So, it’s been six weeks already. Wow. I’ve been going to Sundays to get extra practice in, and it has really helped me improve. Stuff just comes together way better in context, and it’s fun too. Playing in a pack, jamming, getting whips and pushes, Rat Races, pace lines… there’s a whole world of stuff you’re missing out on if you don’t come along! Plus you get to meet and learn from a whole other bunch of skaters. Pro tip: try not to be absolutely bang on time and hungover as I seem to be each week. Not conducive to best performance. Ahem. Bad John…

So, signoffs. All I’ve learnt over the last six weeks put to the test. I know I can do some things well, I know I suck at others. But I’m gonna go for it!

You get scored out of 4 on loads of different skills and drills taught over the last few weeks, and need to get an average of 3 to pass. Well, I nearly passed. Soooo close! I managed 2.87 – I’m not unhappy with this! I kinda knew I wasn’t good enough on some skills to pass – my T-stops in particular suuuuuck. But to come so close is inspiring. In my speed laps I did my 25 in 5 minutes 1 second, so I want to improve on that. I know most people do the course twice, so I’m determined to nail it next time.