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In-line skates were first invented for use by hockey players in order to train in the off season but it wasn't until about 1991 that companies saw the growth potential of the in-line design and turned it into the billion dollar industry it is today. In-line skating quickly become an international sport that can be enjoyed by all ages and people from all walks of life. Skating is a low impact sport that makes it an excellent aerobic exercise providing a strength-training tool, cardiovascular, fat and calorie burning workout.
In-line skating can be found everywhere, from streets and parks, boardwalks, industrial parking lots, outdoor running tracks, bicycle paths, indoor and outdoor running tracks and was a exhibition sport at the 1996 Olympic Games!
Blading can be a great recreational sport but you should start with learning the basic moves, stopping techniques and special turns that can help your blading experience be safe and more enjoyable.
Before starting to learn any blading skills you will want to use protective gear. You will need the following equipment:
Wrist Guards
Skid Pad or Driving-Glove Wrist Guard
Knee Pads
Helmet
Elbow Guards
Recreational or Fitness In-Line Skates
STARTING POSITION
All new positions should be practiced on a grass surface or carpeted area until you feel comfortable with the movements. To perform the "Starting Position", stand with your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder width apart. If at any time you start to loose your balance, return to the starting position putting your hands on your knees and bending slightly forward. This will help you maintain your balance as well as avoid falling backwards. This stance is also known as a "glide"
By using a right push, glide, left push, glide rhythm you can start to get a feel for in-line skating. When your foot pushes off you should feel your ankle press against the tongue of that skate. If your knees are not adequately bent you will not be able to get enough power for a good push off so check your stance often.
BEGINNERS STOP
Knowing how to safely slow down and stop is an important step in skating. You can slow down by bringing your legs into a comfortable glide position and slowly bring them to slightly wider than shoulder length apart. Point your toes inward and stay in this position until you slow down.
Almost all in-line skates have a heal brake mounted on the right skate. The best way to slow yourself down is to use this break. Start with your break foot slightly in front of the other foot so that your braking foot is opposite the toe of your other foot. With your knees bent and your head up, lift the toes slowly so that the heel brake can touch the ground. Hold this position while you glide, your feet will remain about 4-6 inches apart. Next, assume a sitting position in the air while you apply pressure to your heel brake and stop.
TURNING BASICS
Basic turning positions are necessary for exploring most any terrain. To make a parallel turn stand with your feet about 4-6 inches apart and lean your knees and ankles to your right. Your left skate will be balancing in the inside edge. Your right skate will be on its outside edge. Look over your right shoulder and allow your upper body and hips to follow in making the turn. Practice this basic turn before attempting a cross-over turn or stationary cross-over.
When you get more advanced in your turning ability you can practice a basic slalom and figure eight to strengthen turning techniques.
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