News & Events

Saturday Night Skate 29 October 2011 - Halloween Night Skate, The Cathay to ION Shopping Mall

Posted on October 29, 2011 by Edmund Vong

Report by Jon Wong
SNS Captain 

 

Halloween Nightskate 2011 was completed successfully on the evening of 29 November Saturday, unaffected by the drizzles which occurred earlier on in the day in town. 

More than 70 skaters showed up in support of this event, in the 4th year running. Though not everyone dressed up or make-up, but those who did were fantastic with their efforts and proving to be quite a scare for bystanders who stood watching us outside The Cathay Cineplex.

We started our parade on wheels promptly at 8:00pm, and along the way drew quite an attention from the public. Some shrieked and were frightened out of their wits, while others prompted for photo opportunities with the mascarade characters.

We proved to be quite a hit especially when we arrived at the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands and Clifford Pier. Foreign tourists were so impressed by our entourage that they beckoned at the chance for photo shots as we continued along the Singapore River at Boat Quay.

 

 
Tourists from India at Marina Bay Sands
 
At the Singapore Flyer

 

Shortly after, we arrived at Singapore Management University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business. This houses the entrance of an underground tunnel that connects to the School of Economics at the other end. We never failed to draw the attention from the students who were still lingering there as we rolled along.

From the exit, it was a direct way along Orchard Road towards ION Shopping Mall. It was the late night shoppers’ turn to get a taste of getting freaked out by us. As usual, the traffic junctions were plenty, but shortly after we arrived at our destination.

The highlight of the evening was to select the winners of the various categories. Prizes for the ‘Scariest Kid’, Scariest Skater’ and ‘Scariest Couple’ were up for grabs and participants who dressed up or make-up were short-listed to become potential winners.

The rest of the participants and audience were the judges, and their applause decided the outcome. In the end, Mr Mike Tang grabbed the ‘Scariest Skater’ award with his ‘Joker’ theme, young Tan Jay Han won the ‘Scariest Kid’ award dressed as a monster and Mr David Lim won the ‘Scariest Couple’ award with Ms Janet Tan, as ‘Zipperman’ and ‘Zombie Schoolgirl’ respectively. They all walked away with attractive shopping and dining vouchers.

 
Mr Mike Tang - The Joker
Mr David - Zipperman, Ms Janet - Zombie Schoolgirl
Jay Han with Daddy

 

It was the first participation in such an event for Ms Tan, a current student with Skateline, and she enjoyed every moment of it. 'It was really amazing and fun to skate with so many people at the same time!', she exclaimed. 

Credits

Photo
David Lim

Safety Van
Albert Tan

SAV
Lee Chun Yang

Posted in Event

Saturday Night Skate 24 September 2011 - WaterFront Night Skate, Bishan MRT Station to Woodlands WaterFront

Posted on September 24, 2011 by Edmund Vong

 

Report by Jon Wong
SNS Captain

 

Fine weather greeted us for September's Night Skate, as we embarked on the journey from Bishan MRT Station to Woodlands WaterFront - one of the newest recreational landmarks in Singapore. This route, which was brought forward from August due to inclement weather, spans across a distance of 19km, passing by 7 MRT stations and a couple of Park Connectors.

We gathered at the area outside Toastbox at Bishan MRT Station, and were privileged to have some Korean press with us. They were taking pictures and intending to feature the Night Skate in one of their publications.

More than 60 skaters showed up to support the event, with some trying urban skating for the first time. Our entourage grew larger as more skaters poured in along the way, from various MRT stations down the route, amounting to a total of more than 80 participants.

Though the route was generally flat, the multiple traffic crossings and long distance proved to take a toll on the participants, as it took more than 3 hours for us to reach the destination. The Canberra Park Connector was more of a challenge with steep ascending and descending slopes, and some skaters need assistance from the marshals.

 
SAVs helping out at the downhill

 

 


Woodlands WaterFront

 

For some, it was their first visit to the WaterFront. They did not know of this place prior to the Night Skate, and hence was an eye-opener for them.

