Rollerblading Safety

Rollerblading provides a mix of fun and exercise. The in-line skates used to rollerblade are similar to regular skates. However, novices may experience a learning curve before they can successfully maintain balance and stop the in-line skates. Most injuries occur during this learning phase in rollerblading. To reduce the likelihood of injury, familiarize yourself with methods to ensure your safety while wearing in-line skates.

  1. Protective Clothing

    • Wear protective clothing when rollerblading.

      Be prepared for falls by wearing protective clothing. Helmets should always be worn when rollerblading to protect the head during a fall. Knee pads, elbow pads and wrist pads will also help prevent injury if the rollerblader takes a spill. Wear bright clothing to ensure other skaters and drivers can clearly see you. Areas of high traffic should be avoided, especially for the beginning rollerblader. For your protection, only rollerblade in daylight for safety.

    Learning to Rollerblade Safely

    • Beginners using in-line skates should learn how to balance.

      Practice skating with in-line skates on a soft surface or on grass in a quiet area before going on rollerblading trails. One way to get used to the action required in rollerblading is to walk around with your toes pointed outward to simulate the way to push off when skating. Also practice balancing on one foot at a time. The better your balance, the easier it will be to learn how to stop the in-line skates.

    Stopping Safely

    • Learn how to stop safely. Two types of in-line skate braking systems are common for rollerblades. The standard heel braking system requires the person to lean forward at the waist and and tilt the braking toe to apply pressure to the heel brake while bending the other knee. This movement takes practice. The Active Brake Technology (ABT) brake on some in-line skates requires the skater to move the braking skate forward; the movement will apply pressure to the cuff of the skate and lower the brake pads.The ABT is adjustable to accommodate different skating styles and brake pad wear.

    Learning to Rollerblade Safely

    • The brakes on in-line skates are meant to stop the skater gradually. They are not immediate stopping brakes. Beginners will stop very slowly, and skaters going very fast will take a longer time to stop. Ensure that enough time is allowed to completely stop when rollerblading.

      The proper way to stand when rollerblading is with your feet 4 to 6 inches apart and your arms slightly in front of your body. The knees should be bent so the shins touch the top of the skates. Balance the body's weight on the balls of your feet. Do not lock the knees when rollerblading.