Inline skating has gone up and down in popularity since Rollerblade pioneered the product, inspiring others to pioneer the sport, in the 1980s. Now, decades after they were first introduced, inline skates are here to stay as a recreational, fitness and even competitive pursuit. Whether you're taking up inline skating to get fit, as a way to spend time outdoors or with an eye toward pulling off spectacular tricks in the skate park, you need to master the basics first.
Moving
If you've just started inline skating you should practice on the flattest, smoothest paved surface available to you. Even very small hills and minor cracks or bumps can be challenging on your first outings. Once you get moving, the inline skating motion is similar to ice skating.
You'll go far---and get there fast---if you practice kicking off smoothly and pushing back and out through the heels of each skate. Once you've made your first kick you'll glide forward on your support skate, which should be centered directly beneath your body. Then bring the kicking skate forward, directly underneath your body, knees close together, and shift your weight to this foot as you kick out and back, pushing through the heel, with the former support skate.
Turning
There are three main ways to turn your inline skates. Beginners will be able to quickly master the first two methods, while you should leave the third method, called a crossover turn, for the day when you're ready to move beyond the basics.
The simplest way to turn on inline skates is a parallel turn. Once you're moving with some forward momentum, look where you'd like to turn. Shift your weight slightly to your inside leg and push slightly with your outside leg. So if you're turning to the right, you'll look to the right, shift your weight slightly onto your right leg and apply gentle outward pressure with your left leg until you begin to turn.
Once you're comfortable with a parallel turn you can move on to a second turn style: Slide your outside leg slightly back, look where you're turning to, then shift your shoulders and hips in the same direction you're turning. So if you're turning to the right you'll slide your left foot back slightly, look to the right, then shift your shoulders and hips to the right as well.
Stopping
Being able to stop on inline skates equates to being able to slow down at will, too, which in turn keeps you in control on steep and fun but potentially dangerous downhill slopes. Practice stopping at slow speeds until you feel confident to slowly increase your practice speed.
As with turning, stopping your inline skates can take several forms, but your best bet is to start with the simplest, which uses the rubber brake pad most manufacturers attach to the back of the right skate. When you're ready to stop, bend both knees slightly and slide your right skate forward. Your toe will naturally lift, engaging the heel brake and gradually slowing you to a stop.
Member Comments