With the cool evening breeze greeting us right from the dock that spans out to sea, and the beautiful night scenery of Johor Bahru right before us, all the hard work from reaching there paid off.

 

Credits
Safety Van
Albert

Photo
David Lim

SAVs
Chun Yang
Chong Boon
Felix
Moon
Steven
Mike
Wai MEng
Merv
Eugene
Rochelle

Posted in Event

Saturday Night Skate 30 July 2011 - PCN Night Skate, Bishan Park 2 to Lau Pat Sat

Posted on July 30, 2011 by Edmund Vong


Report by Jon Wong
Nightskate Captain

 

More than 70 skaters showed up in our latest Saturday Night Skate. Themed the 'Park Connector Night Skate', we travelled on the Kallang Park Connector from Bishan Park towards town, ending at Lau Pat Sat. This is the only Park Connector in Singapore that consists of numerous overhead bridges along its route.
 
It was a night of first and last for some. For 5 year old Chan Shi Kai, it was her first attempt to complete the entire route. She had her first taste of the night skate back in June when she joined us at the halfway mark at East Coast Park. This time she pushed her limit further and completed the entire 14km journey, escorted by one of our instructors, Mr David Ng. She has proved that size and age does not matter when it comes to inline skating.


Shi Kai with Mum and David
 
As for Miss Michelle and Miss Juliana, friends, its a first time of the year that they participate in a similar activity of this magnitude, after months of absence.

Michelle and Juliana
 

It was also the last time for the rest to see the retail shop and skating rink as it is now, with the foreclosure happening in mid August due to Nparks developement of the park.


Enjoying the rink
We started off slightly late due to some delays, but managed to make good headway once we are on the connector. However, with 3 overhead bridges to cross, congestion was inevitable. But it was fun accending and decending the steps. We went under the CTE, which has a height limit of 1.8m and that made sure we stayed low as we roll along.

Climbing the steps slowly
 

Soon after, we reached Boon Keng area and a large bridge over water with steep ends to cross. Kallang MRT Station was within our sights thereafter. After crossing the heavily jammed Sims road, we continued pass Sri Marimatha Karuneshvarar Temple along Kampong Bugis which led us to Crawford Street.

Crossing the bridge
 

The long downhill ride down Crawford Street was exhilerating and after a short climb towards Republic Boulevard, we entered the Formula 1 track, cruising pass the F1 pit building until we reach the Singapore Flyer. It was magnificent to cruise along the track that will host the internationally recognized Formula 1 race in September. After a quick break at Popeye's Restaurant, we continued our journey.

F1 pit building
 

The streets were packed with pedestrians and personnel from military and traffic police, as the National Day preview happened at the floating platform moments earlier. We had to move slow and take precaution.
 
We turned into Esplanade Drive at Raffles Ave and continued along Collyer Quay, passing by One Fullerton, and we arrived at our destination shortly after, where food and drinks awaits.

Fullerton Bay Hotel
 
Everyone was exhausted, probably due to the crossing of multiple bridges along the way, and the late hour. But it was a great way to experience the quiet park connectors and the busy pathways in town, all in one evening!
 
Credits
Safety Van
Albert Tan

Photography
David Lim
 
SAVs
Merv 
Chong Boon
Wai Him
Shun Git
Shun Mun
Sanjeevi
Steven
Mike
Jing Yi

SAVs

Posted in Event

Saturday Night Skate 25 June 2011 - Social Night Skate, The Cathay Cineplex to Haus of Patisserie, Jalan Senang

Posted on June 25, 2011 by Edmund Vong

Report by Jon Wong
SNS Captain


It was fortunate that the late morning showers did not linger till the evening, and the Social Night Skate was able to commence as planned. Around 50 skaters showed up at The Cathay Cineplex in Dhoby Ghaut which was our starting point for the event.

 
We were pleased to have participants from other countries joining us for their first Night Skate in Singapore, from Germany, Great Britain and Hong Kong. Amongst them was Miss Carrie Lo from Hong Kong who was here for short holiday with her husband. She found out about this event from the internet and brought her skates to join us. She has regular skating sessions with her group back in Hong Kong.

