For the 39th daily installment of Big Wheel Blading’s Inline Skating and Life During COVID-19 series we talk to Danny Aldridge. Danny is a 33-year-old professional inline skater and content creator living in Barcelona, Spain.
What is the current situation with COVID-19 in Spain?
Spain is under a complete lockdown. There is absolutely no skating or cycling allowed, you are only allowed to walk, use public transport or take taxis. You are only allowed out for essential items, food and medical needs. If you are still going to work you need a certificate from your work, so that when the police stop you, they don’t fine you for being outside. Technically you are only allowed to walk your dog 100m (328ft) from your house. The police here were stopping everyone on the first two days and handed our over 8,000 fines ranging from 200€-1000€ ($215-$1,079).
When was the last time you skated?
Sunday the 15th of March was my last day on skates. I was actually stopped by an unmarked police van whilst skating with two friends, one that had just arrived in Barcelona. I knew that the lockdown was happening, but thought it wasn’t starting until the next day. It was at this point that I realized the situation in Spain was much more serious than I thought. The police officer ordered me back to my house and looked at me like I was an idiot for being out and especially for being out on my skates! In Spain the lockdown is heavily enforced by the police.
Are you doing any cross training?
I’ve always done home workouts, so nothing has changed there. But I have been trying to focus more on creating content, working on future plans, goals and trying to find a positive way to express myself in these crazy times and doing a lot of handstands .
What activities are you doing to occupy your time?
Editing! I have a load of footage to sort through, so this extra time is actually needed. I am also finally getting around to doing boring paper work that needed to be done.
How has COVID-19 affected your normal everyday life?
Massively beyond imagination! But it’s made me feel extremely thankful to know how powerful skating is to me and how positive it is to almost everyone that skates. But more basic than that is how thankful I am for free movement.
What are your major concerns right now and looking into the future?
People’s attitudes towards each during this confusing time. Trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel, looking at the opportunities and possibilities this situation is giving us and as always trying my bit to help where I can.
Recently you left Spain for the UK, what made you decide to go back to England?
After 40 days of no real movement, I decided it was time to pop home to England for a family visit. Plus I had a few run-ins with the police, nothing serious, but I just didn’t like their attitude or the current situation in Spain.
photo by Nicola Torelli
How hard was it to get out of Spain and head back to the UK?
It was easy, I booked a flight, same as normal. I didn’t get approached once, by anyone at any point, it was actually the simplest journey I’ve ever made. There were only five flights on the board, mine being one of them, so the airport was pretty quite.
How is the situation in the UK compare to Spain?
It’s a huge difference! It’s currently not much different from pre-coronavirus times in England, apart from a lot of shops are still closed. There are no restrictions, but you are encouraged to be responsible.
How does it feel being back in the UK?
It’s always nice to come home to England. I always try to pop back from time to time, so it’s just a normal trip back for me.
Do you plan to go back to Barcelona after things normalize?
I’m heading back in a few weeks, I’ve got a lot to get on with there.
Do you have anything you’d like to add?
Don’t throw stones for everyone to see , pass a bit of passion in private.
The Danny Aldridge Pro Skate from Rollerblade
Links
- Follow Danny Aldridge on Instagram.
- Follow Danny Aldridge on Facebook.
- Check out Danny Aldridge’s YouTube Channel.
- 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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