Disco on rollerskates

A new skating rink in Subang Avenue provides yesteryear thrills with its retro-disco theme.

Remember the days when skating around with the wind in your face and racing with friends on rollerskates was the height of cool?

Now, you can relive your childhood memories at The Wheels Roller Skating rink, which opened its doors in January this year at Subang Avenue Shopping Complex.

Measuring 16,000sq ft, The Wheels is the largest indoor roller skating rink in Malaysia and the only one to feature a fun disco concept.

“Rollerskating used to be a big hit back in the 1980s,” said The Wheels owner Thomas Ang. Founded in Singapore, the company managed 18 indoor and outdoor rinks at one point, in Johor Baru, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca.

“Due to the economic downturn, rollerskating rinks slowly closed down.

But rollerskating is making a comeback, with more people picking up the sport. So we opened this outlet to cater to the younger generation today,” said Ang.

The Wheels Subang Avenue is the company’s first new outlet after 10 years, with a brand new image and concept.

Despite its retro-disco theme, Ang said the rollerskating rink is all about providing a healthy platform for people of all ages to enjoy recreational rollerskating. Smoking is not allowed and no alcoholic beverages are served.

With a DJ blasting music on the deck, a “dancing stage” for skaters and a projector, the rollerskating rink provides a fun and sporty environment for everyone. There are also ramps for advanced skaters to perform stunts and tricks.

There are over 700 pairs of rollerskates and inline skates for rent, each with built in LED lights. They also provide skates for children aged five to 12.

Currently, there is a small area selling drinks and light snacks, but Ang said they will open a cafe there soon. There is a lounge area for customers to relax and free Wi-Fi access.

Customers can also hold private functions and birthday bashes in the place.

The rink has received good response among locals, especially students and young adult crowd.

“I go to the gym on the third floor for workouts. About a month ago, I was curious as to what was on the upper floor of the shopping complex. That’s how I found out about this place and I’ve been skating here regularly since,” said Denise Tan, 26.

She said that she liked the concept of a disco-themed skating rink and that before she started skating again, she had not skated since primary school.

Tan’s gym buddy Jocelyn Mah, said it was her first time rollerskating. Mah said she was glad Tan was there to help coach her.

“I’ve fallen down six times already!” laughed the 23-year-old management associate.

Consultant Mei Chen, 33, found out about the skating rink from flyers around Subang and decided to check out the place.

“It’s my first time skating after a long, long time. I haven’t skated since I was in Primary Four, so this brings back a lot of memories,” she said.

The Wheels together with Hahah.com.my are giving away 10,000 free membership cards to first time visitors. Up till now, 3,000 cards have been given away.

Members will enjoy a discount price on entry fees. The normal entry price for the whole day is RM25 and RM15 for two hours, but members get to enjoy an entry price of RM20 and RM12 respectively.

As part of a one-week special promotion, Hahah.com.my will also be offering a whole day entrance discount for only RM12. Just visit www.hahah.com.my for more details.

The Wheels is located at Lot S4.01, Subang Avenue Shopping Mall, Jalan SS16/1, Subang. It is open from 10am to 10 pm daily.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/wheels.roller.skating, or call 03-56113018. - By Choo Woon Lim, Photos by Art Chen