The Rolla Story

Back in 2018, we called B.S. on the fitness industry.

Wearable tech, see-through yoga pants, endless reps, everything kept changing, but nothing made us feel more connected to ourselves or each other. We knew there had to be a better way. 

That’s why we built Rolla Skate Club, a space that feels welcoming, empowering, and fun. Skating is more than just fitness, it’s movement with joy. It’s belonging. It’s confidence on wheels.

Rolla started as an idea.

We’ve always loved roller skating, roller derby, and the community that comes with it. One night, over laughter and kitchen table conversations, Lucy Croysdill and Carla Smith decided to create the change they wanted to see in the fitness world. That vision became the foundation for what Rolla is today. 

The Perfect Recipe

Like any great recipe, Rolla is built on our favorite ingredients:

  • Confidence & Empowerment

  • Community & Belonging

  • Strength & Movement

  • Culture & Joy on Wheels

Our belief is that movement should feel joyful and welcoming. That’s why Rolla exists, to give you a space to roll, connect, and grow stronger in body and mind.

Making Movement an Easier Choice

Here’s the truth: not everyone has time—or the desire—for traditional fitness focused on reps, mirrors, and how thin you look. That’s why there are no mirrors at Rolla. Movement should feel good. It should be about how you feel that day, not about meeting someone else’s standard. No rigid workout routines, just an open invitation to show up and feel supported every step (or glide) of the way.

Land Acknowledgement

At Rolla Skate Club, we recognize that the spaces where we gather, move, and build community exist because of the care and stewardship of Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. The beauty of these lands and waters is no accident, it is the result of generations who lived in deep relationship with this place from roots to bud.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō, Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. These lands were never surrendered or given up, and we honor the resilience, wisdom, and contributions of these Nations—past, present, and future.

As we roll, dance, and celebrate in this space, we invite our members and guests to reflect on their own relationship to this land and consider ways we can collectively support Indigenous sovereignty and justice.

Take Action

Acknowledgment is just the first step. Here are ways you can take action:

  • Learn: Explore the history and contemporary stories of the Nations whose land we occupy.

  • Support: Donate to or volunteer with local Indigenous-led organizations, such as:

    • Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) – unya.bc.ca

    • Indigenous Women’s Health & Reproductive Justice organizations

    • The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) – irsss.ca

  • Amplify: Share and attend Indigenous-led events, markets, and cultural gatherings in Vancouver.

  • Act: Advocate for Indigenous rights and sovereignty in your community.

Together, we can create spaces of joy and movement that also honor the truths of the lands we live and skate on.