Rolling With It

“Skating is art. There are so many ways you can express yourself through skating.” — Mayowa

When Mayowa first laced up her skates in the summer of 2023, she had no idea she was about to roll into a new version of herself and the hearts of thousands online. What started as a solo hobby in a quiet London park has turned into a vibrant lifestyle, an online community, and a place where Mayowa has found both expression and connection.

TikTok and the Rise of Skating Culture

Skating isn’t new; roller skating has danced in and out of mainstream culture since the disco era. But in recent years, a fresh wave of skaters has taken over social media, reviving the culture with a Gen Z twist. TikTok, in particular, has become a global stage for skaters to showcase everything from beginner progress videos to jaw-dropping routines on wheels.

And for many, including Mayowa, the platform wasn’t just a place to share progress; it was where the journey began.

“I saw a group of girls on TikTok dancing to old-school hip hop at a skating event, and they were doing tricks that I never knew existed. It became a challenge for me since then.”

She laughs, remembering the bruises and failed tricks that didn’t go online. “It wasn’t pretty at first. But the more I did it, the more I felt like I was carving out space for joy, for confidence, for fun.”

Mayowa started filming her progress and posting short videos, often set to nostalgic R&B or trending audio clips. What stood out was her reliability, the mix of trial and triumph, her bold style, and the sheer love of skating that radiated from every clip.

“I think people followed me because they could see I was having fun. It wasn’t about being perfect. It was about trying.”

The Meet-Up Movement

Offline, the skating community is just as vibrant, and Mayowa is right in the middle of it. Across the UK, meet-ups and jam sessions are bringing skaters together to vibe and build community. These informal gatherings are often held in car parks, skate parks, and city squares, where music blasts from portable speakers and skaters flow in circles like a living, moving art piece.

“The energy at meet-ups is unreal,” Mayowa says. “You’ve got people of all levels, beginners, pros, dancers, even quad skaters doing tricks off ramps. And everyone hypes each other up. It’s love.”

She describes the events as more than just skating; they’re spaces of creativity, culture, and community. Some skaters bring their own DJs. Others perform choreographed routines in duos or groups. There’s often music, laughter, spontaneous freestyles, and, of course, countless clips for TikTok and Instagram.

“Everyone’s welcome. There’s honestly no judgment, no competition. Just vibes. Even if you fall, especially if you fall, people cheer you on.”

For new skaters, these meet-ups can be transformative. “I’ve seen girls who were too shy to skate in public come to a meet-up and leave with five new friends and a whole new level of confidence.”

“I don’t want people to just watch me. I want them to feel like they can do it too. That’s the whole point.”

Her advice for anyone thinking of starting?

“Don’t wait to be good. Just start. You’ll fall. You’ll laugh. You’ll grow.

By: Pey Enigbokan