A Guide On How To Learn Inline Skates/Rollerblades

Roller skating has always been very famous among people, especially youth. It is a form of sport which is not only cool but also very fun if you know how to roller skate. The most famous type of roller skating is inline skating/rollerblading. It is a multi-disciplinary sport in which an individual masters the art of performing a number of tasks while keeping coordination to maintain balance. It is a fitness activity that strengthens your legs and knees and is also known for offering great cardio and aerobic workout which plays a vital role in fitness regimes. 

What is Inline Skating/Rollerblading?

Inline skating is considered to be easier to learn. It is believed that inline skating is not only easy but is also more common in roller skating. Inline skates come with 2 or 5 wheels arranged in a single line and held in place by a metal or plastic frame. Inline skates offer greater speed, greater grip, and more maneuverability than other traditional skates. There are more types of inline skating which are practiced by different individuals as per their interests. Inline skating is also commonly referred to as rollerblading or just blading. 

How to Learn Inline Skates/Rollerblades?

As mentioned above, inline skating is not that hard to learn. Also, it is the most common type of rollerblading. If you are someone who wants to hit the road with your inline skates, then it is better to be aware of all the basic knowledge about the sport. Once you have a grip on the basics, then you can go out on the roads and have fun. It is a fun process and also not that hard to grasp. Here is how you can learn inline skating, even as a person who has no prior knowledge of skating:

1. Get A Pair of Inline Skates of Your Size:

The first step in learning how to roller skate is to find a properly fitted pair of skates for yourself. Your skating shoes should neither be too loose or too tight, however, your shoes should keep your heel firm at its place. Ensure that the inner lining is thick and there should be extra padding around the toe area for protection and comfort. 

2. Get Proper Protection Gear:

The second step is to get proper protection gear for yourself. To avoid any sort of injury or damage, you should be fully prepared which means you need full protective gear which includes knee and elbow pads and a helmet. While choosing a helmet make sure that it fits your head and has adjustable chin straps so that you can keep the helmet in place.

The helmets are the most important part of the protective gear as they save you from any skull damage if you had a fall. Therefore, choosing a helmet of your size is important. Also, make sure that while skating you wear proper clothing that covers most of your arms and legs to avoid bruising of any sort.

3. Find a Proper Area To Practice:

Before starting off, make sure that you find a proper dry and concrete area to practice. The floor should be flat and should not be too slippery. Also, make sure that it is not a busy road or a place where you could be in the way of vehicles. Unused parking lots, garages, porches, and parks usually serve as the best practicing areas. 

4. Practice Standing and Balancing on Your Inline Skates:

Firstly you need to practice standing and balancing on your skates. You can ask somebody to help you with that. Start off by standing against a wall or any support. Then gradually start leaving the support. With time, you will learn how to balance your inline skates while standing. 

5. Start with Small Steps:

Now bend your knees in a v position and try keeping your body upright. After that, try taking small steps to get comfortable. It will feel uncomfortable at first or you might also stumble a few times but keep going. Move one step at a time, keeping your focus on your steps. Make sure that your knees are flexed tightly to keep yourself balanced. 

6. Start Pushing Off and Gliding:

Once you are comfortable with small steps, push yourself forward with one foot while you put forward the other one. Keep alternating your feet. In this way, you’ll start gliding. Make sure to take your weight off from the foot before pushing off with the other.

Learn to balance your weight on each foot and also learn how to shift your weight from one foot to the other whole your push yourself forward to glide. The more comfortable you are with gliding on one foot, the better skater you are. So master this skill for a better skating experience. 

7. Learn To Stop Using the Brake Pads:

Most inline skates come with a breaking pad which is located at the heel. The idea of stopping by crashing into something is not good. Therefore you need to master the art of stopping using brake pads.

To stop, just place one foot in front of the other and raise the toe. Rub the heel on the ground slowly. It will be a little difficult at first but then slowly you’ll get better.

Conclusion:

Inline Skating is a fun sport and is worth giving a try. A little practice and you can get better at it. This guide will help you in mastering the art of skating and having fun while you’re at it. All you need is some knowledge of the basics and a lot of practice.