Roller skating and skiing share many of the same techniques, so practicing one sport can develop your skills in the other. For either sport, practice balancing on flat ground until you learn to stay upright. Then move to gentle slopes, where you can develop your braking techniques and speed control. Wear proper safety gear for each sport. For example, skiers and roller skaters should wear helmets. Roller skaters also should wear elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards.
Function
Roller skating and skiing both require effective balance, muscular endurance and coordination. Downhill skiing and downhill roller skating are similar in that participants must control their speed by shifting their body weight and by using braking techniques. Roller skating on flat ground is similar to cross-country skiing, though roller skaters pump their legs to generate speed, while cross-country skiers use poles to propel themselves forward.
Basic Techniques
Adjusting your center of gravity while you coast helps you maintain your balance. For example, if you are skating or skiing down a hill, practice crouching and keeping your feet and ankles stable. If you want to gain speed, coast in a straight line. If you want to slow down, zigzag by shifting your body weight from one leg to the other.
Advanced Techniques
Roller skating and skiing also have advanced techniques in common. One advanced technique is skidding to a stop by turning your skates or skis sharply to the side while maintaining your balance. Skiers often use this at the bottom of the slope, while roller skaters might use this technique when their skates do not have brakes or when they want to stop with style.
Differences
Not all techniques work well in both sports. A common method for braking in skiing is to make a wedge shape by turning the front portion of your skis inward. Roller skates, however, often have rear brakes, which are safer and easier to use than the wedge technique. While a skater technically could brake using the wedge technique, beginner skaters might pitch forward and fall. If you're not sure whether a technique works well in both sports, test it in a safe area or ask a more experienced skier or skater.
Roller Skiing
While you can practice skiing techniques with traditional roller skates, using inline skates might make the exercise more realistic. Another option is to use roller skis, which are two-wheeled skates that mimic the long shape of skis. Many cross-country skiers practice in the off-season with roller skis and ski poles suitable for paved surfaces. In addition to being an efficient training method for skiers, roller skating is also an effective form of aerobic exercise, incorporating 90 percent of the body's muscles.
Member Comments