Basics on Rollerblading

Watching advanced skaters fly by on their rollerblades can be intimidating for a beginner. Once you've learned the basics, however, you'll find that inline skating is relatively simple to pick up. With a little practice, dedication and attention to detail, you won't think twice about speeding down the sidewalk on a sunny afternoon.

  1. Staying Safe

    • Keep an eye out for debris or cracks in the pavement, as well as dirt, sand or liquid in your path. Inline skates don't offer much traction; sudden changes in the terrain can cause you to fall. Never attempt to rollerblade if you're not wearing the proper safety gear, especially if you're a beginner. Outfit yourself in a helmet, elbow pads, wrist guards and knee pads to prevent injury.

    Caring for Your Skates

    • Proper maintenance on your skates helps ensure long-term durability. Each time you go rollerblading, inspect your equipment. Rotate the wheels to prevent uneven wear and check your brake pads to make sure they don't need to be replaced. Consult your owner's manual for maintenance instructions specific to your skates. The employees at your local skate shop can also be of service with fitting adjustments and skate care advice.

    Balance and Stopping

    • Learning to keep your balance on rollerblades can be trickier than it looks. To maintain a solid position while skating, keep your knees bent and your center of gravity low. Try starting out on a flat, grassy surface before moving on to a parking lot or sidewalk. Don't forget to devote some attention to your stopping skills, as well. To utilize your heel brake, extend one foot forward and raise your toe. Practice the motion until it becomes second-nature, and always keep your arms stretched forward in case you fall.

    Skating Backward

    • Once you've learned the rollerblading basics, you'll eventually want to showcase your talents by skating backward. To get a feel for the technique, stand on a patch of grass or carpet and practice rolling your skates from the center edge to the inside edge. Push your skates outward and back on their inside edges, making hourglass motions with your feet. These are called "swizzles" and the movement will give you the momentum you need to travel backward. Maintain pressure on the arches of your feet and don't forget to look over your shoulder as you skate.

    Falling

    • Falling is inevitable in rollerblading. To avoid serious injury, there are some techniques you should always keep in mind. When you begin to lose your balance and begin to fall, try to direct yourself forward onto your wrist guards and knee pads. Slide when you hit the ground to soften the impact. If you find yourself falling backward, try to direct the force to your elbow pads. Avoid landing on your tailbone, hip bone or back if you can help it; there's less padding in these areas and a greater chance for injury.