The Directions for Rollerblading

Rollerblading offers a fun and exciting way to get exercise while enjoying the outdoors. Though rollerblading and ice skating require the same ability to balance, they require different braking and gliding techniques. When rollerblading, pay attention to the quality of the concrete around you. Bumps and cracks in concrete easily trip inexperienced rollerbladers. For the smoothest experience, rollerblade on newly paved concrete, in a place that's relatively free of pedestrians, such as a quiet park or a deserted sidewalk.

Instructions

    • 1

      Slide your rollerblades onto your feet. Tie the laces as tightly as possible. If your rollerblades use Velcro instead of laces, cinch the Velcro tightly.

    • 2

      Stand on your rollerblades while holding onto a nearby object, such as a bench or tree. Determine if your rollerblades fit properly. They should feel snug without cutting off your circulation. If the rollerblades wobble or your feet slip, your rollerblades are too loose. Tie or cinch them tighter or wear a thicker sock.

    • 3

      Push yourself away from the object to experience the feeling of gliding. Keep your feet pointed forward as you glide. Do not move your feet to the right or left.

    • 4

      Lift your right leg a few inches off the ground and take a small step. Slide your right foot forward as it lands on the ground. Your right foot should slide forward and outward, as if it moves in the direction of your second toe.

    • 5

      Lift your left foot off the ground, just after your right foot touches the ground. Take a step forward and slide your left foot forward as it touches the ground. The movement should feel much like walking.

    • 6

      Continue taking steps, alternating one foot at a time. As your speed increases, you can glide for a longer distance between steps. When gliding, keep both feet facing forward.

    • 7

      Turn by turning your feet in the direction you want to turn. If you want to turn right, turn your knees so that your feet point toward the right. Do not lift your feet off the ground when you turn.

    • 8

      Crouch into a squat and push your lower body upward to jump. Jumping on rollerblades requires the exact same techniques as traditional jumping, but requires you to maintain your balance before and after you go airborne.

    • 9

      Stop by pushing your brake to the concrete. Most rollerblades have brakes on the back of one rollerblade. Push your heel backward until the brake touches the concrete. You will glide to a stop. If your rollerblades have no brakes, stop taking steps and you will slowly glide to a stop.