Inline skates are commonly referred to as “rollerblades”, because Rollerblade Inc. was one of the first companies to make inline skates in the 1970s. Inline skating is a fun and flexible sport, much like ice skating on concrete surfaces. This is an excellent way to exercise and have fun. If you want to learn the basic equipment and techniques, you can start exploring this great outdoor sport.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Setting Up Equipment
Step 1. Find shoes that fit
At most sporting goods stores, you can adjust your shoe size to the right inline skate shoe. Inline skates should fit snugly enough, with the heel resting on the back of the shoe, supporting the ankle to keep it straight but comfortable. It's important to avoid loose-fitting shoes, which can cause ankle sprains or sprains.
- Inline skates are available in various types: multi-use skates (for casual play), speed skates (for high speeds), street skates and stunt skates (for road and skating attractions), and specialty cross-training skates (for health and wellness). Multi-use shoes are great if you're just starting out. Try other types to see which works best.
- Stand up wearing inline skates. Your heels should be in a firm position and not slip and you should be able to move your toes. Make sure the inner lining is thick and has extra padding on the toe for comfort.
Step 2. Buy the right helmet
Never play inline skates without wearing a helmet to help protect your head when you fall. Add reflective tape and this adhesive tape will also alert motorists to your presence if visibility is poor. Look for helmets with safety standard markings.
Helmets must have a product safety certificate for skating and must fit snugly on the head. Look for a helmet with an adjustable chin strap and fasten the strap so the helmet doesn't shake your head
Step 3. Prepare additional safety equipment
You've probably seen people skating without any safety gear at all, but it's important to use basic safety gear when you first start skating. These kits are affordable and will help you save money and prevent serious injury. You need to prepare:
- Wrist protector. The standard guard will cover the top of the hand. Some wrist guards also have “non-slip pads” that cover the palms.
- Elbow pads. Mounted on the elbow, this kit protects the fragile elbow in the event of a fall.
- Knee pads. Make sure it fits snugly on your knees and can be fastened so that it doesn't move while skating.
Step 4. Wear proper protective clothing when skating
Wear long-sleeved and comfortable clothes when skating, to protect the body from being scratched. Since inline skating is a sport, wear clothing that absorbs sweat well and choose clothes that are easy to move and not too heavy to help keep you cool.
Step 5. Always wear protective equipment
Just because you're getting better at skating doesn't mean you're tough. You can still trip over wood or gravel. You can still fall. Protective gear is important to prevent fractures and other problems from falling on hard surfaces. Do not try to feel tough and skate without protective gear as there is a risk of serious injury.
Method 2 of 3: Getting Started
Step 1. Find a flat, dry concrete surface area to practice skating on
Empty parking lots, walking areas, and other areas of flat concrete are great places to practice skating. Make sure skating is allowed so you don't occupy other people's areas.
- Look for unused parking spaces. Check to see if there's still business on the weekends for the perfect large, open space to practice.
- Come to the parks at your place. Walking areas and play areas may be suitable for inline skating. Make sure the area is not banned and you are not on a road used by other park users.
- There are plenty of dedicated skating areas available in many places, but avoid going to skating areas if you are just starting out. This sledding area is great if you're experienced, but can be a bit tricky and can be quick if you're just starting out.
Step 2. Practice standing and balancing with inline skates
Stand near a wall or other support for this exercise in a "ready position," with your feet 15-25 cm apart, with your knees bent and pushing forward in a V-shaped position.
- Another way to stand is to start with your knees on the floor and your body standing straight. Then with one knee on your knees position the other foot forward like skating on the floor (place the shoes in a diagonal position). With your palms on the floor in a diamond or triangle shape, repeat the previous step with the other leg. Then place your palms on your knees and stand up slowly without straightening your knees.
- Lean forward from the waist and bring your arms forward to maintain balance. Look straight ahead. Practice balancing in this position first to get a feel for the position and the shoes.
- Spread your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent so that your body is balanced and stable.
- Previously, you should try to get used to inline skates by walking on the grass. Then return to a smooth surface and assume a ready-to-slide position.
Step 3. Take small steps to get comfortable
When you first start skating, it feels a bit like walking in slippery shoes. Learning to keep your weight in your shoes is the best way to learn. Take small steps before starting to move hard and actually slide, or else the foot will slip.
