What do I need to get started? Skates and safety gear. Look for a place that will rent the skates so you can see if you want to invest in some skates. Or get something name brand (Rollerblade for rec skating, Bont for speed skating, for example). Not only are they better skates, it will be a lot easier to get replacement parts if needed. If you like the sport you can't go wrong by getting some good skates ($70 to $200). They will last you forever, you just have to change wheels and bearings periodically, depending on how much you skate. There are cheaper skates ($20 to $40). Unless they are brand name skates on sale, most cheaper skates are worth what you pay for them, and once you get going you will want something that rolls a little better and that is comfortable for the duration of your skate. Pads are a must--knee, elbow, wrist--and a helmet. Even when you get good at skating you will find out that crashes happen. The better you are, the harder the crash. Top
What type of skate do I need to start out?
Get a rec skate with brakes (ABT brakes are the easiest to learn on). You can learn anything on them. Sometimes trying to learn how to skate on 5 wheel racing skates, or hockey skates can be difficult because of lack of ankle support. And some of those skates will come without brakes. Not good if you are learning. Top
How long will it take me to learn to skate?
How much you can practice will make a big difference. Usually for the average adult, about 6 hours to feel comfortable and be able to stop, move and turn. You can be skating in the first hour, but to feel comfortable takes time. Be patient. Remember everyone learns at a different pace, so some will catch right on and some will take a little longer. If you are learning with a friend some skills will be easier for you than them and vise versa. The main thing with skating is getting your body used to the idea of rolling and having skates on. We walk around all day and that is what our body wants to do, so we put skates on for the first time and our body goes "Oh no, I'm rolling!". Once your body gets the feel, you will be rolling along just like walking, but way more fun. Top
Do I need all the safety equipment?
You would be amazed how well the pads and helmet work. We all hope we will never need them, but accidents happen, so be prepared. The helmet is the most important item. You can still function with a broken arm but a broken head, not. Wrist guards--no matter which way you fall, you will try to catch yourself with your hands, so these are a must. Knee and elbow pads work really well also for those unexpected crashes. There are different kinds of pads and helmets: really thick padded equipment for the aggressive skater that does flips and rides rails, and smaller, lighter pads for racing and fitness skating. Helmets--bicycle helmets work, but inline skate helmets have a little more on the back of the head. I started with the thick bad boys. I should have been rolled up in a mattress. Top
Is there any way to stop besides the brake?
Several ways to stop without the brake and without crashing or crashing into something: spin stop, hockey stop, power stop, t stop, curl stop, and the knee stop (only if you have pads on). Top
When do I rotate my wheels?
How much and how hard you skate will determine this. Easiest way is to look at the wheels. If they are wearing on the inside enough to where you can see it then they are ready. Make sure to look at all the wheels. Top
How much should I practice?
You should practice as much as possible if you’re looking to become efficient at skating. The more you practice, the quicker you will feel more comfortable on your skates. Usually practice two to three times a week for 45 minutes or longer. Top
Where is a good place to learn & practice?
When you’re starting out, you should always practice in a smooth, flat, non-congested area. As you get better, you can start looking around for pathways and skate parks. For beginners, a good place to practice is tennis courts or basketball courts at elementary schools and churches. They all seem to have fairly flat and smooth parking lots, as well as the courts. Some schools, churches, etc., will not let you practice on their property due to liability, but it never hurts to ask and see if you can practice there. Top
What do I do if I approach a hill?
If you’re approaching a big hill, you should start your braking right away before you build up a lot of speed. If you get out of your comfort zone, and start going too fast, it will be hard to use your break, so make sure that you use your brake at the very top of the hill and keep it on until you reach the bottom. The next time you approach the same hill, maybe try to brake a little later, but never wait until you’re going too fast to try your brake on a new hill. Top
My pads smell bad, do I need new ones?
No, you don’t need to buy new pads. You just need to let them air out after you skate. They will start smelling after a few months, and I’ve found from my personal experience that after washing them in a sink or tub with soap, water, and apple vinegar, the smell will be almost completely eliminated. Also, check your local grocery store for any of the new antibacterial products that might work. I like apple vinegar. Top
Why do kids learn faster?
Not all kids learn quickly, but the majority do. I have found that kids do not worry about falling and getting hurt and having to go to work the next day, or pay for the insurance payments, whereas we adults are constantly thinking of the consequences if we get injured. Kids are also more resilient and used to falling down and playing in the dirt, so it doesn’t scare them quite as much as us adults. Top
Are there butt pads?
Yes, indeed. Hockey players use them (Girdles). They are bulky and big but they will give you peace of mind knowing that your butt is protected. Also, snow boarders have a tailbone protector that you can slip in your pants to help the impact if you fall. Not as big as the hockey equipment but still gives you some protection. Still you should always try to fall forward the proper way. Bootie busters hurt even with pads on. Top
When I get good enough can I skate without pads?
Well, I say no. From all the classes, students and personal experience, I have seen that as you get better you might not crash as often but when you do you are usually going a lot faster or trying something new which tends to lead to a bigger, more spectacular crash. And let me tell you if you don’t have those pads on you will notice. I have crashed with and without pads on and they might not be comfortable or the coolest looking things to wear, but boy they really work! This includes helmets. Always wear them all--helmet, wrist guards, kneepads, elbow pads. No matter how cool you are, wearing the pads greatly reduces the risk of injuries. And it’s hard to be cool sitting at home healing up some scabs. Top
Are cycling helmets OK for skating?
Yes, they are just fine. The main difference between a skate helmet and a cycling helmet is that a skate helmet has more padding on the back of the head. Now if you are crashing a lot on your head you might want to make sure you have a skate helmet. But overall, just having a helmet on is awesome. They really work, just like the pads. Top
