How to Rollerblade Correctly

Inline skating is a fun and relatively safe way to stay fit. Rollerblades originated as a way for hockey players to train in the off-season when ice time wasn't available, but the popularity of inline skating quickly spread beyond sticks and pucks. There also are special inline skates for fitness, racing and trick skating (aggressive-style). Regardless of the type of skating you would like to learn, the basic body positioning for moving and turning on rollerblades is universal.

Things You'll Need

  • Comfortable inline skates
  • Helmet
  • Knee pads
  • Elbow pads
  • Wrist guards
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a smooth flat surface, preferably a sidewalk that is next to a lawn, so you have a soft place to fall. Walk with your skates on to make sure you are comfortable standing and moving slowly. Bend your knees and place your feet shoulder-width apart with your hands in front of your body. Make small adjustments to that position until you feel like you are balanced and stable.

    • 2

      Take a step forward, keeping the toe of that foot pointed outward so you are not totally leaning forward. Then, bring the other foot forward with the same motion. Keep the knees bent and don't lean forward or backward too much.

    • 3

      Glide on all 8 wheels. Keep your knees bent and do not stand straighten up. Continue with your hands in front of you. Get a feel for the gliding position before you take another stride. Increase the length and speed of your steps as you feel more comfortable with the stride and glide motions.

    • 4

      Slow down by gliding without taking another stride, and then by slowly pushing the heel of your brake foot to the ground. Do not lean back when stopping. Use one foot only. Certain skates have brakes on both feet, but you shouldn't try to stop with both feet. Hockey and trick skates don't have brakes, and more advanced skaters use other techniques for stopping instead of the foot brake.

    • 5

      Turn by pointing the outside foot in the direction you want to go. Slow down or even stop completely before making the turn, depending on your comfort level. Do not stand up straight while turning and lean only slightly into the turn. Your pointed foot is the main device for allowing you to change directions.