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Inline Skating: Key Skills for Beginners
Mastering inline skating involves establishing a steady stance, mastering braking techniques, executing smooth turns, and learning to fall safely. This beginner's guide covers the essentials for acquiring inline skating skills.
Inline skating is accessible to all ages, regardless of size or age. All you require is a pair of inline skates, appropriate protective gear, and a smooth, traffic-free area to practise. Although the initial learning phase may be challenging, noticeable improvements can be achieved within hours, so persistence is key!
Overview
Establishing a Proper Inline Skating Stance
Bending your knees is crucial for stability on inline skates, as it lowers your centre of gravity, aiding balance.
Ensure your feet remain parallel and directed forward when skating, avoiding inward or outward positions.
With knees bent, feet parallel, and your upper body leaning slightly forward, you can achieve a balanced stance on inline skates.
Watch our instructional video: How to Skate on Inline Skates:
Techniques for Stopping on Inline Skates
Inline skaters can employ either the brake pad or the T-stop to come to a halt.
Brake Pad Method for Inline Skates
To stop using the brake pad, extend the skate equipped with the brake pad, raising the toes until the pad contacts the ground to decrease speed. This method allows for smooth adjustment of rolling speed and gradual stops. Beginners should familiarize themselves with this technique for effective control.
Executing a T-Stop on Inline Skates
The T-stop requires positioning one foot behind and dragging it perpendicular to the front foot for a controlled stop. Successful execution demands balancing on one rolling foot.
T-stops offer braking using just wheels, bypassing the brake pad, which is advantageous since brake pads can obstruct movement. Familiarizing yourself with the T-stop is valuable, enhancing control over your inline skating endeavours.
These braking techniques are detailed in our video guide, How to Stop on Inline Skates:
Techniques for Turning on Inline Skates
To turn, maintain a slight forward lean and bent knees. For a left turn, shift the left foot forward, and vice versa for a right turn. Distribute your weight towards the desired direction and lean your upper body into the curve. Maintaining focus in the direction of the turn can be helpful.
Mastering proper turning techniques can prevent common beginner errors and is beneficial for learning advanced skills like cross-over turns, enhancing your skating proficiency over time.
Safe Falling Techniques on Inline Skates
Ideally, falling forward provides more control, reducing the risk of head or tailbone injury.
If balance is compromised on inline skates, you should:
- Crouch and lean forward: Staying low minimizes impact risks, potentially allowing you to regain control.
- Utilize protective gear: Knee, elbow, and wrist pads absorb impact. If moving at speed, attempt to slide on those pads to avoid scrapes.
Implementing these methods can help prevent injuries, ensuring continuous progress in your inline skating journey.
Selecting the Optimal Inline Skates for Beginners
Regardless of skill level, inline skaters should prioritize snugly fitting and comfortable skates. Beginner inline skates should include a heel brake and provide firm ankle support. The wheels ought to be soft (76A - 84A) and not overly large—84 mm or less for adults with large feet, and below 70 mm for children.
Refer to our comprehensive guides on purchasing inline skates for more insights:
