New and younger skaters are the future of inline skating.

Yet, I too often see that the existing core of inline skaters push new-comers away in turn for self-indulgence. This type of behavior does not go well with the survival of our sport. Even though we will still be a small core of skaters that keep on going, I would still like to see new start skating when I'm 40. I don't want to be the only skater in town – I want somebody to share my passion with.

Therefore, I would like to proclaim a set of rules we should all remember.

• Have an open mind towards potential new skaters. Welcome them into your group. Take them out street skating. Teach them how to progress.
• Do not make fun of- or mock other new skaters (or any for that sake). They might have a different appearance than what you are used to, but that does not make them unwanted into our community.
• Answer all the dumb questions new potential skaters might have. If you're asked: can you do a backflip – answer it. Engage in a conversation that makes you look like a role model more than stuck up prick.
• New skaters that are unexperienced in the field of inline skating might not be familiar with the latest trends in skates, equipment and skate fashion. If a newby skater shows up in toy skates, then tell him where he can buy better skates. If he shows up wearing outfits that ridicules him more than helps him, then don't mock him. Let him get you as a role model, so one day he can be just as cool as you ;-).