Looking at the Toronto weather forecast during the winter is depressing, to say the least. While there are a few private indoor mini-ramps scattered across the GTA, as well as the usual public parks like Shred Central and CBMK, there wasn't a suitable space for Toronto skaters to hang out in a private atmosphere while skating ledges, banks, and small trannies.

Carrying on the East Coast tradition of underground "speakeasy"-type training facilities -- where insurance doesn't exist and every new trick learned is cheers'ed in with a cold one - Toronto's Adrift skate shop stepped up for the locals with an indoor skate clubhouse.

While searching for an adequate space to host a skatepark that could double as a venue for some secret shows and parties, Adrift owner Lyndsey Westfall wasn't looking for the next big indoor park, she just, "wanted a place to skate for the winter with friends that was not going to be busy."

The Clubhouse itself offers the bare essentials needed for wintertime fun: warmth, smooth ground, a washroom, and a fridge to keep your coldies cold.
The search began in late summer and, as luck would have it, a lease was locked down on the location (conveniently located near the shop) days before the temperature dropped. Word is the lease expires end of April, so you better figure out a way to get in now if you want to keep on your game like Clubhouse regulars Jesse Landen and Dave Nolan.

Here's what else Lyndsey had to say about the space:

When did the Adrift Clubhouse start and how long is it going to be around?
We started looking for a place in late summer, so it took awhile to find something, but it worked out a week before it got cold.

Any plans for another space once the lease is done there?
Sure, there are always plans.

Jesse Landen, switch flip to pivot to fakie. Shane Hutton sequence.

How does one become a "member" of the clubhouse?
Becoming a member is really not defined. There are some regulars and they bring people and that's all there is to it. It's kinda like a backyard ramp, but it's indoors and downtown.

Any problems with people thinking they are above paying to skate, and that it is owed to them to get everything for free?
There are always going to be problems, especially when rent needs to get paid and not everyone wants to pay. It's working out really well right now, though.

Who are some of the bands and DJs that have come through to play sets?
We've had a No Age secret show with Vicious Cycle, Career Suicide with Urban Blight, Bad Choice and Molested Youth, and we do a monthly party called Smithfits - it's the Smiths and the Misfits with different DJs every time. A lot more shows are going to be happening in the future, too.

Well that's that... Want to know where it is, how you can skate it, or when to show up to one of the infamous Smithfits parties? Go stop by Adrift, grab a new set-up, and ask nicely. To check the type of shenanigans that are likely to occur, hit up www.adriftarchive.com.

Adrift is located in Toronto on Spadina Avenue, just south of Queen Street.

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Related:
The New Adrift
Slashy: Jesse Landen
Nolan's Ink