The BattleUK III FAQ, or perhaps more accurately NSFAQ (Not-So Frequently Asked Questions), will hopefully answer any questions you may have about the event.
What is BattleUK III?BattleUK is an international freestyle skating competition. By “international” we mean it is open to, (and is attended by), skaters from around the world. The “freestyle skating” bit refers to the type of contests held. “Competition” should be obvious.
What’s freestyle skating then?An umbrella term for a number of different inline and rolling skating disciplines, namely freestyle and speed slalom, jumps, slides and dance/jam skating. At BattleUK III, there will be a battle format freestyle slalom contest, as well as speed slalom, freejump (over a bar, no ramp), slide and dance contests.
So what’s a “battle format” slalom competition?Instead of skaters performing individual runs, they are split into even groups, based on their current World Slalom Series Association (WSSA) ranking. Each group will then “battle it out” to progress to the next round. Each skater will have 3 runs of around 30 seconds and are then ranked by the judges against each other in terms of style and technical ability. The top ranked skaters will progress to the next round. This format is considered by many to be a more entertaining and enjoyable format for both skaters and spectators.
Why should I attend BattleUK III?This is the UK’s only international freestyle competition and is ranked by the World Slalom Series as one of the top freestyle skating events in the western hemisphere, alongside similar events in Paris, Moscow and Hanover.
When and where is BattleUK III?BattleUK III will take place at the Victoria Leisure Centre in Nottingham on Saturday 11th October 2008.
Can I join in? How much is it?But of course! This is an open competition: anyone can enter. Just be aware that this is a formal competition; no concessions are made for beginner skaters.
Registration will open soon. Competitors must register and pay in advance.
- “Battle rules” freestyle slalom = £10 or 13€. There will be separate mens and womens battles, as well as a unisex UK battle for British skaters only.
- Speed slalom = £5 or 6.50€. The Fastest over two timed runs will win. No tournament format, due to time limitations.
- Freejump = £5 or 6.50€. Jump over a bar, no ramp; highest wins.
- Freestyle dance = FREE. An informal contest letting you strut your funky stuff.
- Slide contest = FREE. (Held on Sunday). Judged on style, technique and number of combinations.
Anyone can come and be a spectator at BattleUK III for free.
Will there be T-shirts? There are always T-shirts for sale, helping fund the event. A limited edition BattleUK III T-shirt has been designed specially for the event. The following items are available for pre-order only:
- The“limited edition” BattleUK III design. Navy blue T-shirt, Mens or Girly style. £12.
- The “classic” BattleUK design. White T-shirt, Mens or Girly style. £12.
- The “classic” BattleUK is also available on a white hoodie. Mens or Girly style. £20.
The “classic” BattleUK T-shirt will also be available on the day, in limited quantities. The other items will not be available on the day: if you want one, it must be pre-ordered.
Send an email to nottinghamskaters [at] hotmail [dot] co [dot] uk with the item, size, style (regular or girly cut) and quantity you would like. Note that the sizing tends to be on the small side, so if in doubt, go a size bigger.
Is there a schedule for the event?Although BattleUK III takes place on the Saturday, there will be things happening all weekend:
Friday = Those who arrive early in Nottingham can meet up for sightseeing. In the evening, we’ll all meet in a local pub for food and drinks. Anyone competitor who has not yet paid his or her registration fee can do so then.
Saturday = The main event starts at 9am. As in previous years, we’ll get the opening rounds of the battle contest underway as soon as possible. There will be separate Mens, Womens and UK competitions. The finals will take place shortly after lunch, then the speed slalom, freejump and dance contests will take place in the afternoon. We’ll then all head to the pub for a well-earned drink or four. If anyone has the energy and the weather is nice, there will be a short street skate.
Sunday = Meet at the new Old Market square at 11am. From there, we’ll head to the new part of Jubilee campus for the slide contest and some chilled-out messing around. We’ll then head back into Nottingham for lunch and a relaxed post-event recovery beverage.
How do I get to Nottingham? By car: head along the M1, exit junction 25, follow the A52 (Derby Rd) into Nottingham and following signs to the city centre. Follow your map or SatNav for the
Victoria Leisure Centre, NG1 1DB. PM me for precise driving directions if you need them. Four people petrol-sharing should cost around £10-£15 each for a return journey from London.
By bus:
National Express leaves daily from locations around the UK. There are several embarkation points around London. The journey from London takes a little over three hours. Tickets from around £20, but look out for special offers.
By train:
East Midlands Trains from London St Pancras. The journey takes a little under two hours. Tickets from around £40.
By plane: The nearest airport is East Midlands. From the airport, take the
Skylink bus to Nottingham. Return ticket is £8. If flying into London Heathrow or London Gatwick, you will need to take an underground train to St Pancras in central London.
Where should I stay in Nottingham?We suggest you arrive sometime on Friday, and then stay Friday and Saturday nights. We recommend
The Igloo hostel, which is ideally situated for the event and costs only £15 per person per night. Please book early as last year the hostel was fully booked with skaters a few weeks before the event.
Who else is going?In previous years we have seen all the top UK freestyle skaters, as well as skaters from France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, the USA, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia attend BattleUK competitions.
Who do I contact for any more information?Me. Send me a PM or email NottinghamSkaters [at] hotmail [dot] co [dot] uk.
