For the 30th daily installment of Big Wheel Blading’s Inline Skating and Life During COVID-19 series we talk to Brian Barron. Brian is a 37-year-old inline skater and musician living in Wicklow, Ireland.
photo by Adam Szymański
What is the current situation with COVID-19 in Ireland?
We are in lockdown now aside from essential services. We can leave the house for one exercise session a day and we can go to the grocery store and pharmacy but are being asked to stay at home as much as possible
Are you still skating? If so what precautions are you taking to stay safe?
I skated a couple of days ago with Albert Hooi at a skatepark but, now we are confined to a 2km radius from home. We kept social distance and I had alcoholic wipes to clean my hands if I fell. We traveled separately as well.
If you are still skating what and where are you skating?
I have been going to a small local park very close to my house. It is always empty, so I have the place to myself. Again I’m traveling solo, taking precautions and not trying anything difficult, just a few basic grinds and airs.
What would make you stop skating?
If I thought I was putting anyone at a risk. As it stands skating is included in daily exercise. If the park had more people I wouldn’t bother but I generally have the place entirely to myself at the time I’m there..
What other activities are you doing to occupy your time?
Spending time with my wife and dog, playing guitar and piano. Doing a bit of writing, reading and drawing. Some yoga in the mornings and walking by the lakes beside our home. We are blessed to have a very special part of Ireland on our doorstep.
How has COVID-19 affected your normal everyday life?
All bars and restaurants are closed, so no gigging but otherwise not so much. Spending a lot more quality time at home which is great.
What are your major concerns right now and looking into the future?
I hope that my parents, family and relatives stay safe and healthy, but I try my best to live in the present and not stress over a hypothetical future.
How has your skate community been responding to the restrictions?
Everyone was obviously very concerned about meeting to skate at all, but now with more severe restrictions in place its impossible to meet even if we wanted to.
Links
- Follow Brian Barron on Instagram.
- Follow Brian Barron on Spotify.
- You can listen to Brian’s music on bandcamp.
- Go to Inline Skating and Life During COVID-19 to read more interviews from skaters from around the world.
- Go to Essential Workers – Inline Skaters on the Front Lines of COVID-19 to read about inline skaters from around the world who are considered Essential Workers.
- For our full COVID-19 coverage go here.
- Contact Big Wheel Blading for and questions, suggestions or ideas.
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