The weather is warming up and you’re feeling bored. You’ve been watching people skating on social media and it looks like a lot of fun. If they can do it, why can’t you?
Learning to skate as an adult can be scary. You’re no longer as agile as you were as a child, and it takes longer for you to heal from injuries. That said, if you’re determined, you should give it a try!
We’re here with a few roller skating tips to help you get started. Read on to learn more.
1. Choose the Right Skates
The first step of learning how to skate is buying your first pair of skates! Choose carefully.
When people talk about roller skating, they’re usually referring to quad skates. Those are the skates that have four wheels in a square shape. You could also get roller blades which have the wheels in a straight line.
There are pros and cons to both styles, so it’s in your best interest to try both unless you’re already drawn to one or the other. It may also be a good idea to start with secondhand skates so you can get a feel for them before dropping a lot of money.
Make sure that you know how to maintain your skates to keep them in good condition. As an example, here’s a guide on how to clean your bearings: https://www.rollerskatedad.com/how-to-clean-roller-skate-bearings/.
2. Always Wear Protective Gear
Never assume that you’re too cool or skilled for protective roller skating gear. Anyone can have a serious fall, and you want to be protected when and if that happens.
At the very least, you’re going to need a helmet. A serious fall could end in a head injury.
It’s a good idea to invest in knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards as well. Many people underestimate the importance of wrist guards, but until you learn how to fall correctly, it’s likely that you’ll be putting out your hands to protect yourself. Wrist guards will protect you.
3. Stay In a Squat Position
Don’t make the mistake of trying to stand up tall when you’re skating! Yes, there are some people who can stand and even dance while they’re on skates, but you want to keep your center of gravity as low as possible as a beginner (and even once you find your footing).
This should help you stay balanced and prevent falls. If you do fall, you’ll be closer to the ground. Bonus: skating in a squat position is great for your thighs.
4. Learn How to Fall
Did you know that learning how to fall is just as important as learning how to skate when it comes to roller skating for beginners? If you know how to fall the right way, falling won’t be scary anymore. It will also be far safer.
Yes, your intent should always be to stay upright, but sometimes falls are inevitable.
The best way to fall is to drop to your knees when you start to get unstable. Try to put one knee underneath you and steady your other foot on the ground. It’s okay to fall onto both knees and allow yourself to skid (that’s what the knee pads are for).
Try These 4 Roller Skating Tips for Newbies
No, you don’t know how to skate yet, but these roller skating tips will have you rolling in the right direction. Keep them in mind when you’re ready to start taking advantage of the benefits of roller skating!
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