Edging is actually a very common practice on inline skates--in fact, it is impossible to ride without edging in some way. Edging is rooted in the idea that an inline skate's wheel features three "edges," each of which can be ridden on to determine the flow and direction of your skating. These three edges consist of the outer edge, which faces away from your body; the inner edge, facing inside; and the middle edge that you ride on when your skates are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the ground. But as simple as edging is, it can take years to master the conscious use of your skate's edges.
Step 1
Start by riding on your inline skates in a straight direction, keeping your feet parallel to one another and the skate wheels flat on the ground. This method is center edging, and it's the most basic form of edging. It is also a stable position from which you can attempt to do other forms of edging that can be more difficult.
Step 2
Widen your skating stance so that your feet are slightly wider than your shoulders. This position will cause your weight to shift onto the inside edges of your skates. You can accentuate this inside edging by bending your knees slightly forward and making it easier to put pressure on the inside edge.
Step 3
Bring your feet back to center edging. The next step is to complete a turn that utilizes outside edging on the inside foot and inside edging on the outside foot. Start by turning to the left, leaning your body in the direction of the turn and tilting your skates in that direction. You will shift your weight from the center edging to the outside edging on your left skate. Your right skate, which is less crucial to this turn, will contact the ground on its inside edging. The sharper the turn you are trying to make, the more you rely on this edging to stay upright. If you go too far or fail to keep your weight distributed properly, you are likely to fall. Repeat this turn on the right side, reversing the side of each skate being used to edge.
Step 4
Return to center edging and attempt to do an edging stop. Place one foot in front of your body at a 90-degree angle, and apply the inside edge of the skate to work as a brake. You can also turn your back foot and angle it slightly to place your weight over its outside edging--although you want to remain stable with this foot so that you can stop easily.
Tips and Warnings
- Be sure to wear proper safety equipment, including a helmet and arm and knee pads, to avoid injury resulting from a fall.
Things You'll Need
- Inline skates
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