Dozens of car loads of rollerbladers headed up to Woodward West for the first contest of the 2010 Amateur Inline League season. The stage was set, and kids antsy and anxious after a long winter were poised to get their blade on. And blade they did. Rollerbladers came from as far away as Utah, Brazil, and Venezuala, and of course all over California, for the chance to compete in the AIL and skate the highly-regarded Hangar 18 park at Woodward West. Snow fell outside as the action inside began to heat up.

With the impromptu addition of the ‘PeeWee’ division to accommodate several of the youngest bladers, and the strongest ever showing in the 10 and Under Beginner’s division, the contest was underway. Organized by Pam and Richie Velasquez, announced by yours truly, and hosted by Woodward West, the day saw Vert, 10-15 Advancaed, 16 and Up Beginner/Intermediate, and 16 and Up Advanced disciplines. The ‘Everyday is Get Someone to Blade Day’ movement is in full swing, with blading classes at Woodward West put on by Richie Velasquez producing a surge of new young faces crossing over from hockey to compete in their first ever rollerblading contest at this AIL.

Over 100 rollerbladers turned out, and 75 of them took part in competitive skating. The main event is traditionally the 16 and Up Advanced division, and the March 13th event was no different. With a large field of over 20 bladers, after two 55 second runs on the main street course, which was modified slightly for this AIL, a winner was declared. Third place went to the talented Tyler Hest, second place went to the ramp local and rising star Damon Franklin, and first place to the hard hustling Rick Rodriguez.

In a totally unexpected turn of events, Pam Velasquez offered up $100 cash to the 16 and Up Advanced winner, and pro skater Rachard Johnson then upped the ante by throwing in $100 out of his own pocket, immediately boosting the significance of Rick Rodriguez’s victory by $200. So the 2010 AIL contest season got off to an exciting start. Scores of new young bladers, droves of the devoted, and a surprise cash infusion for the highest ranks. Check www.inlineleague.com for complete results and to get info on upcoming AIL contests that you and your friends can attend. — Matt Mickey

Photos © 2010 Scott Moffat and Jeremy Condamine