How to Rollerblade a Vert Ramp

Rollerblading a vert ramp is one of the crowning achievements of aggressive inline skating. The height and angle of the ramp put the danger level in direct proportion to the thrill level, so follow these few steps to skate a vert ramp safely and with style.

Instructions

    • 1

      Come prepared. You might be watching pros and even serious local amateurs skating a vert ramp with nothing more than their skates and a pair of shorts. Starting out, however, you want to come as best prepared as possible. Wear a good helmet, vert knee pads and elbow pads and, if you're planning on being a little more bold, a mouth guard.

    • 2

      Use the right skates. A vert ramp demands aggressive rollerblades which can handle the speed and stress of the ramp. Find a good pair of aggressive skates with small, hard wheels and appropriate bearings and clasp settings.

    • 3

      Attempt the vert ramp only after you've mastered the mini-ramp. A mini-ramp is an excellent way to learn the forces and maneuvers of skating a ramp and doing tricks on rollerblades, so become an expert on smaller ramps before moving to the vert.

    • 4

      Start at the bottom of the ramp. Dropping into a ramp from the top is one of the most challenging parts of rollerblading vert, so begin from the bottom to learn the feel of the ramp. Skate up each side of the ramp, pumping back and forth to gain speed and height. Once you can comfortably reach the top of the ramp, and maybe even pull off a small trick, you can move on to starting the skate session with a drop-in.

    • 5

      Drop in with commitment. While you might feel a tendency to be falling face-first or having your skates pulled out from under you, it is important to maintain confidence on the drop-in and go for it. Place one foot on the ledge of the ramp and give a small push with the back leg, stepping into the drop with both skates. After that, stay calm and focused to complete the drop-in.