Lately, the San Diego blading chat has been active again, with people organizing sessions at different skate parks around the city. Some have been birthday sessions for people like Derek Hall, Chance Smith, and Opie Tran. Others have been farewell sessions, like the one for David Lee. No matter the reason, the sessions have been a reminder that people will show up and it’s always a good time reconnecting with old and new friends.
It can be difficult these days to follow through with plans for a regular monthly skate session. Everyone has work, family, and life obligations. Still, I really wanted to make something happen in May since it was my birthday month. We picked May 31st at 10 a.m. at my local skate park in Rancho Peñasquitos. Then Taylor Bredfield, whose birthday also falls in May, mentioned in the chat that he wanted to send a box of used and new skate gear to Bolivia. That gave the session even more purpose.
Despite the late planning and last-minute invites, more than 30 bladers showed up throughout the day to hang out, skate, and support the cause. In my absent-mindedness, I had forgotten to invite several people, including my longtime friend Russell Day. Russell had recently been telling us that he picked up a pair of Mesmers and was looking to rekindle his old passion for killing it in the streets. Luckily, he texted Jon Fromm about the session and decided to come through, hang out, and shake off some rust.
Russell showed up with his four-year-old son, set him up in a chair in the shade, handed him a puzzle game on his phone, and started lacing up. Russell was one of the first bladers I met after moving to San Diego in the summer of 2002. We skated a rail, and this kid, still in high school at the time, was already showing me up. He was doing effortless switch-ups and budget tricks while casually telling me that I was doing my front noogans “wrong.” I probably should have swallowed my pride and listened, because that high schooler would go on to become one of the many legendary bladers to come out of San Diego.
I feel privileged to have been around for so much of Russell’s journey. I watched him progress faster than most, always focused and determined to become a professional. Russell has remained a major part of the San Diego blading scene and, in turn, a familiar name in ONEblademag. Over the years, he has been featured in articles, edits, skate video profiles, and competitions, earning top placements even before officially becoming a professional.
In 2017, Russell reached a milestone that many bladers dream about when he earned his first pro skate from the Adapt Brand. The black and grey Adapt Stealth was designed by Russell, for Russell. He was 31 at the time, and he continued building his professional career through additional sponsorships, signature Redeye wheels, and memorable video profiles, including his more recent edit, Last Dance, filmed and edited by Travis Stewart.
Russell Day was 39 years old yesterday. At Rancho Peñasquitos, in a brand-new pair of Mesmer skates, he stepped back onto the park and handled himself with the same effortless balance and style that made him stand out all those years ago.
Watching Russell skate again was a reminder of what makes San Diego’s blading history so special. His skating has always carried a mix of emo style, natural movement, and quiet dedication. He has put years into this sport, taken the hits, traveled, filmed, competed, and continued to represent himself as a true professional.
After everything Russell has accomplished, it is hard not to admire the path he has taken. He continues to show what it means to be part of San Diego’s blading legacy; not just as someone who became a professional, but as someone who helped shape the people, style, and culture around him through all the years he has had rollerblades on his feet. I’m sure his son and him will be out there soon enough shredding along side him so keep an eye out in the future. — Steve Steinmetz
Russell Day — Backtorque cess to fakie
Rancho Peñasquitos Skatepark
May 31, 2026
Shot with a Sony A7 III and Rokinon fisheye lens at f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO 100.
Happy Be-lated Birthday Russell, from your friends at ONEblademag.
