When most teens were chasing footballs or basketballs, Ernest Wong was focused on table tennis. But at 16, a pair of inline skates changed everything. What began as a hobby became a lifelong passion — one that would see him rise as a former national champion, international skating judge, and founder of Rollies Skate School, a community redefining Singapore’s skating scene.
Today, as he leads classes at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang, Ernest isn’t just teaching people to skate. He’s teaching confidence, resilience, and joy on wheels.
From Paddle To Pavement
The switch from table tennis to skating was unexpected but transformative. “I was captivated by the sense of freedom and flow,” he recalls. “Table tennis taught me discipline and reflexes, but skating gave me something new — movement that felt expressive… and alive.”
That foundation in discipline became his edge. “The mental toughness from table tennis helped me push through frustrations when learning difficult techniques,” he says. “That persistence became the cornerstone of my teaching philosophy.”
Champion On Wheels
As a national inline skating champion, Ernest learned the value of humility and grit. “There are days when you win and days when you learn — both are essential,” he says.
Transitioning into an international judging role gave him a new perspective. “Judging helped me appreciate the artistry and precision behind every move. It taught me what separates good skating from great skating.”
These dual lenses, athlete and judge, became the DNA of Rollies. “At Rollies, we don’t just teach people to skate; we teach them to skate well, with proper form, awareness, and style.”
The Birth Of Rollies
Rollies began with a simple idea: to make skating accessible, safe, and fun for everyone. “When I started, there weren’t many structured programmes or good facilities,” says Ernest. “I wanted to change that. So anyone, regardless of age or skill, could experience the same freedom skating gave me.”
Today, Rollies operates in venues like SAFRA Choa Chu Kang and Singapore Sports Hub. “Our goal is to nurture skaters from grassroots to competitive levels,” Ernest explains. “But more than that, we want to build character, confidence, and community.”
Judging from the growing number of families signing up, it’s clearly rolling in the right direction.
A Sport In Motion
Inline skating in Singapore has come a long way. Once seen as a casual pastime, it’s now recognised as a full-body workout and legitimate sport.
“People are realising skating isn’t just fun, it’s great for balance, coordination, and cardio,” says Ernest. With structured curriculums, certified instructors, and safety-first practices, Rollies has helped raise the bar. “We make sure students’ first experiences on skates are positive; that’s how you turn a curious beginner into a lifelong skater.”
Why SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Rolls Perfectly
For Ernest, SAFRA Choa Chu Kang (CCK) is more than a venue — it’s home. “It’s one of the best facilities for skating in Singapore,” he says. “Smooth surface, safe environment, and sheltered spaces make it weather-proof.”
That’s a huge plus in Singapore’s unpredictable weather. “Parents love that their kids can skate comfortably without worrying about rain or heat. And for beginners, SAFRA CCK offers the confidence of a secure, open space.”
The family-friendly amenities also fit perfectly with Rollies’ ethos. “While kids skate, parents can relax or even join in. It’s a wholesome, active way for families to bond.”
Defining Moments On The Rink
From his first international competition in Beijing (2007) to coaching Singapore’s youngest representative, Keenan Brunkard, for the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, Ernest’s career is filled with milestones.
But one memory stands out. The day he invented his own move: the Ern-sui Slide. “It took months of failure, but landing it was pure joy. It felt like leaving my signature on the sport.”
Another highlight came from teaching. “I had a student who struggled with severe anxiety about falling. After months of rebuilding confidence, the day she skated on her own, smiling, was unforgettable. It reminded me that teaching skating is really about teaching courage.”
He’s even taught local stars like Patricia Mok and Cynthia Koh. “That was such a fun session,” he laughs. “They brought so much energy to the rink.”
Skating As A Lifestyle
For Ernest, skating isn’t just a profession, it’s a way of life. He skates or trains at least five times a week to refine techniques, coach students, or simply glide for joy.
“Morning skating is my moving meditation,” he says. “It clears my mind and sets the tone for the day.”
The benefits go far beyond fitness. “It keeps me grounded, focused, and creative. When I’m skating, the world fades away… it’s therapy on wheels.”
This personal connection also shapes his teaching. “I understand my students’ struggles because I go through them myself. That empathy makes me a better coach.”
Tips For First-Time Skaters
If you’re tempted to lace up, Ernest has some advice to share:
- Invest in good gear. “Helmets and pads aren’t optional — they’re essential.”
- Learn to fall safely. “It reduces injury and builds confidence.”
- Master the basics. “Balance, stance, and braking come before tricks.”
- Be patient. “Celebrate small wins.”
- Get proper lessons. “A qualified coach helps you avoid bad habits.”
- Practise consistently. “Even 20 minutes a few times a week helps.”
- Most importantly, have fun! “If you’re not smiling, you’re doing it wrong.”
“Skating isn’t about perfection,” he adds. “It’s about joy, confidence, and flow.”
Building A Skating Community
At its heart, Rollies is about connection. “We don’t just teach. We connect,” says Ernest.
From group classes to social skates, Rollies is as much about friendship as it is about fitness. “When people skate together, barriers disappear. Kids, adults, beginners —everyone shares the same smiles.”
Rollies also empowers skaters through ambassador programmes and performances. “It’s amazing to see our students grow from shy beginners to confident performers,” he says.
Partnerships with organisations like SAFRA amplify that mission. “SAFRA’s focus on active lifestyles and family bonding complements ours perfectly. Together, we’re helping more Singaporeans discover the joy of movement.”
Rolling Into The Future
Looking ahead, Ernest dreams of seeing inline skating recognised as a mainstream sport. “I want it to be as common as swimming or football,” he says. He envisions more skate parks, inter-school programmes, and national representation on the global stage.
For Rollies, the future means growth: more locations, more students, more opportunities. “We’re building a pathway from first-time learners to competitive athletes,” he explains. “And skating isn’t just for kids, it’s for anyone young at heart.”
He also hopes to champion skating as sustainable urban mobility. “With Singapore’s focus on green living, skating can be both eco-friendly transport and exercise.”
Lessons Beyond The Rink
Reflecting on his journey, Ernest says skating shaped him far beyond sport. “It’s taught me perseverance… to fall, get up, and try again. It’s taught me patience and the value of consistency,” he says. “Growth happens outside your comfort zone and humility matters, because there’s always more to learn.”
But his biggest takeaway is giving back. “Seeing students overcome fears, achieve breakthroughs, and find confidence — that’s what keeps me going. It’s not just about creating good skaters. It’s about helping people roll into better versions of themselves.”
Final Glide
From teenage paddler to national champion, innovator to mentor, Ernest Wong’s journey proves that passion on wheels can lead to purpose in life.
Whether you’re a beginner or reliving childhood days of skating down void decks, his story is an open invitation to get rolling, literally.
As he puts it best: “Inline skating isn’t just a sport. It’s freedom, fitness, and fun all rolled into one.”
So the next time you’re at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang, listen closely… that rhythmic hum of wheels might just be the sound of someone discovering their own flow.
Rollies Skate School conducts regular inline skating lessons most Saturdays at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang.
SAFRA members enjoy rates from $43.60 per lesson (U.P. $49.05).
Click here to check the schedule and sign up now!
