Fear doesn’t stop residents from enjoying this sport

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Rollerskate Oʻahu is not only a business; it is also a vibrant community organization that brings people together through the joy of roller skating.

Founded by Melissa Garvey, who has been passionate about skating for over 30 years, Rollerskate Oʻahu started from humble beginnings and has grown into a vital part of the local community.

KHON2.com was able to catchup with Garvey at her skate shop and dive into the organization’s history, what they do and how you can get involved.

Melissa Garvey shared that the idea came about when she couldn’t find roller skates on the island. With her background as a coach and connections with skate vendors, she decided to buy a few pairs of skates to see if others were interested.

The response? Garvey said it was overwhelming.

Their first market at Lōkahi three years ago marked the beginning of something special. “People wanted skates, and we kept trying to get more in, and it got bigger from there,” said Garvey

The organization has evolved significantly since its inception. A key element to their success is the involvement of Garvey’s partner, Marino, who brings a unique flair by setting up a DJ booth and a disco ball at their events, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

The support from friends and volunteers has also been crucial.

Rollerskate Oʻahu isn’t just about selling skates; it’s about community building and giving back.

One of their first major fundraisers was a Pride Rollout organized by Kelli Bullock, which was a huge success.

Since then, they’ve held many free rollouts, private skate parties and large skate rink events. These events help raise money for various causes and offer a space for people to connect and enjoy skating together.

Garvey described rollouts as meetups where skaters of all levels can come together to skate, learn from each other and have fun.

These events are often free and provide an opportunity for informal advice and technique tips.

“During COVID-19, the parking lot at Magic Island became a popular meetup spot due to its smooth surface and lack of cars,” said Garvey. “Now, there are regular meetups across the island organized by various skate groups.”

Many people might feel intimidated by the idea of roller skating, especially if they haven’t done it in years or are worried about falling. Garvey emphasized the importance of good posture and protective gear. “Practice falling,” she suggested, noting that learning how to fall safely can build confidence. She often gives mini lessons to new skaters to help them get started safely.

There are several ways to get involved with Rollerskate Oʻahu.

They have a shop in Kailua where people can buy skates and other gear.

You can make an appointment for a skate fitting and receive a mini lesson to get started.

They also offer skate rentals, which are perfect for visitors or those who want to try skating before buying their own pair.

Rollerskate Oʻahu keeps the community informed about all skating events through their website and social media.

They list events like the regular meetups organized by Rainbow Rollers, beach barbecues and skate nights at the rink in Kāhala.

They also promote events by other groups, such as CIB Oʻahu’s skate park meetups and Pacific Roller Derby’s bouts.

Rollerskate Oʻahu has created a thriving community where people can experience the joy and freedom of roller skating. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, meet new friends, and have fun.

If you’re interested in joining the roller skating community on Oʻahu, then click here. You can also visit their shop in Kailua.

“It’s just really fun and freeing. The sense of community is fantastic and can give you confidence and a feeling of belonging,” added Garvey. “Rollerskate Oʻahu is more than just a place to buy skates; it’s a gateway to a vibrant and welcoming community.”

Rollerskate Oʻahu will be hosting a special roller rink event at Aloha Stadium on July 28 to celebrate the swap meet’s 45th anniversary. This event is part of a series of celebrations, each highlighting a different decade that the swap meet has been around.

For this particular celebration, the theme is the bodacious and outrageous 1980s. Click here for more information from Rollerskate Oʻahu’s Instagram page.

The event will feature Jazzercise by Orange Theory and a roller rink inside the VIP room at Aloha Stadium. Attendees can look forward to a fun and safe experience with the help of dedicated volunteers, including coaches and skate monitors.

Additionally, there will be skate rentals available for those who do not have their own skates. This is a fantastic opportunity for friends and family to try roller skating, get mini lessons and enjoy a day of nostalgic fun.