I want to rollerblade - advice wanted

Post Reply New Topic

I'm in London, UK. Does anyone have any advice on buying inline skates for a beginner? My first question is where the best store is to buy these from so I try them on. I want somewhere with a big choice. Second question would be any lessons or beginners' techniques on rollerblading that you recommend.

Cheers.

Hi Smudge,

I'm not in London so I can't give you any specific advice. But in terms of general advice -

1 - Invest in pads. You will need a minimum of knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Possibly a helmet too.

2 - I would suggest checking out nearby rinks, and start there, if possible at a quiet time of day. Skating is much easier to learn on a smooth surface, than on road / path surfaces, which can be quite rough. They make look smooth when you are walking on them, but you soon find all the imperfections when you skate them. Good for the thighs, but hard work when you are learning! You'll have to decide if you prefer that to facing possible crowds at a rink.

3 - Depending on your financial situation, sometimes the gear can be quite expensive to buy all at once. It is one of those hobbies that lots of people think 'looks cool' so they start and then give up quickly. So, if you don't mind second hand, somewhere like ebay can be a good place to pick up gear really cheaply to start with, and then you can upgrade later.

4 - I don't really have any 'techniques' I can share. Just start slow (well, not too slow, you need some momentum to skate, but don't hurl yourself around), wear pads to start with, and just keep practicing.

Good luck, I hope you enjoy it.

1(b). Vest.

Moomingirl, do you mean rollerblading, or skateboarding?

Rollerblading.

Edit - it's probably me saying 'skate' that's confusing you. I started rollerblading as back up training for my ice hockey, so I always thought of it as another kind of skating. Also, I'm old enough to remember when 'roller' was 'roller-skating', before rollerblading came along.

Oh, cool. Well, many thanks for your advice, both of you. I think I will have a look at eBay, that's a very good idea.

I don't think I have any rinks near me. Will have to look.

Ice-hockey looks very difficult. I can't iceskate to save my life. So I want to take up rollerblading, naturally.

Don't worry Smudge, I have no natural balance, but I managed it anyway, just takes some time and determination.

Note, with fitting the rollerblades - they need to be snug, but not tight. You want them so your feet are not moving around at all within the boot, but not so tight that you are cutting off circulation.

Let us know how you get on.

I think I will try on a well-known brand or two, and see how I fit in their sizes. Then I'll buy a second-hand pair off eBay. I'm smart like that.

And again, taken on board. Thanks, and will let you know how I get on.

I'm not sure if you're still shopping or not, but some skates have versions with different types of ball bearings to limit speed. They are often marketed as "beginner, intermediate, and advanced" skates. You may want to factor that into your decision.

As far as skating advice, watch your posture. You'll have to bend your lower back slightly to get momentum and balance, but don't give yourself a backache like I do. I like to "speed skate".

You'd probably need a time machine first, travel back to 1997 when roller blades were king!

Try not to fall.