By Julie Hindkjær, volunteer journalist at Roskilde Festival's Media House (Photos: Anders Birger)
Maybe you've walked past the Skate area in West and assumed it was only for people who already know their kickflips from their kickturns.
According to the skate collective Obviously, it's almost the opposite.
Here, skateboards, tips and high-fives are handed out to anyone who's up for giving it a go – whether you're dreaming of landing your first trick or just finding your balance on four wheels.
"The skate scene is incredibly welcoming. You just don't realise it from the outside. But the moment you step in and say hello, you're practically surrounded by new friends," says Sofie Ekerdine, who is part of Obviously, a skate collective with roots in both Roskilde and Copenhagen.
Meet Obviously on the Ramps
Since 2020, Obviously has worked to make skate culture more accessible to everyone, with a particular focus on women and gender minorities. Today, the Copenhagen-based community has around 50 members, with Amanda Oline, Matilde Gomes, Emma Isaacson, Eliza Ohannessian and Pauline Bülow serving on its board.
Where: Skate, Camping West, next to Entrance West
When: Tuesday, 11:00–20:00
Entry: Free skateboard and protective gear hire
Leave your beginner's nerves behind.
The experienced skaters may be soaring above the ramps, but every single one of them started exactly where you are. And while you're finding your feet, they'll happily make room for you.
"The people pulling crazy tricks and flying metres into the air are also really good at skating around you. Just ride your own line – they'll move," says Sofie Ekerdine.
For Pauline Bülow, who's also part of Obviously, skateboarding is about far more than balance and technique. It's also about daring to be seen, even before you've got everything figured out.
"It's great practice in taking up space. Just thinking: 'I've got just as much right to be here as anyone else.' There's no entry test."
Drop by the ramps and learn everything from rolling your first few metres to landing your very first ollie.
If you ask Emma Isaacson from Obviously, that's one of the best things about skateboarding: starting from scratch.
"Being a beginner is genuinely fun. Ever since I started skating, my life has become so much richer because it lets me play, even as an adult. My inner child is always along for the ride."
And if you fall?
You'll be in good company, says Eliza Ohannessian from Obviously.
"Leave your pride behind. You can't expect to be the best from day one. It's fun to be bad at something and laugh about it together."
More to Discover at Skate
What happens when skateboards, inline skates and a great crowd share the same ramps?
Find out at this open Mini Ramp Jam, where free riding and friendly competitions roll seamlessly into one another. Borrow free equipment, jump in whatever your level, and compete for one-of-a-kind handmade trophies.
Skate N' Blade Mega Jam: Tuesday at 14:00.
Whipped cream, skateboards and organised chaos.
That's the recipe for Lagkage Deathrace, where teams of two race around the course while building a layer cake on the move. Points are awarded for speed, flavour and presentation.
Lagkage Deathrace: Tuesday at 16:00.
What does complete control look like on eight wheels?
Some of the world's very best inline skaters will show you exactly that in a spectacular live demo. Afterwards, borrow a pair of skates yourself, hit the ramps and pick up tips straight from the pros.
Bladeshow: Tuesday at 18:00.
