Anyone who has grown up in South Florida has been to at least three birthday parties either at Gold Coast or its rival, Galaxy Skateway in Hollywood. It’s been there for sixty-three years even though I constantly pass by Gold Coast on my commutes I can probably count on my one hand the number of times I’ve been inside. Why, I don’t know. After gearing up for a big night by reminiscing of our elementary years over a couple of adult beverages, my friend and I decided we were ready to head over to Intoxiskate at Gold Coast Skating Rink.
Once in the building a sense of nostalgia came over me as I laced up my skates for the first time in probably 15 years: R. Kelly songs, the smell of stale popcorn, relay races, the chicken dance (though I try not to think of that one). Stepping onto the hardwood floor I felt a bit like a calf taking his first steps. Our pregaming was enough to get me out but not without some decent arm flailing and wall-stops (you know, intentionally running into the wall while sticking out your arms as your means of stopping.) But it only took a few laps around until I felt confident enough for the real Intoxiskation to begin. We sat down and took part in some $3 beer specials and some birthday cake (DJ Misha, if you’re reading this thanks for the cake!) and before long I was ready to get on the move again. If you thought a trip to the bathroom after a couple was an adventure wait til you try it on wheels. Bonus points for hovering if you’re a chick.
A little liquid courage goes a long way- a couple more beers and we were ready to hit the floor again. We felt like pros practicing tricks and successfully blocking elbows from each other. I became familiar with what I would like to believe to be the regulars of Intoxiskate: rave boy, underwear boy, and wannabe roller derby girl. And with each turn I made I tested myself to see if I could keep my feet on the ground a little less than the last time. I must say, however, I did not master stopping properly (the skinny rubber stopper is wrapped long ways around the nose of the skate for crying out loud).
So next time you find yourself sitting around on a Tuesday night trying to decide which recorded TV show to catch up on, channel your inner Gloria Gaynor and head over to Intoxiskate at Gold Coast Skating Rink. Before you know it you’ll be renting Whip It & scouring Craigslist for your own pair of wheels.
Intoxiskate is also gay night and takes place every Tuesday night from 8pm to 2am. Drink specials include $3 beers and $4 cocktails. Eight bucks gets you in plus skate rental and enough Lady Gaga to make you wonder, “what’s so wrong with a Kermit the Frog sweater, anyway?”
2604 South Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954)523-6783
