Report for SNS July 2009 - Coastal Nightskate

Report by Jon Wong
Skateline Instructor


Group Photo

Fine weather and cool breeze greeted us last Saturday evening, when we travelled from East Coast Park to Changi Village for our July SNS. A whopping number of around 70 skaters joined in the event, with many of them trying night skating for the first time.

Prior to the nightskate, we had a ceremony to present rewards to a couple of SAVs who had performed well for their duties and were recognized for their commitments and efforts. They are Timothy, Jack, Chun Yang & Eric Tay. Nicholas also received his official SAV shirt after confirmation.


Eric Tay receiving his $100 voucher

 


Nicholas confirmed as Official SAV

 
We were very pleased to collaborate with National Parks Board (NParks) to clean up the connector prior to the event, as branches and leaves had littered the connector due to rain and wind on Friday.

This simple route saw us cruising through East Coast Park and the Coastal Park Connector along the Eastern Coastline, and beside the runway of Singapore Changi Airport, before transiting into Changi Park and finally to Changi Village Food Centre, famous for its Malay Cuisines.

It was smooth and flat surfaces throughout the route, with little slopes and obstacles to deal with, perfect for beginners to try it out. However, the long journey of 16km did put the skaters' stamina to the test.

We started off from Skateline's retail outlet at East Coast Park and made our way to the food centre near East Coast Lagoon where we had a short break and to hydrate ourselves. It proved to be a challenge not just physically but mentally as well, as there were no refreshments available for the remaining part of the journey until we reach Changi Village.

Strong sea breeze and headwinds along ECP made it tough to skate initially, but as we cruised into the connector it became a luxury as it kept us cool. After a few twists and turns we arrived into the most tedious part of the journey - the connector along Changi Coast Road.

 


Just keep skating


This was a long and straight path spanning almost 8km, with commercial aircrafts taking off from and landing on the airport in our full sight. The scenery was beautiful. Nonetheless, some skaters began to feel the soreness in their legs after traveeling for quite a long distance.

 


Juliana resting on the connector


By the time we reached the SAF Ferry Terminal, everyone knew that the end point was near, as we were transiting into Changi Park, already occupied by many people for picnics.

The main major obstacle to cross was right at the end, a small bridge which connects Changi Park to Changi Village. The bridge was narrow and had steep slopes on both ends. Fortunately, the SAVs were on hand to assist a number of skaters who needed help to descend down the bridge, and to direct the traffic flow for pedestrians crossing the bridge as well.

  


Assisting Nora down the bridge


Arriving at the end point was absolutely sweet, as everyone flocked to the stalls for drinks and tasty Nasi Lemak. We were able to secure a drink vendor, Bala's Stall, who sold us drinks at $1 flat, as long as the buyer is wearing skates. This was the same vendor who had collaborated with us last year too, during the Women-On-Skates event.

We wish to congratulate all the skaters for completing the Nightskate, especially those who were on their maiden voyage. A few such skaters were Michelle, who joined our Sunday Afternoon Skate sessions, and Nora, together with her nephew Hakeem and niece, Saleema, all students of our Learn-To-Skate programme. It gave us an emmense source of pleasure to watch them progress from a beginner in skating into a Nightskate participant and completing the journey.

   


Nora & niece Saleema, tired but contented


As our bus brought us back to East Coast Park, some chatted and mingled on board, while others who were exhausted grapped the chance for a shut-eye. As we departed from East Coast Park, we head home with sweet memories of a great Nightskate yet again.

 


Mingling on the crowded bus


Many thanks to the following SAVs on duty:
Chong Boon, Eric Tan, Eric Tay, Lay Suan, Chun Yang, David Lim, Timothy, Jack, Nicholas, Steven, Josephine, Hui Yi, Jing Yi and Eng Keong.

Also to our Safety Van Driver, Zong Yang.

Also congratulations to the following SAV trainees clocking their 1st pracitcal duty:
Randy, Eunice, Kwong Yeun, Kian Wee, Chin Kai, Choy & Issac.

Click here to view the pictures of this SNS. Photos courtesy of Mr David Lim, SAV Photographer.