Route One

Ahhh, Route One. I remember you from my days of yore.
People are always a little bit shocked, a little bite surprised, and really, really tickled when I tell them I once had a dalliance with the skating world. It lasted about two years before I finally decided that all this hopping about on a plank of wood was something better reserved for people with more time on their hands. My video games weren’t going to play themselves, after all. And Route One was where I collected my very first skateboard.
For shops like this, there’s not a lot of variation given in Cardiff. You’ve got this, and then maybe Animal. It’s a bit of a monopoly. It’s helpful then, that the staff of Route One seem to genuinely care about the propagation of the sport. Rather than use their status to squeeze every droplet of coinage from the customer, there is a thread of care that runs through the store that guarantees you impartial, helpful advice. They’re looking to sell you the equipment you need to buy; not the equipment they’d like to sell. And that’s a refreshing outlook.

I used to come to this shop years and years ago, and even then it was by far the best of its kind. Selling a really great range of skate clothes, accessories, boards, stickers, caps, shoes and other wacky products, Route One is Cardiff’s original, and best, skate shop. Set in one of Cardiff’s charming arcades, Route One gives off a genuine air of authenticity. All the popular brands such as Vans, DC and Etnies are stocked here, with high quality produce on offer.
The staff are very happy to assist and clearly have a passion for what they do, offering great guidance and advice on all of the products. Those buying their first skateboard will be given impartial and honest advice on a suitable set up. Route One has developed a large following of loyal customers given its great choice of products and great service.

Back when I was about 14, I would have loved this place. I loved rollerskating (that was before skiing stole me away and left my poor roller skills for dead) and tried my hand at skateboarding when no-​one was watching.
I never much got into the clothes; the baggy trousers, message heavy tops and all weren’t on my radar.
Route 1 is some kind of Mecca to all those skaters out there, or anyone who enjoys that style. It offers enough interest for boys (who remain boys until their mid/​late twenties) who want to mess around in parks. Frisbee anyone?
I wouldn’t shop there now but I challenge anybody whose even had a passing interest in that stuff to pass by without at least looking a little closer at the window display.
There are skateboards for sale with various artistic wonders across the bottom (I’m told this is a big deal amongst skateboard owners). One is wrapped up with a warning that it’s just too rude, ‘over 18s only’. Cool.

God, it’s been a long time since I’ve been in a store like this; brings back memories of teenage years spent chasing boy skaters on the boardwalk of Hollywood Beach. Sigh.
Back to reality: Route One packs a wide variety of stock into its tiny shop. They have it all; everything from boards and shoes to branded T-​shirts and skates. If you need any and all associated gear, I’d probably stop by before shopping online. Bizarrely, they even have a small wall of boxers — Route One is like a one-​stop aggressive skater shop.
Thankfully, they have stuff for aging hipsters, too — I squealed when I stumbled upon a pair of retro-​style roller skates for only £44.99. I’ve been looking at purchasing a pair online, so it’s great to finally be able to try them on in store.
Even with speakers pumping out some substandard white rapper of the moment, Route One is a throbbing energetic haven and probably the store of choice for skaters of kinds in the South Wales area.