Sneaky Salamander

Getting down to the rhythmic beats of some classic old-school funk, two middle-aged men slowly broke down the “roller-skater” image. Every finger snap choreographed, the two continuously stunned the audience with slick transitions and a truly innovative style. From a crouched-down, leg-out position, they would whirl around dizzyingly and slowly stand. Throughout this entire musical cabaret, both men tapped the front toe wheels of their magnificent skates in perfect unison to the music. A big chain dangled about the neck of one of the men, a massive wooden peace sign swung medallion-like back and forth, mesmerizing the audience.

This unique scene unfolds every beautiful Sunday in Golden Gate Park. “Free Sunday” has been a feature of the park for the last forty years. Roads close down to vehicles and the amount of visitors is said to increase over 100%. Up until recently the skaters actually had their own section, a roller rink for the musically coordinated (and not so coordinated). Unfortunately the designated spot is now under reconstruction, which has forced the resolute skaters to move out into the open road of the park, their rare talent now showcased directly in front of the DeYoung Museum.

Upon sight, strollers, bikers, and families remained enthralled in front of the dynamic duo. Caught unawares by the beauty and peculiarity of the sight, one may overlook the subtleties of the situation. He may forget to take into consideration the audience, which alone merits attention.

A tall man accompanying his tiny white-haired daughter stood off to the side and bobbed his head to the beat. The daughter reached up towards her father and stroked a large horny lizard that clung desperately to the mans shirt. Upon request, the man allowed others to hold his scaly pet and was asked by a skeptical woman “what the hell… what is that? Is that a dragon?” A little further off, toddlers tried out their new skate-legs and discovered the boundaries that cement presents. Up against the bridge wall, a Rasta-man broke out his bongos and incorporated his own beat into the preexisting funk, causing onlookers to instinctively sway.

  An orchestra of both San Franciscan locals and tourists once again caused me to appreciate the strange and embrace the unusual. This event is in no way exclusive, a block away on Fulton anyone is able to rent a pair of their own gleaming skates. However, skating in the presence of the bold, and graceful can be a daunting experience. Just know that it is one well worth investigating, either as a revered Golden Gate skater or just a passing witness to the bizarre eccentricities that occur in the Park.