WATCHING a group of children on inline skates, gliding along the pavement and hopping onto low ledges while cheering one another on, may cause their parents anxiety.
However, more experienced skaters stand close by at the seafront Gurney Bay skatepark in Penang, keeping a watchful eye and guiding the youngsters as they work through their fear of falling and attempt each obstacle.
For Musa Mohamad Mubarak, 10, his brother Yusuf, 14, and sister Maryam, 12, what began as a tentative first step towards inline skating has since become a weekly highlight.
Their mother, Fatin Nadia Zainal, 44, said that since moving to the island from Kuala Lumpur, she had been looking for an outdoor activity for the trio to enjoy.
“We came across the skating group during an outing and approached the members to ask whether there were any fees involved.
“I was surprised to learn that it was all voluntary; I’m thankful to see such an inclusive community working together.
“At first, Musa was scared and kept holding my hand, but the senior skaters were very patient and guided him until he could roll on his own.
“Now he looks forward to every session and has become more confident, zooming past onlookers at the skatepark,” she said.
Fatin Nadia said she introduced the group to her friends who went on to bring their children.
Florist Lau Saw Thng, 50, who joined the activity along with her son George Lim, 10, said the experience reminded her that age should not be a barrier to trying something new.
“I joined mainly to accompany my son but ended up enjoying it just as much as the others did.
“There are people of all ages here and we learn at our own pace by encouraging each other.”
Lau said the sessions had become a meaningful family time and an opportunity for her son to mingle with people from different walks of life.
“It is rare to find an activity where parents and children can learn together.
“Participants come from diverse backgrounds, including professionals, artists and entrepreneurs from different places.
“Here, skating has become something we bond over as a family, with new friendships to cherish,” she added.
Such experiences reflected the ethos of Penang Skate Buddies (PSB), a community-based inline skating group that focuses on inclusivity, mentorship and shared learning.
While recreational skating remains central, strong emphasis is placed on confidence-building and guidance for newcomers, said a PSB spokesperson.
“We do not just teach people how to skate. We teach them that falling is part of the journey, and getting back up is where the growth happens,” the spokesperson said, adding that senior skaters regularly mentored beginners through structured sessions.
Today, PSB has some 300 followers across its online platforms, with dozens of them taking part regularly in its weekly sessions.
Meetups typically draw a diverse mix – young children, teenagers and working adults who skate for recreation and stress relief.
Activities are organised based on skill levels, allowing beginners, intermediate skaters and advanced participants to practise safely while also encouraging interaction across age groups.
“We operate with a ‘no skater left behind’ philosophy.
“It is common to see younger skaters helping older beginners, and that kind of cross-generational interaction builds respect and confidence,” the spokesperson said.
The group also maintains an ‘open-door’ policy, with no membership fees or minimum skill requirements.
While a pair of inline skates is required, safety gear is strongly encouraged, particularly for children and first-time skaters.
PSB started in the mid-1990s, when a small group of enthusiasts noticed inline skaters practising alone in parks across Penang without a common platform to connect.
“We wanted to bring everyone under one roof and create a safe, supportive space where skating would feel less lonely and more like a shared lifestyle,” said the spokesperson.
Looking ahead, the spokesperson said PSB aimed to play a more formal role in Penang’s urban sports scene by engaging local authorities on skate-friendly public spaces and exploring a structured learn-to-skate programme for schools and youth centres.
“Our long-term vision is to see Penang recognised as a skating destination, hosting events that bring together local and international skaters.”
Penang youth and sports committee chairman Daniel Gooi said the state welcomed initiatives that made sports accessible to all.
“The growth of the PSB group shows how community-led sports can thrive when people are given space, support and encouragement, in line with the Penang2030 vision that places strong emphasis on family-focused and people- centred development.
“Groups like this play an important role in promoting active and healthy lifestyles, especially among youths and families.
“Inline skating is not just a recreational activity but also part of a broader urban sports culture.
“We see value in engaging such communities when planning and upgrading public recreational spaces so that they are safe, inclusive and multi-use,” Gooi said.
He said the state was open to working with grassroots groups to encourage wider participation in sports.
“Community groups often understand the needs on the ground better.
“By working together, we can ensure Penang continues to develop as a people-friendly and sports-friendly state,” he added.
