Dublin-based skating group 50 First Skates rolls into the new year, bigger and better than ever. They hope to have more safe spaces for expression and creativity while confronting challenges.  

By Alex Cloud 

The skating group has expressed their experiences with random people showing up to skate meetings and making the members feel uncomfortable. 

Nicole Douglas, also known as Ballsy Wallsy on Instagram, explains that her skating group 50 First Skates was born out of the need for creative and safe spaces in Dublin.  

The group has faced adversity, leading to the implementation of strict rules to join.  

“We have had people show up and just watch us skate or record us practising. Now, we don’t publicise where we skate anymore,” said Douglas.  

She revealed that the group have had issues with strangers showing up to meets, leaving members feeling unsafe. They have had to implement measures to prevent any further occurrences.  

“It needed to be organised in such a way that we could control who was coming to the meet so that nobody was uncomfortable.”  

“We have a rule that if you bring someone with you, you need to be able to vouch for them. When you join our WhatsApp group, we ask you to send a photo of your skates so we can verify you’re here for the right reasons,” she said.  

50 First Skates originally began as a strictly female and pro-LGBTQA+ group. However, Douglas explained that they have recently allowed men to attend the meets after they have been vouched for.  

“If a guy asked to join beforehand, I would refer him to another skating group. But now we’ve opened it up much more,” she said.  

The Instagram account for 50 First Skates currently boasts nearly seven thousand followers.  

“Setting up a club had never been on my agenda; it was never something I had even thought about doing,” Douglas said. 

“The more I skated, and the more people saw me, the more people wanted to join in. This club is for the gays, the gals and non-binary pals first and forever.”  

50 First Skates has also been featured in Dublin Live, where Douglas explained that their meet location has been leaked before, leading to problems for the group.  

“I know someone from another skate group that got stalked because their WhatsApp link was public and anyone could join,” she said. She’d post where their skate meet was, and people would follow her there.”  

Outside of unsettling encounters the members have faced while skating, Douglas explained that it has been nearly impossible to find a venue willing to host them.  

“Most venues in the City Centre have shut us down just because we have wheels on our feet. They claim it damages the wood, even though the wheel’s purpose is to be non-invasive – and they think we’re doing roller derby when that’s not it at all,” she said.  

The group hosts a weekly skate meet in a hall located in the Dublin suburbs. The location is always confirmed through their WhatsApp channel to avoid any unexpected guests.  

“This is adult play. Everyone works so hard, earns so little and pays so much to live – nobody has anywhere they can just go,” Douglas said. 

Douglas found her passion for skating through grief.  

“When my dogs passed, I would go to a car park and listen to downtempo music and just go for it. It is something you can connect with emotionally,” she explained.  

“Taking what you’re dealing with, and with the music that you love while processing your emotions through motion – it’s amazing.”  

Douglas works with an administration team of three people. They host skating workshops for all levels.  

“Our hope for the new year is to be insured to teach under-18s. The demand is insane, they really want to come skate with us – and I really hope to teach them.”