About The Great EsSkate:

Inspired by the Philadelphia Freedom Skate - the Great EsSkate was borne in 2001 but immediately took on a South Beach flavor. The concept is simple - - this is a chance to escape the frigid winters elsewhere and attend an endless weekend of skating activities, private parties, entertainment, prizes, and fun, fun, fun! (GEsS is NOT a race)

All event activities originate at our host hotel - Shelborne Beach Resort - where you will be treated to a cornucopia of activities for the active person. As a matter of fact, the event schedule is so thick that you'll have a tough time choosing between activities. Mix this with all of the other "Fun 'n Sun" here at Miami Beach and by the conclusion of the weekend, you'll want to come back so you can finally chill out on the beach.

The Great EsSkate has been touted as the hippest skating event ever. One that is so well planned that you'd think it takes a team of hundreds to produce it. The truth is - - it does! Our goal is to give all of our guests as much shear fun and hospitality as possible. To make this all happen takes a core team of 12 organizers more than 9 months. It requires nearly 25 more assistants and more than 200 volunteers/workers. Let's not forget the dozens of sponsors, scores of NSP and police officers, 3 municipalities, and even the Miami Beach Mayor!

Great EsSkate 2003 has plenty of new fun and surprise in store. Don't get caught out in the cold, come on down to the hippest skating event ever!

Mission of the Great EsSkate:

The Great EsSkate was founded with a 2fold goal. One was to show skaters the world over - and in the manner of southern hospitality - just how much fun Miami & Miami Beach has to offer them. Unarguably, our more important goal was to raise awareness and support for a disease afflicting the son of one of Miami Beach's men in blue. This menacing disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), is no deterrent for young Ryan Nolan who has met its challenge with bravery, each and every day, over the past 4 years.

We've been asked why so many people give so much of their time and property to produce a skating event. "After all, it's only a skating event". Well, our motivation is not eight wheels. It's not hundreds or even thousands of skaters. It's for one little boy and all the other children with SMA and who are brave enough to live life each and every day. This is for you Ryan.

About the Great Es-Skating:

The skating activities are mostly comprised of recreational/fitness events and tours. You can expect 5 or 6 skating events throughout the weekend. These are interspersed with other beach style activities such as picnics and friendly competitions. While the skating is challenging - this is NOT a race nor speed event so don't be intimidated. The easier (intermediate) group skate events are 8-12 miles in distance at an approximate speed of 12mph. More difficult (advanced) events are at paces up to 18mph and for distances of 20 miles. In both cases you will be given rests stops approximately every 3-4 miles. Water is typically provided by the event promoters.

In all cases skaters must possess the following skills: Generally good physical condition, confidence on in-line skates, ability to negotiate holes - curbs - obstacles, competence in stopping and turning, ability to ascend/descend hills, comfort while skating in streets - with traffic - and with other skaters.

Some basic Rules:

This event is organized and run by the South Beach Skate Patrol and various Police Departments. We are extremely safety conscious and do our best to keep you safe. Street skating in inherently risky so please follow these guidelines:

Follow the directions of Skate Patrol (in red shirts) and the police officers
Helmets are required but full protective gear is recommended
Flashing lights (such as used by bicyclists) are required for night skating
Always remain to the right of the traffic lane (unless directed otherwise) and DO NOT cross into opposing lanes

Help your fellow skaters by pointing or calling attention to obstacles and danger
Carry water or sports fluid at all times. Florida is quite hot and humid - even in the winter. Do not risk dehydration.

Summary of the weekend:

More information to be announced!