- As you practice, try to go a little faster to encourage a sense of balance to the movement. Move at a moderate pace.
- You may feel your feet moving further apart as you try to maintain balance. Keep your balance and move around and practice bringing your legs back together.
- Try walking in a V position, that is, taking small steps with one leg diagonally and repeating it with the other foot to form a V. But don't do it with both feet so that your shoes bump into each other and make you fall. Once you've mastered this position, increase your speed and step size little by little, without losing your balance, and you'll start skating.
Step 4. Move when you feel comfortable
When you step forward with one foot, start moving with the other foot and slide forward with the foot ready to move. Bring the leg that will move forward after stepping and transfer your body weight to that leg. Then move with the other leg. Continue with both legs alternately. You're sliding now.
- Learn to maintain balance with each foot when gliding. Transfer your body weight from the back foot to the front foot when pushing and sliding. Do this movement very slowly as you begin, until it starts to feel normal.
- Practice gliding on one foot after a while. The more comfortable you are on each foot freely, the better off you will be as a skater. Glide with your left foot, then alternate with your right foot, keeping your non-gliding foot off the surface for more comfort.
Step 5. Learn to stop using the heel brake
While some beginners prefer to stop by hitting something, there are various ways to stop when you're just starting to learn to skate by not hitting a wall. You'll be more comfortable in your shoes if you can learn to stop comfortably.
- Most inline skates are equipped with a heel brake on the back. To stop, place one foot in front of the other and lift the big toe of the front toe as you tilt back, to help the heel brake rub against the surface to slow down the movement. Do it slowly to train it.
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As you get more comfortable with inline skates, you can turn your ankles in or out in a V shape or place one shoe perpendicular to the other to form a T. This is a technique commonly used for ice skating, allowing you to use wheels like brakes which slow down the movement.
- Lean forward, to transfer body weight to the front leg by bending the front knee.
- Position the back foot so that the knee is perpendicular and the skate is sliding on the surface, almost level with the surface.
- Increase back leg pressure by stomping and locking the foot firmly in this position for a smooth stop.
- Start practicing this way when you're an intermediate skater. Practice using the foot without the heel brake as the back foot and once you have mastered this brake you can release the heel brake and you can also practice with the other foot.
- Use the heel brake after slowing down the other way if you will be skating at a very high speed. Otherwise, the brakes can be damaged quickly.
Method 3 of 3: Be careful
Step 1. Learn to fall properly
If you fall, bend your knees, extend your arms, and fall forward to hold your weight on the wrist guards and slide to a stop. If you do it right you'll fall right into the knee pads and other body armor. You can get back up and try again.
Every skater is bound to fall. Usually it's not when it's your first time skating but it can happen when you're feeling a bit comfortable and cocky. It's important to always wear protective padding to keep you as safe as possible
Step 2. Do it slowly
It's important to skate at a moderate pace, even as you get more comfortable. It can be fun to skate fast, but it's important to stay aware of the obstacles you might encounter to keep you as safe as possible.
Step 3. Beware
It's your responsibility as a skater to be aware of others around you, not the other way around. Show users of pedestrian areas, parks, and the like that your skating doesn't interfere with their enjoyment. Things to note are:
Beware of pedestrians, strollers, small children, people unaware of your presence, cyclists and sudden changes in your surroundings
Step 4. Keep practicing
Once you're comfortable with balance, sliding and stopping, you can start learning more complex inline skate elements like looping and preparing to slide down ramps, speed racing, grinding (gliding on tight surfaces), and even competing.
Tips
- After learning to step, the best way to skate for beginners is to form a V shape by placing the heels together. Then start walking forward, forming a V, and you'll quickly notice that you're actually sliding. Don't take high or wide strides, and keep your knees bent.
- Always carry drinking water with you in case you are dehydrated, but it can also be used to clean wounds before returning home.
- If you buy used inline skates, first check if they are in good condition.
- If it's your first time learning, ask someone to help in case you fall.
- Drink water when the weather is hot. And consider wearing sunscreen, a hat, and good clothing.
- Practice on a dry concrete surface. Rain can make the concrete surface very slippery.
- Look for modifications available for inline skate shoes. There are various possibilities such as replacing the center wheel and so on.
- Check the manufacturer's warranty to make sure it covers the shoes for an adequate period of time.
