Eastbourne Skate 2003 report

by Davey Speedstar

July 2003

PM From LS Mike to Davey_Speedstar 14th July 2003

Hi Dave,

I saw you wrote a great article on another website and wondered if you'd be willing to do an Eastbourne report for publishing on LondonSkaters.com along the same lines? Any chance you can do some pictures too?

Cheers,

Mike.

Hmm great idea I was thinking about doing something along like that anyway - how hard can it be?

Four days after the event I’m stuck at home with a sprained ankle (nothing to do with skating), and still with so many ideas I don’t know where to start.

IDEA #1

Start At The beginning - Skating's Answer to The Pied Piper of Hamlin

After checking into the hotel, which was just over the road from the pier at Eastbourne, we made our way to the sea-front. Looking anxiously at the sky, because despite the warm weather, it felt like their was rain in the air. As we pulled on our skates a guy sat next to us and pulling his skates out of his bag asked (in broken English) if we were going to the skate festival, as he didn‘t know where it was being held. Of course we said we were we were going, and that he should skate down with us.

As we made our way along the promenade dodging pedestrians, wheelchairs and pushchairs, he told us that he was 47 and from Albania, and his wife thought he was mad for wanting to skate. Within seconds we bumped into a couple of speed skaters going in the opposite direction, one of which told us that he was older than our new companion. Obviously feeling better about his situation, we continued along the promenade. About that time any hint of rain was fast disappearing, and we started to get into our stride.

Continuing down towards the festival site we were stopped by a couple of skaters going in the opposite direction.

“Are you going to the Skate Festival?”

“Urrrm yes” says me.

Despite having driven past the Sovereign Centre on the way into town, this was now the second pair of skaters I’d seen going in the opposite direction - I was now losing faith in my own sense of direction.

“Do you know where it’s being held?”

“Urrrm in the direction you’ve just come from” I was now getting worried. I’ve never been to Eastbourne, and all these people I’ve never met before believe I know where I’m going.

“How far have you just come?” I asked thinking they must have skated right by the festival site.

“Oh from London”

“Urrrm No - I meant how far have you skated.”

“Oh we’ve just parked the car and got out. But we can’t see any signs”

“Skate down with us, it’s a mile or so along the promenade”

Our rapidly growing band glided through the throngs of tourists. Past the yachts towards Skate 2003.

IDEA #2

What Was Happening - Weren’t There a Few Competitions?

Not arriving in Eastbourne until after 11.00am, the earlier competitions had already taken place. We rolled down towards the main exhibition area to hear the cheers as NSP lifted the trophy for the Tug of War. However this would be the last time the cheers would go out for the Brits winning.

Next up was the speed slalom. As the competitors warmed up I felt that it was gong to be the day that London Skaters annihilate the rest of the world. Then the French arrived.

My only previous experience of French Skaters was when I was on holiday in the South of France last year - and I certainly didn’t meet anyone like these guys. Their speed around the cups was awesome, as was their spirit in encouraging others to have a go.

Later came the freestyle slalom. Naomi put in a stunning performance around the cups. But once again those French guys (& Chloe) came along and stole the show. How the judges managed to pick the winner I don’t know

Also the limbo. It seems that being 6 years old (or as tall as a 6 year old) is the only way to be competitive in this one. However Chris was the only one to attempt it in the traditional limbo style.

Sadly the weather started to close in mid-afternoon, and by 5.00pm what felt like a mini typhoon laid waste to the rest of the days events. I made for a pub skating in the worst conditions I’ve ever encountered.

The mayor later admitted to turning up at 7.00pm to wave off the street skate. By that time I was safely ensconced in a restaurant contemplating a second bottle of wine.

IDEA #3

What Were The Best Bits?

Apart from being shown how to power slide in the rain by one of the French guys on Saturday afternoon?

Sunday was a complete contrast to Saturday. The sun was high in the sky, and the heat was belting down onto Eastbourne. (But no-where else by all accounts). We were treated to some awesome dance and artistic exhibitions. Special note must be brought to the interpretation of Michael Jackson’s ‘Billy Jean’.

After the dance came the ‘alternative sports’ Frisbee - still not sure how you score points/win. Basketball - I thought hockey was difficult, but to maintain pace and accuracy in what is already a high energy sport is beyond me. Think I’ll have to give up the ciggies before I try that one!!!

For me the most impressive demonstration of the day was the high jumping. Those boys from France once again showed the rest of the world how high you can really go on a pair of quads.

With only a minimal run up, and even less of a roll out zone they were clearing the bar at around 2 metres 30cm. Although no world records were broken, I’m sure in the right conditions those guys would have been up for breaking a few records.

IDEA #4

Is That It???

I know I’ve only touched on a few of the events, and mentioned a few of the competitors. Any more depth would have made it boring (to read & for me to write), and just be a list of names and how they did. However it must be noted that Tim Wheals put in a tremendous amount of effort to bring the whole event together in what must be generally a pretty thankless task - I for one thank you Tim - your efforts are appreciated.

I spoke to lots of people over the weekend who all seemed to enjoy both days of the event. Everyone I spoke to told me they were intending to go again next year. I for one will certainly be in the crowds - and if I can get my act together competing. But I might well be looking for a hotel closer to the festival site (just in case it rains).

Dave

About Davey_Speedstar

Dave has been skating for a little over a year. Living in Hull only occasionally as the opportunity to actively participate within the greater skating community. However has contributed to LondonSkaters.com forums and to other skating websites over the last year or so.

With a couple of WNS’s under his belt, now claims to have become a much more confident skater this summer. After the Eastbourne experience Dave was last seen heading towards Ikea with a shopping list which read only ‘SLALOM CUPS (Red, Green & Blue)’.

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