Strap ’Em On

If you’ve never played ice hockey or made figure eights on an icy pond, strapping Rollerblades onto your feet for the first time might feel kind of weird. But after you fall flat on your ass a couple of times, you get the hang of defying gravity on a set of wheels. Miami’s flat landscape and idyllically warm weather create a near-ideal place to do it, which explains why the Magic City is hosting the Great Eskate, a three-day celebration that unites in-line skaters from around the world. The event will celebrate its ninth year, and this Friday through Sunday, skaters will hit the streets of Miami Beach, all while benefiting the Miami Beach Police Athletic League. Events range from an Art Deco skate tour to a special yoga stretch for skaters. Things kick off with a South Beach skate Friday evening at 7 p.m., complete with police escort. Your window for early registration has closed, but you can sign up on-site from noon to 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Resort Hotel
Fri., Feb. 6; Sat., Feb. 7, 2009