COMMUINITY: Lifelong Friends Roller-Skate for Fun

from Crown City Magazine June 2021

CROWN CITY HISTORY: A look back at Coronado's Love of Golf

By Heather Canton

L-R: Larissa Gabrielson, Kina Fowler and Carol Lumahan

greatest thing about being a part of the Coronado community is the wonderful friendships that are formed. In this story, we follow three lifelong friends who inspire us to get outdoors and do something fun together!

Kina Fowler, Larissa Gabrielson and Carol Lumahan treasure their friendship of 30 years. They spent much of their carefree childhood in Coronado with sandy toes and tanned skin, going to the beach, flirting with the surfers.

Today, they regularly rollerskate around town, enjoying local life as best-friends. As adults, with kids of their own, they’re still having a blast here!

“There is so much to do! What’s not to love?!” exclaims Kina about her hometown.

Larissa describes their routine, agreeing with Kina that the island has so much to offer and explore. “We can go rollerskating early in the morning and get a great cardio workout. Then, we usually head over to the Hotel Del for lunch and a cocktail.”

The trio still catch tans on the beach together. They enjoy dinner at The Brigantine (the “Brig”) and sunset walks at dog beach.

Carol adds, “Coronado is a magical place with so much history. It is a safe and welcoming place to all.”

As kids, their parents were all very close and now their children are growing up together. Kina’s daughter, Keanna (16), Larissa’s son, Jonathan (14) and Carol’s daughter, Noeme (12) are close like cousins.

It’s true: small towns foster friendships. Cultivating and maintaining childhood bonds is easier when companions are close. As adults, it takes more effort. The best-friends say that making time, consistent communication and support for each other has helped their relationship stand the test of time.

Carol says roller-skating in Coronado is therapeutic for the trio. “It feels good to get outside, breathe fresh air, clear my mind, put some good tunes on and roll all over this city with my besties!”

Larissa adds, roller-skating “challenges our minds and our bodies. When we started, we did three miles and now we are up to 6.2 miles. We set little goals on tricks and moves. We love ‘geeking-out’ on the gear, outfits and new locations to try.”

Pairing their safety gear with cute outfits and lacing up their roller skates to hit the town together every week has brought the trio together because it is something they mutually enjoy. Larissa encourages others to “find something that brings you joy and rally your besties to join!” • Heather Canton grew up in Coronado and publishes Crown City Magazine for her hometown. She is a proud mother of two children and graduate of UCSD.