced skills such as getting air, descending stairs, expert turning techniques, and more. Inline! also includes chapters on how skates work, skate maintenance, safety, and all the important body armor. Finally, Inline! teaches you the many ways to stop--or safely fall--while you're climbing the learning curve. All of this is delivered in William's hilarious, accessible cartoon style.

Inside you'll find:

• Entertaining and educational content for beginners and experts


• Basic skills to advanced techniques like descending stairs and jumping


• Important information on skate maintenance, safety, and more


• Riotous cartoons that make learning fun!

Whether you're an armchair skater or a guerrilla blader, this is the book you've been waiting for.

The Ultimate Guide to Inline Speed Skating for Adult Newbies One of the best Inline Skating books - BookAuthority

Given the scarcity of professional coaches, this practical handbook aims to provide support to skaters who wish to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of inline speed skating. From basic to advanced techniques, race strategies, training planning, and equipment tips, this manual covers a wide range of topics to help you improve in this thrilling sport. Whether you are an absolute beginner or someone with experience, you will find valuable information that will help you achieve your goals in inline speed skating.

ROLLER SKATING MADE EASY: Your Step-by-Step Handbook for Beginners and Beyond is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide that transforms the exhilarating world of roller skating into an accessible and enjoyable journey. This handbook serves as a trusted companion for aspiring skaters of all ages, providing clear and detailed instructions to help beginners take their first strides and empowering more experienced skaters to refine their skills. Inside the pages of this book, you'll uncover a wealth of insights, techniques, and guidance tailored to your roller skating adventure. From the very basics of balancing and gliding to mastering advanced tricks and maneuvers, every aspect of roller skating is covered step by step. Whether you're lacing up skates for the first time or aiming to elevate your skating prowess, this guide caters to individuals with diverse aspirations. The book places a strong emphasis on safety, ensuring that you can enjoy roller skating with confidence. Through expert advice, illustrated diagrams, and practical exercises, you'll not only learn the techniques but also understand how to stay safe while having fun on your skates.

Great skaters are not great because of their technique, but are great because of their passion unknown You still roller skate? This is the age-old question that seasoned skaters hear each time they mention this passionate pastime, the truth is skating never ceased. Sure, it fell out of the headlines for a while until some famous and fresh faces were spotted having a little fun. The evolution of skating is the journey though the lives of skaters as they share their tales of discovery, growth, inspiration and passion of when they fell in love with roller skating and the impact it has on their life. This compilation of stories will take you on a twisting ride into the gritty underground of adult roller-skating introducing event organizers, videographers, DJ's, skate critics, rink owners and more. Giving the reader a peek into the deep, passionate and personal world of this artistic, vibrant, seldom understood historical past time called Roller Skating.

Embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of rollerblading with this comprehensive guide tailored for beginners. This book isn't just about skating; it's your passport to mastering the art, understanding its rich history, and embracing a lifestyle that transcends boundaries. Strap in for an adventure that will transform you into a confident and skilled rollerblader.

THE ROLLERBLADING ODYSSEY
Rollerblading Through Time: Uncover the fascinating history of rollerblading and witness its evolution.
Milestones That Shaped Skating: Discover the pivotal moments that propelled rollerblading to new heights.

NAVIGATE THE ROLLERBLADE UNIVERSE
Diverse Rollerblade Types: * Dive into the world of rollerblade variety, understanding the features that make each type unique.
Choosing Your Ride: Decode the qualities and features to select the perfect rollerblades for your style.
Safety First: Equip yourself with the necessary gear for a safe and powerful skating experience.

ANATOMY OF A ROLLERBLADE
Boot Breakdown: * Explore the anatomy of rollerblade boots, emphasizing the importance of a perfect fit.
Wheel Wisdom: Delve into durometers, wheel sizes, and frame materials to enhance your skating performance.

SAFETY ESSENTIALS
Guardian Gear: Learn how to choose the right helmet and protective equipment for a secure skating journey.
Rules of the Rink: * Familiarize yourself with safety advice and regulations that ensure a smooth ride.

FROM ROOKIE TO PRO
First Steps: Guide yourself through the initial stages of rollerblading.
Master the Basics: Progress from fundamental methods to higher-level capabilities with ease.

ROLLERBLADING AS A LIFESTYLE
Rolling into Fitness: Uncover the incredible health benefits of rollerblading, from cardiovascular enhancement to muscle consolidation.
Community Connection: Join the vibrant rollerblading communities, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Foot Comfort Secrets: Tackle ankle and foot discomfort with expert advice.
Maintenance Magic: Keep your rollerblades in prime condition with proper lubrication and cleaning techniques.

VERDICT: Your Journey Awaits!
Summing It Up: Reflect on the main points and key takeaways.
Fueling Future Progress: Discover the motivation to continually improve and enjoy the lifelong benefits of rollerblading.

CALL TO ACTION:
Ready to roll into a world of excitement, fitness, and camaraderie? GRAB YOUR COPY of Rollerblading for Beginners now and unlock the gateway to a thrilling rollerblading adventure. Let the wheels of change propel you into a new realm of fun and fitness

With The Complete In-Line Skater handbook, you'll learn America's hottest sport--and have fun doing it!!

In-line skating is fun and easy to learn. It's also a great low-impact way to get your heart and legs in shape.
The Complete In-Line Skater is the perfect skater's companion. Written by experienced teacher Joel Rappelfeld, this book tells you everything you need to know about equipment, basic and advanced skating techniques, safety and improving fitness.

Over 100 professional line drawings help illustrate the text, which includes chapters on:

Equipment: The most popular models and how to select and care for the right skates for you
Basic striding, turning and stopping techniques
Advanced techniques to master the sport--even cross train for skiing or hockey!
Maneuvers to handle curbs, potholes, and other obstacles
A skater's workout to build stamina and strength
Pains and strains: how to avoid them
List of skating terms, organizations, and publications

Roller Derby 101, the 2017 edition, is an updated combination of Roller Derby 101 and Scrimmage 101, and it includes everything a coach needs to train their new skaters. This updated edition features an all-new curriculum that focuses on the skills needed for slower game-play, and it includes scrimmage drills to prepare a new player for roller derby. Training is divided into three sections: Level One focuses on basic skating skills, Level Two focuses on pack skating and contact, and Level Three focuses on scrimmage skills. Each level features practice itineraries with detailed drill descriptions and specific instructions/warnings for coaches so they know what to expect when training skaters and templates for grading assessments. In addition to information about each training level, the book includes information about how to hold try-outs. This is a coach's all-in-one book for training new skaters

Volume Two brings over 100 more laughs from the flat track. A must have for derby lovers and players alike. Great for GIFTS or just to read and enjoy. A great balance to the physical rigor of the sport. Find yourself and teammates in the cartoons.