Inline skates provide a fun and challenging alternative to traditional quad roller skates. While skating in itself provides an excellent fitness and socializing opportunity, many skaters also participate in inline sports like hockey, figure skating or freestyle. To minimize your injury risk when you're first getting started, take the time to master basic skills such as stroking and stopping. As you gain confidence, you can add more advanced skills over time, including backwards skating or even spins and jumps.
Step 1
Wear protective gear to stay safe while you skate. Consider a helmet, along with knee and elbow pads to protect you during falls. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the wrists are the most common spot for inline skate injuries, so don't forget the wrist guards.
Step 2
Lace up your skates in a grassy area. Take your first steps in the grass to get a feel for balancing on inline skates. Once you feel comfortable walking in the grass, move over to a smooth paved area.
Step 3
Take small duck steps on the paved area. According to the skating website Get Rolling, new skaters should keep their knees bent and their feet out in a V-shape with heels touching at a 45-degree angle. Move one foot at a time by lifting it up and placing it back down on pavement slightly in front of you, maintaining the 45-degree angle of your feet throughout the entire movement. This duck step prepares you for basic inline skating strides.
Step 4
Stand with your feet in the V-position and toes pointed out to the sides. With your body upright, bend your knees deeply and use your right foot to push your left foot along the pavement. Hold your right foot slightly off the ground to one side or behind you. The left foot should travel at a 45 degree angle from your starting position due to the V-position of your feet. Glide on the left foot for a moment then bring the right foot down to the ground for balance.
Step 5
Repeat Step 4, but this time use your left foot to push your right foot. The right foot should travel at a 45-degree angle to your starting spot, and the left foot should be held off to the side or behind you while you glide.
Step 6
Link your skating strides together. Maintain the same basic technique, pushing with one foot at a time so you travel at a 45-degree angle to the sides. Keep your knees bent and your body upright the entire time. Work to increase the distance you travel with each push.
Step 7
Learn to stop. Push off with one foot, then quickly put this foot next to the other so you're gliding on two feet. With your feet parallel, bend your knees and tip your skate backwards so the brake on the heel of your boot touches the ground. Use a light touch to avoid stopping too abruptly. As you gain confidence, work on braking more quickly.
Step 8
Visit your local roller rink or recreation center to find inline skating lessons and clubs to advance your skills.
Tips and Warnings
- Choose skating areas free of cars and hills when you're first getting started. Look for local biking trails or playgrounds where you can skate safely.
Things You'll Need
- Helmet
- Wrist guards
- Knee and elbow guards
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