Monday, 26 August 2013

Ottawa Quad Sessions Kick Into High Gear!

Canada’s capital has a happening hotspot for retro rollerskaters, and the new season is starting this September. Ottawa Quad Session is back for another year, providing a weekly rollerskating ‘rink’, now every Friday night from 9-11pm—and with a great membership card.

The Ottawa Quad Sessions started last year, welcoming people with classic four-wheel rollerskates to come out and spin their wheels each week in the Norm Fenn gym at Carleton University. Starting this September, OQS is back at Norm Fenn with a new regular timeslot—Fridays from 9-11pm—making this a prime social and sporting activity.

“The new season’s regular timeslot is going to be a great draw for skaters of all types: roller derby players who want some extra practice, trick and dance skaters, and even newbies who’ve just gotten into skating,” says Dr Spin, professor at Carleton University and founder of the Ottawa Quad Session. Plans are in the works to try out some theme nights and skaters are always invited to bring their music to play on the speakers.

Here's a video interview I did with Dr Spin last year!

The OQS began when Dr Spin decided he missed having a place to rollerskate, and began renting space at Norm Fenn, inviting others to practice with him. The event quickly became known around town to those with quads themselves.

This year, OQS is offering a new membership package: the indoor skate season will be divided into 2-month quarters (starting with September-October), and skaters can purchase an 8-week for only $60. The Sept-Oct pass is available for sale now; those that purchase their pass before September will have a chance to win a gift card to Neon Skates Ottawa.

Those less able to make it out to every session can purchase a 4-session punchcard which can be used on any 4 sessions in the Sept-October quarter. First-timers can also roll in for a newbie drop-in fee of $15.

Skaters must bring their own skates and helmet (and are welcome to bring any other safety gear they like). Inline skates are also accepted, though Dr Spin truly hopes to help further the resurgence of the traditional quad skate.


“It’s a great activity, for health and fun,” says Dr Spin, “You can make these sessions into whatever you want: a social gathering, a date night, or a workout. Think of it like a fitness bootcamp, except it’s in the evening instead of some dreadful morning hour, and it’s way more fun.”

Those looking for more information can head to the wordpress blog at
or the facebook group at

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