Roller Blading TIps

Rollerblading is a beneficial form of exercise easily comparable to running or biking. It can be considered recreational, urban, dance and/or an extreme sport. Rollerblading can be an individual or group activity practiced both indoors and out. Once you've purchased your rollerblades, put them on and lace or buckle them up. However, before setting out and performing grinds, slides and other advanced skating maneuvers, a skater needs to learn a few basic tips to make the most of the skating experience.

  1. Balance

    • Before you stride (pushing and gliding) you must balance. It is an essential skill that sounds easier than it is. Start on a soft surface such as a patch of grass or carpet. Find an area that has a readily available support, either a person or wall. Practice standing on one foot at a time. Bend your knees slightly and steady your arms. Keep practicing until you aren't wobbling and feel confident. Once you master balance on a soft surface, move to smooth pavement. If you feel that you might fall, aim your fall forward and bend slightly at the waist. Any direct impact should be on your protected knees.

    Brake Stop

    • Another indispensable skill is learning how to stop. There are two ways in which to do this. One is using the heel brake. Practice on a smooth, level surface before attempting in a public area or heavy traffic. When you are ready to stop, bend your knees and body so that they are slightly over the skates. Bring the skate with the brake forward. Lift the toe of the braking skate to allow the brake to scrape against the surface of the ground. Keep increasing the pressure and keep the knee of the back leg bent. Always look straight ahead to avoid any mishap. If you need to stop abruptly, pull your toes upward while maintaining balance.

    T-Stop

    • Another technique is the T-stop. Again, practice on a smooth surface until you get the hang of it. Do not lift the back foot but drag it, making contact with the surface. Your wheels will drag, hence controlling your speed. You will make a "T" with your feet. Bend your lead knee so it covers the skate when you look downward. Equally balance your weight, then lean forward and bend your front knee more. Draw the front foot towards the heel of the back foot and ease into a stop. Your back foot does not touch your front foot but remains about 2 inches behind.

    Crossover

    • Learning how to crossover enables a skater to make turns and circles. Essentially, you repeatedly cross your outer foot over your inner foot when approaching a curve, very similar to ice skating. This tactic can be used to go left or right, but it takes practice. Start on a smooth surface at a walking pace. It's awkward at first because you must lift your outer foot to cross and rely on your inner foot for balance. Once you grasp the concept, work on a faster pace until it feels smooth.

    Up Hill

    • Rollerblading uphill is an effective workout. Most skaters dread the uphill challenge while others love the contest. The key is to turn your toes out more than normal. The steeper the hill, the more turned the toes. As you approach the hill, keep your speed up. Find a pace that you will be able to maintain. As you start up the hill, make lots of small but powerful pushes by putting your hips into every stride. Have the next push at the ready after a quick glide. Swing your arms in a compressed form for momentum.