 
Miss Carrie from Hong Kong with Mr Stone from Great Britain
 
It was also the first time in action for Miss Rochelle and Miss E-ping, our newly recruited Skate Assist Volunteers, who were doing their attachment duties. All new recruits will need to clock 2 attachments to Senior SAVs before graduation as offical volunteers.
 
We started off promptly at 8pm and headed towards Suntec City, bypassing the National Museum, Carlton Hotel and Raffles Hotel along the way. The numerous traffic crossings slowed us down but we made better headway upon reaching Suntec and moved towards Nicoll Highway. A short break at Nicoll Highway MRT Station saw more skaters joining us, especially those who could not make it to The Cathay Cineplex earlier on.
 
The uneven surface on the Nicoll Highway path, made up of concrete slabs, proved to be quite a challenge for many, as their legs vibrated. It was a gradual uphill climb at the start and long downhill ride at the end, spanning across the Kallang River Basin with a breathtaking view. Shortly after, we reached Mountbatten Road and enjoyed a short break at MacDonald's Restaurant near the Singapore Sports Council.

 

Rest at MacDonald's
 
After the break, we continued along Mountbatten Road until we reached Fort Road and East Coast Park eventually. The participants were allowed to skate at their own pace and meet up at the public skating rink located at Marine Cove.
 
It was over at Fort Road that Shi Kai, a 5 year old girl, joined our entourage. She is a student from Skateline's Learn-To-Skate program and has been looking forward to participate in her first Night Skate. Her father, Mr Ong, decided to let her join us midway instead, as she might not be ready both physically and mentally to start with us in town. And she was in good hands with David, an instructor with us, looking after her. 

Shi Kai with David
 
 
After a few spins at the skating rink, we took a short skate and turned into Siglap Park Connector. We had to cross the overhead bridge slowly, as the steep slopes and sharp corners on either end, coupled with small ramps and public who were pushing their bicycles across proved to be much of a challenge for most of us. After that we were cruising effortlessly along the connector, which lead us all the way till Kembangan MRT Station, and we were nearing our end point.

Picture moment at the Skating Rink
Upon reaching Jalan Senang, the end point is just 100 metres within our sight. The Haus of Patisserie - a small cozy cafe and its owner, Miss Hilary Ng, greeted us at the door. The participants were rewarded with free flow of soft drinks and signature designed cupcakes for their efforts in completing the journey, all courtesy of Miss Ng, who is a skater herself. Her cafe specializes in designer pastries, and the cupcakes she sponsored us with spoke for themselves, garnished with miniature skates and skateboards.

Getting cozy at the cafe
 

The boss - Miss Hilary Ng
 

Signature designer cupcakes
Everyone enjoyed the taste of the delicious cupcakes while some could not bear to consume the little pieces of works of art.
 

Can't bear to eat the cupcakes
 
It was great to see everyone mingling around, and our visitors from abroad enjoying themselves with the local skaters. On behalf of Skateline, we thank the Haus of Patisserie for their support and sponsorship.
 
Credits
Safety Van
Albert
 
Photography
David Lim
 
SAVs
Jing Yi
Chong Boon
Mike
Eric
Ruth
Rochelle (trainee)
E-ping (trainee)

Posted in Event

Saturday Night Skate 28 May 2011 - City Night Skate, Loop from Wheelock Place to Orchard ION

Posted on May 28, 2011 by Edmund Vong

Report by Jon Wong
SNS Captain

We took to the heart of town on our wheels in our latest issue of Saturday Night Skate with more than 80 skaters showing up. Their presence made Orchard Road buzzling with more excitement than ever as they gathered in huge numbers outside Wheelock Place, the starting point.


Packed with skaters

It was pleasing to see more new faces, some of which from overseas. We also celebrated the graduation of one of our Skate Assist Volunteer (SAV) trainee, Miss Chloe Chai, on her maiden duty as route marshal for the Night Skate.


Participants from overseas

We started slightly later than usual, as we waited for participants who were stuck in traffic or trying to get a parking lot. We kicked off at about 8:10pm, heading in the less crowded direction of Tanglin Road where Forum Shopping Mall is located, and transited onto Napier Road and Holland Road thereafter.

It was a gradual uphill climb at Holland Road until we reached the peak and faced the 1st major obstacle of the evening - a long steep downhill ride coupled with uneven surfaces and narrow paths, dark lighting and a bus-stop in the midst.


Waiting for the Marshals to deploy

All the SAVs were deployed along the slope to protect the skaters at the critical areas, together with the help from some of the participants who are our certified instructors. Help was also on hand for participants who were not confident of handling the slope.

Upon reaching the foot of the slope, we started climbing uphill again, along Queensway to ESSO petrol kiosk where we had our break. But right after kiosk was the 2nd major downhill slope of the night, which took us all the way down Queensway till Commonwealth Ave, beside Queensway Secondary School. This downhill slope packed a bigger punch as it was more steep than the previous slope, and manoevring is needed for its meandering paths.

 
1st pit-stop at ESSO

That slope was the last obstable of the night, as the remaining part of the journey was smooth sailing along the Alexandra Park Connector.

 
Alexandra Park Connector

Some of the skaters managed to have a little fun at a mini aggressive park packed with a couple of ramps and rails, while we waited for the skaters at the rear to link up with us.

 
Fun at aggressive park

After all the adrenalin rush from cruising along the connector, we arrived at our 2nd rest point, which was also everyone's favourite - Zion Riverside Food Centre. We get to indulge in the thirst quenching sugar cane drinks and some even managed to grab a quick bite.

 
 Enjoying the drinks

Time was getting late, and we had to alter the course in order not to end too late. Forsaking the initial plan of travelling to River Vallet Road and Hill Street, we took a shortcut and moved from Mohamed Sultan Road towards Clemenceau Ave which brought us to Penang Road - the other side of Orchard Road.

Soon after, we reached Killiney Road and Orchard Central Shopping Mall, and moved along Orchard Road back towards the end point at Orchard ION. This was where the fun gets hyped up a notch, as we zipped past the curious shopping crowd and enjoyed the ride along the smooth surfaces of the pavements.

 
Zipping along Orchard Road

One of the participant remarked that we actually travelled around 19km as recorded from his GPS, 5km more than the actual map distance. Everyone were tired, but greatly satisfied of having the chance to skate in town with such a large group of skaters. And returning home was a breeze as Orchard MRT Station was right beside us.

Credits
Safety Vehicle
Albert

Photos
David Lim

SAVs
Mike
Timothy
Eric Tay
Merv
Chong Boon
Chloe

 

SAVs for the night

Posted in Event

Saturday Night Skate 30 April 2011 - Fast & Furious Night Skate, Boon Lay to VivoCity

Posted on April 30, 2011 by Edmund Vong

Report by Jon Wong
Night Skate Captain


More than 60 skaters gathered at Boon Lay MRT Station on 30 April, for the 'Fast and Furious' night skate, amidst foreign workers in the area. Flashes of lightning were sighted in the skies not far away from us, but fortunately there was no rainfall.

 


We were happy to welcome more new faces again, this time it was some skaters who came from France. They got to know about the activity from their friend who participated in our previous night skate back in March.

 
Skaters from France



We set off at about 8pm, heading along Boon Lay Way, bypassing MRT Stations of the Western Line. It didn't take us long before we reached the first check point - MacDonald's Restaurant at Tradehub 21, an Industrial Park.


Having a break at MacDonald's



We continued along Commonwealth Ave West, famous more its series of uphill climbs and downhill rides. The biggest hinderances were perhaps the multiple traffic junctions we had to cross.

After a long skate, we eventually reached our next checkpoint - a Shell petrol kiosk which houses a 7-11 convenient store, located after Redhill MRT Station. That was to be our last checkpoint as we looked to finish the journey at VivoCity without stoppages.

