by XEC

Created on: February 21, 2009

A person who wants to learn to roller skate must do some preparation before they "lace up." The first thing they need to do is pick a skate. There are many varying skates, such as skates for roller hockey, skates for speed skating, or plain recreational skates. You must try to think of what you'll be doing most on the skates, then make your decision.

Picking a skate is very similar to picking a shoe, except you may want a tighter fit. Also, remember that some skate companies, such as CCM, Bauer, or Easton are made on a smaller grade. So if your a size 10 in shoes, you'll be around an 8.5 in skates. I would recommend buying new, because older skates seem to wear much easier, and a pair of skates lasting 15 years is better than 15 pairs of skates lasting one year. I would also recommend buying waxed laces because they are easier to grip and you'll be able to tie your skates tighter. Always remember to wear knee pads, elbow pads, and especially a helmet. Sure you may look a little goofy, but you'd look a lot goofier with scabs on your elbows and knees. This protective equipment can be found at any skateboarding shop in the U.S.

Skating alone is a bad idea, especially if you cannot keep your balance yet. Usually a friend will be more than willing to skate with you. Try to avoid going down steep hills since you cannot stop on rollerskates. You will want to learn the basic technique of balance and skating before you go on any treks by yourself.

Balance-keep you feet about shoulder width apart, and practice standing on one skate and then alternating to the other skate. This is how you will propel yourself and is the basic technique taught by a good skating teacher. You'd want to practice this technique and perfect it. (Do this on grass) Push off one skate to help yourself gain momentum and just practice keeping your balance and alternating the foot you push off with. Eventually, you'd be able to do this so fluidly that you can keep going in a loop.

The key to skating is balance. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll be in your skates, and the more balance you'll have. You'll gradually become faster. Don't worrying about winning any races for now, but eventually if you keep to the basics; you'll be skating circles around everyone.

(All of these concepts can also be applied to ice skating and the basic skating techniques in both of these activities are exactly the same.)

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