Inline skate manufacturers produce several different styles of skates, including aggressive skates for stunts, recreational skates for casual skating, and speed skates for skating fast and for long distances. Speed skates typically have five wheels rather than four, and they usually do not have a heel brake. Once you learn to skate on inline speed skates, you might find that they feel more natural and efficient than roller-skates or recreational inline skates.
Step 1
Find a pair of inline speed skates that fits your feet properly. You will find it much more difficult to learn to skate in a borrowed pair of speed skates that are too large or small for your feet. Your toe should just reach the end of the skate and your heel should not be able to move up or down with the buckles tightened.
Step 2
Find an old carpet or grassy surface to practice on so that your skates do not roll.
Step 3
Put on protective gear, including a helmet, kneepads, elbow pads and wrist protectors, before you begin to skate.
Step 4
Put the skates on over form-fitting socks and tighten all buckles or laces.
Step 5
Stand up carefully in the skates if you have never worn inline skates before. Begin on your hands and knees and then stand up slowly.
Step 6
Walk in the skates. Because your wheels will not roll on grass or carpet, these steps should feel almost like normal walking. Continue walking in the skates until you feel you can balance on them comfortably.
Step 7
Take your first strides in the skates on the carpet or grass. Push the skates away from you and in front of you in a "V" shape. Your heels should point inward and your toes outward. Continue striding on the carpet or grass until you feel comfortable with the motion.
Step 8
Move to a smooth surface where your skate wheels can roll. Look for a quiet area free of other skaters or obstacles.
Step 9
Take your first strides on the smooth surface and feel your skates roll. Bend your knees and hold your arms out in front of you for balance. Continue striding slowly in a quiet area until you have mastered the movement.
Step 10
Practice the T-stop method of braking. To bring yourself to a stop, bring one foot behind the other and position it so that your toe points away from you and your feet are perpendicular to each other. Bend your front knee and drag the back foot against the ground to bring yourself to a stop. Once you have mastered the T-stop braking method, you can practice skating faster.
Tips and Warnings
- Watch the road when you skate to avoid potholes, gravel and slippery puddles. Do not skate at night or in low light in crowded places or on roads where cars drive. Avoid wearing headphones while you skate, as these can hinder your ability to hear approaching vehicles or other safety hazards.
- Even if you wear proper protective gear, inline speed skating can be dangerous. Skate at your own risk.
Things You'll Need
- Skates
- Protective gear
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