Heelys brand shoes are a polarizing topic. Kids love them while adults often hate them, even though they are sold in adult sizes. If your child wants a pair of Heelys, purchasing some for yourself can give you a better idea on how to use them safely. Once you find a comfortable rhythm, wearing Heelys is much like riding a skateboard.
Step 1
Hold onto a sturdy surface, like a rail or ask a friend to help support you as you learn. Place your weight on your dominant leg and place your non dominant foot five to six inches in front of your weighted leg. For instance, if you're typically right-handed, your right foot should be supporting your weight with your left foot in front.
Step 2
Lift the toe of your left shoe off of the ground until you're balancing on the wheel in the shoe. Then, repeat with your right foot, only keeping the toe of your right shoe closer to the ground for stability. Have a friend pull you or pull yourself along a rail to become comfortable with supporting your weight on the Heely wheels.
Step 3
Stop in order to practice skating without the added support. Start with your left foot behind your right, then step forward with your left foot, pushing off with your right. As you push, transfer the weight onto the Heely wheels and glide. Get more speed by pushing with your dominant foot, much in the way you would push to propel a skateboard forward.
Step 4
Skate responsibly in your Heelys and urge children to do the same. Heelys should never be used indoors and always with caution on outdoor surfaces. When skating near others, pass on the left side, giving notice when you're coming up behind other skaters, pedestrians or bikers.
Step 5
Remove the wheel and place the plug into the shoe when you're in crowded areas or when you're prohibited from skating. The urge to place the weight onto the wheel and glide may be second nature once you've practiced enough, so don't be tempted by the wheel when you shouldn't be skating. You can replace the wheel once you reach an area where you're allowed to skate.
References
- Google Video: How to Skate with Heelys
- Heelys.com: Responsible Skating Agreement
- "Community Health Nursing: Caring for the Public's Health"; Karen Saucier Lundy, Sharyn Janes; 2009
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