For the 82nd daily installment of Big Wheel Blading’s Inline Skating and Life During COVID-19 series we talk to Dan Loveless. Dan is a 31-year-old inline skater living in Dorset, England. He is a self-employed builder specializing in traditional building and lime mortar.
Cruising down the spiral.
What is the current situation with COVID-19 in England?
Living in a small village with nothing but fields and cows for as far as the eye can see; things had seemed pretty normal for quite some time. That was until we had to go out for “essential items” to the closet town, that’s when things became a little bit more real. Seeing the strict social distancing measures in place brought it home just how serious this all is. Our country as a whole is not doing great to be honest. We have the third highest death rate in the world or something crazy likes that. Bit mental really!
Are you still skating? If so what precautions are you taking to stay safe?
Yeah I’m still out on the boots as much as possible, although I’m definitely skating less than I normally do. When I do get out to skate I’ve been making sure I take a mask and hand sanitizer, just incase they are needed. I’ve also found myself being much more considerate with what I’m doing, the last thing I want is to end up in hospital with a broken bone.
180 off the sculpture.
Where are you going out to skate?
Anywhere I can to be honest. Whether it be in my back yard on my home made box rail set up, just cruising around the village on the big wheels or getting out with the lads for some street; I’m stoked to just be out skating.
Is there anything that would make you stop skating?
Absolutely nothing, I love skating too much to stop totally. I think I would still make a feeble attempt to skate if both my legs fell off!
Are you doing any cross training?
Well for along time I was your standard lazy ass blader that doesn’t do much else other than that haha. Lately I’ve picked up a small but regular work out routine and generally started to look after my body more. After the years of relentless destruction I’ve put my body through, a little bit of yoga and some clean eating is the least I can do for it. You need to look after you’re body for sure, I just wish I had realized this when I was younger
True savanna on the ledge.
What other activities are you doing to occupy your time?
Me and my girl Amy-Sue both have dogs, so we are always out on missions to the Jurassic Coast so we can explore new areas with our pups. We have stunning coastlines down here that make for some great walks!
How has COVID-19 affected your normal everyday life?
In the first few months it 100% effected my everyday life. Work was put on hold for a few weeks. Rollerblading was almost non-existent due to the lockdown, which is why I built a grind box to keep me sane. Before all of this I would always normally be out on evening sessions clipping up with Mark Worner. We did manage to sneak in a quick pre COVID-19 edit in the streets of Yeovil before the lockdown kicked in. The last few months have been better though, more work and a few sessions with the boys have made life seem a little more normal.
What are you major concerns right now and looking into the future?
I guess my main concern is how long it will take for life to return back to full normality. I’m finding it really hard to see that ever happening because day-to-day life is so bizarre right now. Although saying that lockdown and social distancing restrictions haven’t been all bad. I find now that street sessions are way less tense as there is next to no security and that is a bit of a blessing from this mess. The city is for once almost entirely free to play upon!
How is your local skate community responding?
Everyone was fully respectful of the lockdown when it came in place, no matter how hard it was for such a social group. Once the lockdown rules were relaxed though, the sessions slowly became more frequent and it’s been great just getting to see people again. Recently some of the lads got together in Bristol to shoot a promo for The Blade Clothing’s latest tee-shirt drop. After so much time being stuck in lockdown it was a massive relief just to get out but also such a beautiful thing to have the whole team together for a day out doing what we love to do. My appreciation for skating has grown so much over these last few months.
Do you have anything you’d like to add?
Just that everyone needs to keep on rolling in what ever way they can as its good for both the heart and soul. Just don’t forget to be as safe as possible while out skating during in these strange times we are currently living In. Peace
All photography by Sam Cooper.
Links
- Follow Dan Loveless on Instagram.
- Visit www.samcooperphoto.co.uk and follow Sam Cooper on Instagram to see more of his photography.
- 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 any questions, suggestions, story ideas or to contribute content.
Follow Big Wheel Blading on YouTube // Instagram // Facebook
Join the Big Wheel Blading Facebook Discussion Group
Patreon
If you enjoy our articles and content at bigwheelblading.com please take a moment and visit our Patreon page. Your patronage will help us continue to create content in our quest to unite all of inline skating and help the sport grow as a whole. // patreon.com/bigwheelblading
