In 4 years, this Cannes resident with 50,000 Instagram followers has gone from beginner to certified roller skating instructor
2023-04-27 15:00:00
For the past few months, it has been impossible to miss it on the Croisette! Colorful looks, contagious smile and long hair in the wind under his customized helmets!
Thaïs Coupet, alias @Thaïsonwheels on Instagram, gives roller skating lessons (or roller quad) “for all ages and all levels.”
The 31-year-old Cannes resident has become, in just four years, an expert in the discipline… and the darling of Instagram! “I started quite late, at the age of 27. I progressed quite quickly, because since then I have been training absolutely every day.”
A learning that she has documented over her new stunts, and shared on social networks.
“I had a personal Instagram account, but I didn’t want to pollute my friends with my new passion, so I created a dedicated account.”
Over 48,000 followers on Instagram
Her authenticity and her sense of style are a hit: more than 48,000 people follow her today!
“I shared the whole process, not just the successes…I made compilations of all my scraps at the end of each month, laughs the bubbly thirty-something. People liked it!”
On her account, she posts her workouts, but also tutorials to customize her skates, repaint the wheels…
“I’m a fan of second-hand and vintage. When I started, I took my skates apart almost every day to clean them and understand how they worked. I share my experience and my findings. If it can encourage people to launch, so much the better!”
“A form of therapy and meditation”
To inspire rather than influence thanks to its growing notoriety, that’s what Thaïs wants.
“I don’t really like the term influencer. I turned down financial opportunities because I don’t want to do that doesn’t follow my principles, I don’t want to sell anything! If I had to promote something, it would have to be consistent with what I do.”
The objective is above all to share his passion. “I’m not doing this to be famous. Practicing roller skating has literally changed my life!”
Au pair in Australia, waitress, saleswoman… The young woman had a string of odd jobs before having THE revelation.
“I have always dreamed of doing something that would please me and correspond to me, and it happened! Skating is for me a form of therapy, and of meditation. It gives a feeling of freedom. It is also a form of of expression, of art… All of this has allowed me to find my balance, to give meaning to my life.”
“Anyone can do it”
So much so that she decided to make it her job. “I went back to school to be an instructor, and graduated in July 2022.”
Since then, more and more customers! “Since the Covid crisis and the first confinement, there has been a real enthusiasm for this practice which is coming back in force!”
No typical profile among those who start. “I have children, but also a lot of women in their fifties. They tell me that it helps them reclaim their bodies or regain their self-confidence.” His method? Patience, gentleness and kindness in addition to a good dose of encouragement.
“Anyone can do it! For novices, it takes an average of 3 hours of lessons to stand up and ride alone.”
>> Count 35€ for one hour of lessons, 300€ for 10 hours. Classes take place on the Croisette at n° 104, or on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice for an additional €5.
Also count 5€ for the rental of skates and protections. Group lessons are also possible. Contact via Instagram: @Thaïsonwheels