1. On Ice or Land
Many skaters like to cross over from inline wheels in the warmer weather to blades on ice in the winter. While both sports involve a lot of the same basic skills, there are fundamental differences. It is tempting for both kinds of skaters to want to jump into tricks and racing as soon as they get the basics down, but it may be better to practice for a while first. Learn to skate forward and backward and to stop without falling before tackling jumping, racing or other fancy footwork.
2. It's a Balancing Act
Balance is key to enjoying and progressing on skates. When you first tie on your skates, stand still and get a feel for the sensation. Use your arms out to your sides to add to your balance. Bend your knees slightly and try lifting one leg at a time and putting it back down. Your body may naturally want to bend at the middle to help keep you upright, but fight the urge to stoop. Stand up straight, flapping your arms to forward and backwards as your upper body sways.
3. Falling Down
Learn how to fall without getting hurt. In any kind of skating, especially when you feel a little braver and start trying new things, you will fall. As you fall backwards, keep your head up, pushed into your chest, so you don't bang your head. Move your arms out of the way and try to fall on one of the fatty areas of your body, such as your thighs, hips or shoulders.
4. Great Gear
All beginner skaters should wear a helmet. Get one that ties snugly under your chin, so that it won't fly off when you go flying. Kneepads and elbow pads will save those tender bones from getting banged around too much as well. Tie your skates tight enough to stay on, but not so tight that they cut off the circulation in your feet. You need to be able to bend your ankle slightly as you get better at skating and start doing crossovers and turns.
5. Stop On Time
You can always plow into the guardrail at a rink or a snow bank or wall outside to stop yourself. You will feel a lot better, and look better too, if you can learn how to stop without plowing into something or someone else. As you are moving, let yourself slow down and turn your toes inward slightly. Both inline and ice skates will begin to slow when you do this. You can also use one toe to stop yourself. Figure skates have a serrated edge, which you can drag behind you or stab in front to slow yourself down and stop. Inline skates have a tip on the end that serve the same purpose.
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