‘Let the good times roll’

Roller skating, an activity usually associated with rolling down palm-lined boulevards in sunny Los Angeles, has arrived on Saipan. The islands’ first roller skating arcade, located in San Antonio called International Roller Skates, officially opened last Saturday.

Special K-Pop performances from there groups from Korea added entertainment and spectacle to the grand opening.

According to IRS general manager Doyi Kim, it may seem simple enough as one will be rolling on quad skates on a smooth, hard, and durable floor but roller skating can also help you get fit. “This is a place where everybody can enjoy and get their fitness levels up. It is not only for children but for adults as well. …This is Saipan’s new spot for recreation and enjoyment,” she said.

She assured that roller skating is not difficult. Even small children get into this sport, even children as young as 2 years old. If they can stand, walk, or run already, then they can try roller skating. “This is a great activity that the whole family can do, whether it is raining or hot outside as they are safe inside the four corners of the arcade,” she added.

Until June 30, people can enjoy their opening promotion. Admission fee is only $2 and roller skates, helmet, elbow and knee pads rental go for $5 and locker rental go for $1. “…the locker can be shared by a family or group of friends. …The gear rental and roller skating session are good for two hours. …We have a total of 5 roller skating sessions in a day…,” Kim said.

She stressed that safety is a priority, hence there is a 30-minute break after every session, to inspect and clean the skating rink and surface because “every small speck or even a drop of water can be dangerous to our customers. …We also have cameras around the arcade to ensure a quality [experience] and safety.”

According to Kim, the arcade can accommodate more than 100 skaters at one time and beginners in roller skates need not be afraid to try. “Our staff have been trained by an experienced instructor from Korea. …They will assist the customer in putting on roller skates and the safety gear and accompany them to the skating area. …One of our future plans is to invite an instructor from Korea and hold ‘Beginner Classes’ for a minimal fee for people who wants to learn or take this sport seriously,” she said.

“We are also in talks with various schools about opening the arcade to them and add roller skating a part of their Physical Education class. …We have a bus that can take children from their school to here and vice versa,” she added.

Aside from roller skating, other games and activities are available like “Speedy Hockey,” basketball shooting, darts, slides, and trampoline. “We have WiFi all over the place, a café. …Currently, we are only serving water, soda and snacks but we are in the process of developing our menu so we could have food offerings in the future,” Kim said.

There is also a party room that can accommodate 30 people for private events like birthdays. There is also a plan to bring in hip hop classes in the future that will be taught by dancers and rappers from Korea.

International Roller Skates is a new business of P&A Corp. They are open Monday to Friday 12:30pm to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 10pm. For more information, call (670) 235-3313 or look them up on FaceBook or Instagram @internationalrollerskatingsaipan.