 
7-11, its a store & more



Soon after we arrived at Alexandra Road, and headed up its uphill slope. Upon reaching Alexandra Hospital, we started to charge down the downhill slope of the route. This is a long downhill ride which allowed us zipped effortlessly down until we reach West Coast Highway, where VivoCity was within our reach.

 

There were misses too, as some skaters fell. But fortunately the SAVs were around to offer their assistance when required.

 
Offering help



It posed a challenge to some skaters, as the downhill speed is too fast to be reckoned with for skaters who are not confident of handling it. However, the marshals made sure everyone was taken care of, as our rear scout, Merv, escorts them throughout the journey.

Merv and Jack, escorting Estella



Our whopping 19km journey came to an end at VivoCity, which took us about 3 hours to complete. Luckily for us, the drizzle came shortly after we dispersed from the area.

Credits
Safety Van
Albert

Photo
David

SAVs
Ruth
Timothy
Merv
Chong Boon
Steven
Jing Yi
Hui Yi
Mike
Vince

  

Our SAVs

Posted in Event

Saturday Night Skate 26 March 2011 - Urbanator Night Skate, Bishan Park 2 to Seng Kang Sports and Recreational Centre

Posted on March 26, 2011 by Edmund Vong

Report by Jon Wong
Night Skate Captain

 

More than 70 skaters showed up for our latest Urbanator Night Skate for March, which saw us travelling from Bishan Park 2 to Seng Kang Sports and Recreation Centre, covering a distance of 11.24km.


This event is targeted at introducing urban skating to advanced beginners, and indeed some students from our very own Learn To Skate Program turned up to have a go. Amongst them were Miss Yenni and her son, Adrian, who have been attending classes with us on a regular basis. They were in good hands as our SAVs guided them throughout the journey. 


First Nightskate - Yenni with son, Adrian
  
Yenni with our SAV


It was also a first time for another parent, Miss Caroline with her daughter, Mae, from France, who learned about this event from our website. 


Another First - Miss Caroline with daughter, Mae

 
Skating along this route was relatively simple, as we were on the Park Connector Network and pavements along Ang Mo Kio Ave 5 and Buangkok Green most of the time. It didn't take us long to reach Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West from Bishan Park, where we had a quick break at its famous Garden MacDonald's joint. After that was a ride down a gradual downhill slope until we reach the junction at Anderson Junior College.


Garden MacDonald's Restaurant
 
Photo with Ronald
 
Michael enjoying his drink



From then on we transited into Ang Mo Kio Ave 5, and was greeted by the nice surface of the Park Connector Network immediately. That brought us past Nanyang Polytechnic and Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park. Only the occasional entrances to construction sites and uphill climbs posed a challenge for us.

We stopped over at the ESSO petrol kiosk along Yio Chu Kang Road for a break again, before embarking on the long uphill climb along Buangkok Green. We passed by 3 schools in the vicinity and soon were crusing past the Institute of Mental Health into Seng Kang East Road.

We made such good progress that we reached Seng Kang very early, as the clock read 9.50pm. Therefore we decided to detour and extend our route longer to enjoy the skate, as we headed around Compassvale Road before heading onto Seng Kang East Way.

The centre was well within our sights as we neared Anchorvale Link, and the glowing yellow coloured 'M' sign from the MacDonald's restaurant signal the location of our destination. This fastfood joint has a nice set-up, and its very own drivethru. Beside the restaurant is perhaps the largest 7-11 store in singapore, which spans over an area equal to its neighbour. 


MacDonald's at Seng Kang SRC
 
 

Enjoying their break
 

There were applause for the amateurs as they completed their journey and 'set skate' into the restaurant, and the participants savoured every moment of their accomplishment of the success on their maiden journey.

Everyone had ample time to enjoy their meal and rest before the bus ride back to Bishan Park.
 

 
Bus load of skaters

Credits

Safety Van

Albert

SAVs
Jack
Merv
Jing Yi
Jia Yi
Hui Yi
Simon

Photography
David

Posted in Event