El Paso’s “Wheelin’ and Chillin” Contributes to Local Skate Culture

By Esteban Corona

Every Thursday night, Coffeebox in downtown El Paso becomes ground zero for Wheelin’ and Chillin’ — a neon-lit, speaker-thumping rollout where skateboards, bikes, rollerblades and scooters turn the streets into a moving block party. The informal crew meets at 7:30 p.m. for a relaxed, safety-minded cruise with rest stops, music and post-ride hangs that keep El Paso’s skate scene buzzing. Surf, who runs the Instagram account for Wheelin’ and Chillin’, emphasizes that the event welcomes all skill levels of wheel-based sports enthusiasts who enjoy socializing and improving their skating skills.

”We do this for everyone,” Surf says,” Anyone who are wheel-based sports enthusiasts who want to come out here to skate and meet people. If you really want to socialize, practice, get better at something, here’s the place to do it.”

The event starts with a slow-paced cruise through downtown with rest stops. The group meets at 7:30 p.m., and the official rollout begins at 7:45 p.m. The pace is relaxed and members offer guidance and safety to all riders. The route is easy for all skill levels.

“I’ve been a part of Wheelin’ and Chillin’ for two and a half years,” Janeth Edwards, founder of Biker Chicks of El Paso, said, “and it has given me nothing but great memories.”

Edwards encourages people to put their cell phones away and join for an active, social experience. “I encourage everyone to get out of the house, put the cell phone away, and join us for some fun, active cardio,” she said. “Come meet new people of different ages and lifestyles. You’ll feel welcome from day one, make lots of friends, and discover many activities to enjoy every single week.”

Some members bring food and drinks for the group, while others stay later in the downtown area to meet up for drinks.

Sometimes Wheelin’ and Chillin’ meets up with other skate groups across the city at different skate parks and roller rinks El Paso has to offer. Many riders express their individuality by playing their own music through speakers, decorating wheels with neon lighting and, most excitingly, performing skating tricks.

Wheelin’ and Chillin’ contributes to El Paso’s skate culture by offering an inviting place for riders to socialize and skate together. Many advanced skaters say their love of adrenaline and meeting people motivates them to join the group’s rollout. Members of El Paso’s roller derby team also attend rollouts and offer support for riders trying to improve.

Whether you are looking for something social to fill a Thursday night or have a pair of skates and want somewhere casual to cruise, Wheelin’ and Chillin’ fosters a fun community event that considers every rider’s safety. Newcomers are always welcome.