Skate Boston is an annual weekend inline skating event organized by the Inline Club of Boston. Enjoy multiple skate routes through our historic city, escorted by members of National Skate Patrol. There will be group lunches and dinners, providing an opportunity for skaters to socialize. Skaters of intermediate, advanced, and expert levels are encouraged to participate!

Due to the challenges of urban skating, this event is not designed for beginners. However, novice skaters are invited to participate in separate instructional workshops and beginner social skates hosted by the Inline Club of Boston throughout the year. This weekend attracts many skaters from Boston, other U.S. cities, Canada, and around the world!

We are again at the Boston Marriott Cambridge hotel for an excellent rate of $239/night! This rate is valid from July 15 to July 17. If you wish to arrive earlier or stay longer, please call Marriott Reservations directly to find out if you can get the discounted group rate for those dates. Rooms must be booked by June 27 to quality for the group rate.

We have a block of rooms reserved at this rate until June 27, 2016. Please make reservations online by clicking here to use the Skate Boston discount code. You will be directed to the Marriott's home page with the correct dates and Skate Boston group discount showing.

Once the room block is full, the discount rate cannot be guaranteed, and will be subject to availability. Please call Marriott Central Reservations at 1-888-236-2427 with any questions.

The hotel includes a pool, fitness center, roof-top garden, a subway stop in front of the hotel (Red Line/Kendall Square), many close restaurants, and two subway stops to Hardvard Square or Downtown Boston.

What level of skating ability is required to participate in this event?

Skate Boston is designed for intermediate to advanced level skaters. We will be skating in city streets, so you must be comfortable skating in a large group with traffic. Participants must be able to control speed (including on hills), have strong stopping and turning skills, and be comfortable with varied terrain (rough pavement/pot holes/jumping on and off curbs, etc.) Please see the list of recommended skating skills for the Sunday Morning City Skate on the ICB website.

Is there any special equipment that I will need?

Helmets and wristguards are required for all skates, as well as blinking lights for night skates. Elbow and knee pads are also advised. Light-colored or reflective clothing is recommended for night skates.

Although we will provide a "sag wagon" with snacks and water on all skates, we recommend carrying your own water bottle. Don't forget sunscreen/sunglasses (Boston can get HOT in July!) and pack layers, as New England weather can change quickly.

Can cyclists participate in this event?

Bicyclists are welcome on all routes, but must ride ahead or behind of the skating pack, as skaters kick out to the side.

What if I get tired and cannot complete a skate?

We will have a "sag wagon" following skaters on all routes to provide rides to those who are tired or injured. There will be a skate leader, as well as a sweep at the back of all skates -- we will make sure that nobody is left behind. Members of the National Skate Patrol will also assist with skates and can direct you to the nearest subway or bus stop if necessary.

Are there social activities at night?

After the Friday night skate, there will be an informal gathering at a local bar/restaurant. There is also a Saturday night dinner at Meadhall, which is near the hotel. Both dinners are a great way to get to know other participants "off-skates". The more the merrier -- we hope you will attend! Sign up for Saturday's dinner when you register. Friday's dinner is not included in the registration fee.

Are skate ski poles allowed on the skates?

No. Skate ski poles will not be allowed on the skates, as they pose a hazard to people skating/biking closely together in a group environment.

A huge thanks to our sponsors who help make Skate Boston happen.

Check out photos from previous years on our Facebook page.

Have questions about the event? Contact the Skate Boston organizers at skateboston@icloud.com.