Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between inline skating and rollerblading?
Inline skating is the official term for the sport commonly known as “rollerblading” or “blading”. Rollerblading is the commonly misused term for the sport due in large part to the inline skate manufacturing company Rollerblade. Contrary to popular belief, Rollerblade was not the first company to manufacture inline skates. They were however, the first company that managed to popularize inline skates and the sport. Their success in the market was so great that they were the only company in the inline skate industry for a long time. With a lack of competition, Rollerblade was naturally the market leader. This ultimately led to the generic use of the term “rollerblading” when referring to the sport of inline skating, despite the entrance of other manufacturers to the market years later. Similar examples of its generic use would be the use of Kleenex, Coke, or Xerox.
I have learned how to slow down, now how do I go faster?
The key to going faster is to continue learning how to slow down. You know how to slow down, but the faster you go, the more difficult it is going to be to stop. Therefore, you must learn new techniques while continuing to refine those that you already know. Until you can fully master slowing down, your mind will limit how fast it will let you go on skates.
One great way to learn new techniques, of both stopping and skating is to watch experienced skaters. Upon your observations you will quickly notice that they rarely have both skates on the ground at the same time. Independent leg action is something you’ll master over time, but it is one of the key components to skating faster. You can practice independent leg action by simply seeing how long you can glide on a single skate. Once you can glide on a single skate for more than 30 seconds (both left and right legs, not just one!), you will be well on the way to skating faster.
In addition to independent leg action, you will also notice via your observations that almost all of the side-to-side motion is happening below the waist. If you can eliminate any twisting motion in your shoulders and keep your shoulders square to your direction of travel, you will find greater balance, increased confidence, and faster speeds. If you must move your arms, move them forward and back. Crossing patterns with your arms will, in all likelihood require you to twist your shoulders. Relax the muscles in your lower back to allow your upper body to remain quiet.
Finally, observe the stride of experienced skaters. You will notice that the stride is pushing almost exclusively to the side. You will want your stride to do the same. Observe and critique your own stride. Are you pushing more to the side or to the back? Where do you set your skate down at the start of your stride? Is it shoulder width? If it is, try setting your skate down on the centerline of your body. Once you are comfortable with that you can start setting your skate further in beyond your centerline. Lastly, do you flick your toe at the end of your stride? If so, stop. Instead, drive your heel out at the end of the stroke. This will increase your speed as well.
How do I skate backward?
For some, the idea of skating backward is an intimidating one. However it does not have to be. Skating backward requires a certain degree of confidence and of course some coordination. To gain a feel for the process of backward skating, stand in one place and roll your skates back and forth from center edge to inside edge. What this will allow you to do is gain a feel for the edging you need for pushing backwards and moving backward. From an inverted V-stance, push your skates out and back on their inside edges, coming back up on center edge as they come together in a V, heels touching. Stop, and then roll forward on inside edges until you return to your original inverted V-stance. Repeat until you are comfortable.
Once you are comfortable moving from edge to edge in a backward fashion, you can then begin experimenting with the most comfortable way to gain speed and also make turns while skating backward. In all likelihood your skating technique will naturally adjust from a repetitive bulge (illustrated above) to a wavy-type skating style.
When should I rotate my wheels?
Wheel rotation is a very important aspect of inline skating, so we cannot emphasize enough the attention you should pay to your wheels and the overall maintenance of your skates. Wheel rotation schedules will vary depending on the type of inline skating you do, as well as the frequency of your inline skating excursions. As a general rule, rotate your inline skate wheels whenever there are any signs of uneven wear. Uneven wear of your wheels not only makes the skating experience less enjoyable, but it shortens the life of your wheels. For some skaters the wheel rotation schedule may be every two or three months. However, if you skate frequently, several times a week each month for example, your rotation schedule may require wheel rotation more than once each month.
What is an ABT brake?
ABT brakes are one of the many innovations that have come from inline skate leader Rollerblade. Designed for beginner inline skaters, the ABT brake was developed to assist new inline skaters with braking. Unlike most brake systems for inline skates, the ABT system was developed so all four wheels of the braking skate would remain in contact with the ground.
ABT brakes work like this: the cuff of the skate is connected to a braking arm that is pressure sensitive. When pressure is applied on the cuff the connected arm is pushed downwards, initiating contact between the brake and the ground. Applying pressure to the cuff is done by simply sliding the braking skate (typically the right skate) forward. This applies rearward and downward pressure on the skate cuff, initiating the ABT braking process. ABT brake systems are a great asset to beginner skaters due to their simple design and ease of use.
Am I too old to skate?
Well, define old…just kidding! Absolutely not! While this may be a frequently asked question, it hardly qualifies as a question in our book. Skating is everyone sport. It doesn’t discriminate, nor does it playa’ hate! Inline skaters are represented by a vast age range, from toddlers to grandparents, blue-collar workers to retirees. If you are savvy enough to have used the Internet to find this guide, you are more than capable of lacing up some inline skates and hitting the road.
What is Aggressive Skating?
Much like inline skating is a variation of roller skating, aggressive skating is an extension of inline skating. Yet despite being an extension, aggressive skating is not for the faint at heart. Aggressive inline skaters often perform dangerous skating tricks on ramps, quarter and half pipes, rails, and anything else they deem suitable. Aggressive skates are heavier, more durable, and have a grind plate located in the center of the skate chassis between the two front and rear wheels. While aggressive skating doesn’t discriminate or playa’ hate on age either, this sport is certainly popular with the younger crowds. Skaters in this category are very experienced and have come to terms that they will fall…and fall very hard often times.
Are there any health benefits to inline skating?
Most definitely! Inline skating is the perfect recreational fitness activity, offering you all of the cardiovascular benefits of running or jogging, but without the painstaking toll on your knees and joints. Whether you are simply working your legs, or you are continually swinging your arms while skating to gain a maximum workout, inline skating provides significant health benefits. It should be noted that to gain the absolute maximum workout you must keep moving. If you elect to coast, it will diminish the cardio benefits of inline skating.
In addition to the vast number of cardiovascular benefits you gain from inline skating, you also gain from the exposure to fresh air and sunshine. Inline skating is the perfect excuse to get outside and become active. Sure, you can go outside and just sit on the deck, but why not strap on some skates, get in some exercise, and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine of the outdoors?
What equipment, aside from my skates, do I need for inline skating?
Protective equipment is strongly recommended when inline skating, to prevent the potential of injuries that may prove unavoidable. Before hitting the pavement it is recommended that you invest in – and wear – a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards. These items are relatively inexpensive and will save you physical and monetary anguish in the long run.
Tags: ABT, aggressive, blading, brake, questions, rollerblading, skates, skating, wheels
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