Thank the higher powers that be that this trend is yet to hit Cape Town. We have enough prawns as it is.

Just like most suburbs that attract artists and the likes, Venice has a Muizenberg-esque history that attracted counter-cultures. And, its promenade was the perfect setting for rollerskating:

Originally founded in 1905 as an independent resort town lined with picturesque canals (complete with gondolas!), Venice, California, was annexed by the city of Los Angeles in 1926, but gradually fell into disrepair and neglect.

Considered almost a seaside slum, Venice’s cheap bungalows soon attracted artists, musicians and other creative countercultural types.

In addition to its laid-back and bohemian atmosphere, Venice boasts a pristine length of sandy beach, along which runs a paved promenade — perfect for rollerskating.

Between 1979 and 1980, a few of the Venice Beach skaters were captured on camera. Can we just appreciate how the Lycra leotards capture their body shapes?

Yes, like I said, we can be thankful this trend is yet to hit the Mother City:

If you can’t handle that, here’s what Cape Town rollerskaters would probably look like:

[source: mashable]