Bristol Slide Day 2025

Danielle Davis
May 29
3 min read

Bigger, Bolder, and More Inclusive Than Ever!

Group of skaters in a class — Jack and Rebecca teaching the beginner sliding class

On Sunday 11 May, we returned to Bridge Valley Road for our second-ever Bristol Slide Day, and what a day it was! With the road closed to traffic thanks to the marathon along the portway, skaters from across the UK joined for sliding lessons and pure good vibes. This year saw a broader age range, stronger female representation, and a growing sense that downhill and freeride is opening up to a wider community than ever before.

🌍 Who Came

We had skaters travel from as far as Wales, Dorset, Hampshire, London, and Plymouth, as well as across Bristol and Bath. It was incredible to see so many faces—new and returning—coming together to share the hill and support one another’s progression.

📊 By the Numbers

Total Participants in Lessons: 22
Kids in Lessons: 7
Adults in Lessons: 15
Youngest Skater: 7 years old
Oldest Skater: 62 years old
50/50 gender split in lesson participation, and a 100% increase on last year!
andddd 3 of 7 teachers were female

💛 Why They Came

Most skaters told us they came for:

Fun
To improve their confidence
To level up their skills
To meet like-minded people
And just to feel inspired by the community

And from the feedback, I'm pretty confident we did just that!

📸 The Energy of the Day

The morning saw back-to-back lessons with kids, adults, and even a few total first-timers. Shouts of encouragement echoed down the hill, and experienced riders cruised through respectfully, offering spontaneous high-fives and good vibes.

Kids Classes

The kid's session is always a special one for me, but this year, teaching alongside Josh and Shanna was such a treat. These mini shredders picked up sliding so quickly and so fearlessly, and it's a super proud moment when you realise there really isn't anyone else offering this opportunity for kids across the country.

Thank you to @remembercollective for gifting a set of Optimo wheels for the children's class. Olive got to take home a set of her first freeride wheels after smashing 180s on the hill.

🙏 A reminder of who your awesome teachers were...

Ben Stainer – Founder of London Longboards, with years of teaching experience.
Izac Marten - South African, a skate addict and the most steezy guy we know
Rebecca Claxton – Another South African, absolutely shreds and so pleased she can join us on the day.
Shanna Searle – Known for her incredible skills and supportive teaching approach.
Jack Patten – A local legend from Bath, passionate about sharing his knowledge.
Josh Ogden – A skate nerd, wonderful human and fantastic skater
Danielle (me!) – Founder and lead teacher at Soulful Skate Co.

After Sliding at Bridge Valley Road...

We headed to the pump track at Brunel Way and later, Ashton Court Estate for even more sliding to round off the day. Smiles all round and images captured by the very talented, Charlie (@easypeelers.photos)

🛹 Looking Ahead

The feedback from this year has been glowing, and we’re more excited than ever to continue building these inclusive, joyful events. Special thanks to all the amazing teachers who brought their time and energy, and to everyone who showed up, cheered someone on, or gave sliding a go for the very first time.

I was asked on the day for more closed road sessions, more girls on events, more kids sliding and more! Next events will be released soon, the best way to find out is to sign up for the mailing list to be the first to know.

We’ll see you at the next one ✨

Will you join us at the next Slide Day?