Today we have the pleasure to feature Elise Koch, aka @bigb00tysk8rgrl from New York! Elise has been putting in the work to showcase roller skating in the Big Apple while also taking the time to teach the next generation of skaters at the Woodward East summer camps. In this interview, Elise takes us on her roller skate journey where we learn some fun facts, hear some interesting stories and get to know this roller skater who’s taken her talents from the streets and parks to high level skate competitions, demos, tv shows and more!

Q: To start, how did you started roller skating, and how long have you been doing it?

A: When I was 18, I had just moved to NYC for college and was late to class basically every day. My Gram offered to buy me a pair of roller skates to help me get places faster. I had never put on skates let alone skate somewhere quickly - so it was pretty tough (and I definitely still was late for school) ?.

Flash forward about 6 months, I could sort of roller skate but not that well - when the boy I was crushing on invited me to come to the skatepark with him. That was the day I discovered that I was terrible at skateboarding, but I was determined to keep seeing him so the whole next week I brought my roller skates with me and tried them out on ramps! Needless to say, only one of those relationships worked out.

Q: I recall you moved to New York for school, how was it to start skating in the biggest and most chaotic city?

A: At first, it was super hectic and overwhelming! I remember learning how to roll off a curb in front of my dorm and hearing people laughing and making fun of me from the windows. It helped me build thick skin pretty fast- which is useful in the city.

Q: How would you describe your skate style and how you got there?

A: I would say my skate style is techy with some extra flair. I definitely take a lot of inspiration from the people I skate with on a daily basis.

Q: What is your mindset when you're trying a new trick?

A: Every time I try a new trick, I focus on breaking down the different aspects so it’s less intimidating. I tend to overthink things and freak myself out, so I’ve been trying to keep a more level head with trying new things.

Q: How do you feel about protective gear?

A: I personally love using protective gear. The whole time I was filming BACKWASH I made sure to have low profile knee pads under my pants to feel confident enough to try new spots and bring fresher tricks to the streets. If I’m trying something big, I’ll also pack my helmet for the first few tries until I feel comfortable with the spot/trick.

Q: Your street part took a long time to film and I remember you having a long list of spots! How is it to street skate in NYC?

A: Filming BACKWASH took like eight months, it was crazy. New York is so amazing though because there will literally be a skate spot on every corner- which was super convenient to hit multiple spots a day. I did want to hit a ton of the iconic spots in the city - and those were the ones with the biggest mental blocks.

Q: You're either ripping in the streets or at the skateparks. What would you say is your favorite spot to skate?

A: That’s a tough one! There’s a wooden ledge on the waterfront in Brooklyn that has to be the most perfect spot to skate. I’ve spent half my summer at Woodward Camp though, and those parks are probably the best I’ve ever skated.

Q: You were recently part of the X Games and Quad Cup, two big west coast events! Do you feel like competition is something that motivates you to skate as well?

A: Getting the chance to skate in the X Games was so surreal. I kept looking at Kooky and asking if it was actually happening! Personally, I have always loved competitions and the pressure I put on myself in front of a crowd is the perfect amount to motivate me to skate my best. It has definitely overwhelmed me in the past, but I always leave a competition proud of myself for skating in it.

Q: I've also seen you around the Woodward Skate camps, how does it feel to teach the newer generations how to skate?

A: I absolutely adore coming to skate camps and having the opportunity to share my knowledge of skating with new people! Kids camp is especially fun. It’s like a massive skate party and we left with a huge skate family. It is the most fulfilling and happy week of my year!

Q: What's next for you? Are you releasing a new part anytime soon? Big surprises we should keep an eye on?

A: Something I am really excited about - Estrojen, Jammalynn, and I participated in a TV show (coming this Autumn to MAX/Magnolia Network) called RollerJam. It’s the world’s first televised roller skating show and it’s going to be amazing! Aside from that, I just want to focus on skating and travelling to competitions - prepping for hopefully another X Games demo!

Q: Any advice for new skaters?

A: The advice I have for new skaters is to take the leap and take up space! So often I see new skaters feeling insecure at the skatepark and it leads to them not taking turns or skating at all. Take up space! You deserve to be at the skatepark just as much as the cisgender men on a skateboard.

Elise rocks:

S1 Lifer Helmet Black Matte w/ Pink Straps

S1 Pro Knees for big transition

S1 Park Knees for lower impact skating

@bigb00tysk8rgrl