Anderson agreed.
"That would be a double negative. We all have opportunities, so that we can do something with our lives, but if you're into doing different types of things [like skateboarding] we still need different people to look up to us," he said. "Skating is not a team game, so individualism is important and to move ahead in the skating world you have to get noticed and then hope to pick up a sponsor, such as a skateboard manufacturer, sportsclothes makers, or even e-businesses -- because they want to be associated with new and exciting sports.
"Rollerblading is one of the few sports where you can be yourself and people will like you for that," Anderson said.
Lindy compares it with the PGA golf tour.
"There's competitions every week that we can either go to or not go to. We are our own people and we run our own lives," he said. "If we do well then we earn. There is money in the game."
Sven Boekhorst said the most he has made for winning one competition is US$23,000, but admits the money is getting better.
In Taipei, US$10,000 in prize money is on offer.
A structure for competition skating has developed and a career ladder for skaters has emerged: It starts in the parks and the streets, goes on to highschool and amateur competitions, followed by sponsors and involvement in the professional game.
Ironically, skating gets people off the streets and into another lifestyle, Dawes said.
"Where I come from [Plano, Texas] it's heroin or skating. I made a positive choice by doing skating."
James Coury, director of the Aggressive Skating Association said, "You can either be a street punk or do something with your life.
"Many people take the choice of study and college. Others get into professional sports. Or you can go your own way. Skating is something that you can excel in and now make a career of."
The ubiquitous presence of Taipei City Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (
Go check for yourself.
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