Common Roller Skating Mistakes

by admin Recreation

Roller skating is a classic element of American culture that people of all ages can enjoy. It is arguably one of the country’s most popular pastimes and can be an effective form of exercise as well. That said, in order to fully enjoy roller skating, there are certain safety precautions and steps one should take to ensure that they have a positive experience when they lace up a pair of skates. If you are considering grabbing a pair of inline skates to start a new skating hobby, take a look at this guide that can help you avoid making common roller skating mistakes that can impact your experience.

Why Go Rollerskating?

Roller skating and inline skating are two thrilling activities that combine the best in recreation and sports. If you want to stay fit and have fun at the same time, engaging in these activities might be just what you are looking for.

Common Roller Skating Mistakes

There are a number of common roller skating mistakes that can threaten a newcomer’s enjoyment of this pastime. Staying aware of these mistakes can help you enjoy this activity at a higher level from the get-go.

Overspending on Gear

One common mistake that many beginning skaters make is that they tend to splurge on costly equipment before they know whether they actually like the sport. Instead, you should try to purchase gear that lands at the intersection of affordability and functionality while you decide whether rollerskating is a sport for you.

Not Wearing Protective Gear

Not wearing protective gear is one of the biggest mistakes one can make when they are just learning to roller skate. It is such a crucial mistake because when you are just beginning the sport, there is a solid chance that you will fall quite frequently. If you want to fall safely without suffering numerous injuries while you roller skate, then you will need the proper protective equipment to ensure your safety. Common types of roller skating safety equipment include:

  • Helmets
  • Knee pads
  • Elbow pads
  • Wrist guards

Rushing Yourself

Another common mistake that beginning roller skaters make is to rush into the more advanced aspects of the activity without first learning the fundamentals of the sport. Being impatient is another common way to suffer an accident and sustain injuries.

Rather than trying to do complex tricks immediately after starting the sport, you should instead try to learn some of the roller skating fundamentals, including building a sense of balance. You can employ some of the following techniques to build this skill:

  • Learning and practicing a proper stance on a flat surface
  • Strengthening your leg muscles
  • Keeping your center of gravity low
  • Looking up and taking advice from more experienced skaters

Choosing the Wrong Environments

Another typical misstep new skaters make is trying to learn the basics on rough or unforgiving terrain. Certain surfaces are easier or more challenging to learn on than others. You should try to select surfaces that are smooth and flat when you begin your skating journey. One example would be a basketball court, which has a flat, even surface.

Attempting to learn on an uneven surface or a busy street with multiple hazards is another way of inviting accident or injury into your life.

Using the Wrong Wheels

Selecting the correct wheels is another crucial element for ensuring safety and fun during roller skating. Part of this is knowing which type of wheel would work well for the type of environment that you are going to learn in. Most beginners will attempt to learn how to rollerskate in environments that are flat and smooth, which harder wheels are well-suited to.

Learn Which Type of Skates Work for You

Part of having a good time when you are just learning to roller skate is determining what exact type of roller skating you would like to engage in. People generally agree that there are two primary types of skates that both beginners and veterans can use:

  • Inline Skates: Inline skates are known for having four wheels in a row. These types of skates are built for competitive athletic events and offer users a wide range of flexibility in terms of the activities in which they can participate.
  • Quad Skates: Quad skates are beginner-friendly skates that offer a greater sense of stability for new skaters. These skates typically go slowly compared to inline skates and are easy to control.

Both inline and quad skates can be further specified to be adjustable. We recommend adjustable skates for children who are still growing because they can be adjusted to fit growing feet.

Your Resource for All Things Rollerskating

Crazy Skates is a reliable retailer for individuals of all ages who are interested in skating. If you are in the market for inline skates for kids or adults, visit Crazy Skates to get your equipment and begin your skating journey.