Epic Skate Rink is under new management and looking to make epic upgrades to the rollerskating scene in the NSW’s far North Coast, particularly for adult skaters.
Nik Petricevic took over the closest rollerskating rink to the Gold Coast in November 2022.
I spoke with him and the Managing Director, Julio Espin the following January about their plans for the rink.
‘We’re keen to look at this with fresh eyes.’ – Julio
Both Nik and Julio have plenty of ideas for Epic Skate’s future.
One of which is to encourage roller skating in the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads area by creating a space for adults to socialise, learn, and enjoy rollerskating indoors.
They plan to host adult (16+) skate events and bring in more jam and slalom skating to create sessions with a more mature feel.
Julio mentioned taking inspiration from overseas rinks, particularly the American rinks that embrace a nightclub type atmosphere.
I attended Epic Skate’s first adult skate night event this year and it was fantastic!
You can read more about it here: 5 Reasons to visit an Adults night at Epic Skate rink.
Nik said there hasn’t been a massive offering for older skaters wanting to develop their skating skills outside of a specific roller sport.
‘I say that because I would come here on a Saturday night and a Friday night, drive down here from the Gold Coast, look in the door and think, there’s too many kids, and drive off.’
‘For me that was a problem, finding somewhere I could go for a skate.’ – Nik
According to both Nik and Julio the majority of rollerskating rinks in Australia appear to follow a similar, aging model.
The idea that “rollerskating is for kids” is backed by the common focus on bright, youthful aesthetics, children’s parties, and basic sessions suitable for all ages.
While this isn’t a bad thing, the lack of variety, and compromises made for younger audiences can discourage adult skaters from visiting rinks.
‘If you were to try to summarise our goal for the rink it’s to keep skating alive. The old model is dying whether rink owners admit it or not.’ – Nik
While I can’t say for sure if Nik’s statement is true, with many rinks closing and some that are left noticeably hiking prices to stay afloat, there may be something limiting about the current model in most Australian rollerskating rinks.
But is it a common model for a reason?
Rollerskating rinks in Australia generally target families with young kids and teenagers because that niche is reliable.
Reducing family friendly sessions by having specific adults only nights could reduce Epic Skate’s income.
When asked about this risk Nik replied:
‘You can’t put a price on how many people come to the door and drive off, then eventually stop coming to the door.’
‘I want to make it somewhere I would come skating.’
But he assured me that Epic Skate won’t rush into any major changes.
The venue will remain a family friendly rink for all ages outside of the adult skate sessions.
They aim to organically change the way the rink runs, doing what is right for the business and gauging what people want.
‘A skate rink is not just one business. It’s a whole heap tied together: canteen, sales, hire, rink itself, entertainment, parties. Our goal is to pick away at each one and evenly grow it all together.’ – Nik
There are plenty of ideas in the works for Epic Skate Rink according to Nik and Julio.
During our interview I saw real enthusiasm for the changes they’re bringing to the rink and a passion to not just provide entertainment, but to encourage a strong rollerskating community.
Epic Skate Rink can be visited at 20/23 Enterprise Ave, Tweed Heads South, NSW or you can check out their website.
If you liked this article and want to read more about rollerskating rinks in Australia, subscribe to Rollerskating Travels below or check out the Rollerskatingtravels Instagram.
