New Sport: Rollerskating at RollerWa+! Here’s What You Need to Know!
Public holidays are a perfect time to break free from the mundane and venture into the realm of new experiences. So, when the opportunity arose for us to try something different, we seized it with enthusiasm. Our destination of choice? RollerWa+ at Lalaport—a place where we could embrace the joy of roller sports and create lasting memories.
As the Eid Adha holiday rose, we set out with a sense of anticipation, eager to embark on an activity that would push us out of our comfort zones. RollerWa+ had been on our radar for quite some time, and with its reputation for providing an exhilarating skating experience, we couldn’t think of a better time to give it a whirl.
RollerWa+ : Rollerskating Rink in Malaysia
RollerWa is Korea’s No.1 Indoor Family Quad Roller Skating Rink with K-Pop Music, Disco Lights and K-Pop Culture. They’re known for their vibrant and energetic atmosphere, smooth and polished wooden floor, rental skates for those who don’t have their own equipment, and lots of instragram-able places to take pictures.
They opened their first branch in 1Utama back in 2021. When it first open, the pandemic was slowly becoming better. People needed a place to flock and they chose a good time to open too because it was well receive from Malaysians all over! It gathered long lines and became an instant viral hit. Now, they have expanded to two more location which is in BBCC Lalaport and IOI City Mall, Putrajaya.
RollerWa is not the first rollerskating rink in Malaysia. Roller skating has been popular in Malaysia for several decades in and on itself, and there were established rollerskating rinks in the country prior to the emergence of RollerWa. One of the earliest and most iconic rollerskating rinks in Malaysia is The Wheels – Disco Roller Skating in Subang Avenue Shopping Mall, which was established in the 1990s. However, it died down and their last post on their official Facebook page was back in 2015.
But with the popularity of social media, RollerWa definitely garnered lots of attention and rose to fame quicker than any other established Roller Skating Rinks in Asia. We’re excited to see how it will pan out over the decade.
Rollerskate VS Rollerblades
The primary skates up for rental provided by RollerWa are Rollerskates. Now, you may be wondering, what’s the difference?
Well, for most Malaysians, we’re probably use to inline skates or rollerblades more. This type of skates feature a single frame that covers the length of the sole and depending on the manufacturer, and can have somewhere between 3 to 5 wheels in a row.
Rollerskates, however, have two horizontal sets of wheels and the braking mechanism (toe stop) is at the front of the skate while the former’s braking mechanism is at the back of the skate. RollerSkates also come in various colours and styles too. You can either choose a high top or short top skates depending on your preference for a snug fit or not. However, for RollerWa, the skate rental shoe side might be limited. A friend went here before and he was a size UK 12 and they did not have anything in his size. The colour choices they have are white, pink or black and their wheels will sparkle with light as your skate. So, that is something to look forward too!
How to Get There
RollerwWa+ is located at BBCC Lalaport L4 near the East Atrium. You can’t miss it! There will be many signs pointing to the venue. Here’s a floor plan of the location.
If you are driving, type in Lalaport in Google Maps or Waze and then it’ll take you there. Parking is plenty and free until 31st July 2023. If you want to make it more adventurous, you can take the public transport below:
Monorail : IMBI Station (3 – 5 min walk)
MRT & LRT: Merdeka Station (3 – 5 min walk), Hang Tuah Station (10 – 12 min walk)
Prices and Operating Hours
Their are open Monday-Sunday (7-Days a week) from 10am-10pm, even on Public Holidays, too. Make sure to check out the prices below to plan out budget or not it could be an expensive experience.
Lessons only available at :
IOI City Mall, Putrajaya.
1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya.
Prices are taken from Rollerwa’s Official Facebook page.
Before You Play
Safety should always be a top priority, especially when engaging in high-speed activities like roller skating. Here are some important things to keep in mind at RollerWa+:
- Do wear proper protective gear, including a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. They are available for free if you don’t have your own.
- Do warm up and cool down before hitting the rink. Stretching exercises will help prevent injuries.
- Don’t skate too fast for your skill level. Stay within your comfort zone and gradually build your speed and technique.
- Don’t engage in risky behaviors, such as weaving through crowds or attempting dangerous stunts.
- Do follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the staff. They are there to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
- Don’t put your phone in your pockets! You might end up falling and breaking them. You can put them in the locker or have someone take the photos for you.
- Do wear proper clothing – mini skirts or jeans might be trouble!
- Do Bring some water with you cause their bottle water is RM4!
- Do know your shoe size. Would be easier to tell them for your skate rental.
What to Expect
As you step onto the vibrant skating rink at RollerWa+, get ready for an exhilarating experience. They’ll be lots of disco lights, instagramable spots, people skating, k-pop inspired music – you might be too excited to start that you might forget to consider safety is top priority.
Attendants there do not provide you services to teach you how to skate. Neither do they enforce you to use protective gear. So, it is your responsibility to make sure you grab them from the counter and use them before you play. I would highly encourage my readers to grab a friend who knows how to skate and drag them along with you on this adventure. I’ve read a few articles where new beginners went there and getting seriously injured until the need to go to the hospital! So, please be careful!
For us, I had some ice skating experience before so rollerskating shouldn’t be too much of difference…right? Well, it does need some time to get the hang of it. The well-maintained surface provides a smooth glide but it is different compared to ice skating. Do remember, always skate to your capability. Don’t push your self to go too fast or show off. You’re there to have an enjoyable time so take. your. time.
We really enjoyed the atmosphere! It is lively with music playing in the background to set the mood. You’ll find skaters of all ages and skill levels, creating a sense of community and camaraderie. If you don’t have a friend, you might want to consider watching some youtube videos and know basic skills such as:
– how to fall
– how to get back up if you fall
– how to start moving forward
– how to stop
Check out the video below from Dirty School of Skate!
Conclusion
Falling down is normal. If you come prepared, use proper safety gear, then you just got to embrace the floor and be one with it. Overall, Mihu and I really enjoyed our day out trying this new sport. It really gave us such a thrill and make us feel like we were in our 20s again. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, this venue has something for everyone. Don’t feel shy to give it a try just be bold to try something new. So, grab your skates and head over to RollerWa+ for an unforgettable skating experience that will leave you craving more!
If you are visiting RollerWa+ at lalaport, you might want to check out other fun activities to do there like visiting Lalaspeed E Cart Racing or relax your mind at the Puchi Marry Cat Cafe!