Tag roller skating tips

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.

Summer is a great time to get outside with your kids. There are several benefits to spending time outdoors as a family, including vitamin D, fresh air, and physical activities like roller skating. Roller skating improves cardiovascular health, balance, and coordination. All you need to get started is a pair of skates and some free time. If you want to take your family skating, you need to know the best roller skates for your child. Below, you will find helpful tips so you can ensure your child has a fun summer on wheels.

What Are the Best Roller Skates for Your Child?

Roller skating is an excellent activity for kids. It’s fun and healthy as it offers so many benefits. Social, emotional, and physical benefits come from just a couple of hours of skating each week. As you get started, you may wonder what skates to get your child. Consider the following tips as you navigate the process.

Types of Skates

There are two main types of children’s roller skates: inline and roller skates. Both are great options, and each type has its own unique characteristics. Inline skates have wheels arranged in a straight line. They are fast and easy to maneuver, and they are often used for skating on paths and trails outdoors. 

Quad skates are another great option. Unlike inline skates, quad skate wheels are arranged in a two-by-two configuration. They are great for beginners as they provide stability and balance. Quad skates are often used inside on smooth surfaces.

Get Properly Fitted

Finding the right size skate is vital for your child to enjoy skating. You do not need to go into a skate shop as you can use the company’s sizing chart. This ensures that your child is properly fitted and ready to go once they get their skates. Use something to measure your child’s foot and refer to the company’s sizing chart. Different brands have different sizes, so check with the specific brand you want to buy. If your child is in a growth spurt, consider purchasing adjustable skates so they last a little longer.

Once the skates arrive, have your child try them on. Try the shoes on with skate socks for optimal support. Thicker socks are also helpful in reducing the risk of soreness. The skates should not be too loose or too tight. A good rule of thumb is that they should have some wiggle room. Have your child move around with the shoes to make sure there are no issues.

Special Skates Features

Each child is different, so you may need skates with special features. Certain safety features can help your child skate more easily. Special features may include extra ankle support, durable construction, adjustable skates, and brakes. Consider your child’s needs and filter through the skates with those unique features.

Roller Skate Shop

Getting your child excited about moving their body is essential when they are younger. Children’s health is a direct indicator of their health as they get older, and instilling healthy habits that are fun when they are young is critical. Roller skating is a great way to build memories and keep your child active. 

If you and your family do not have roller skates, check out the selection at Crazy Skates. They are the top roller skating shop with a wide selection of skates and gear. Be sure to grab skates and safety gear as you and your family get started. A helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are helpful. Falls are bound to happen, and safety gear can ensure your child does not get hurt. It also helps minimize any fears they may have as they start skating. 

Wearing the right clothes for the right activities is absolutely essential for enjoying whatever you’re engaging in to the fullest. This is no less true for roller skating, which can apply friction and distress to your ankles and feet if you don’t have the right footwear. What socks should you wear when roller skating?

In particular, wearing vibrant socks has the potential to make or break a roller skating experience. Selecting a good pair can make it so you don’t have to worry about your feet when you’re engaging in this activity.

What Socks Should You Wear When Roller Skating

If you’re a current roller skater, or just someone who’s considering taking it up as a hobby, take a look at what kinds of socks you should wear when partaking in this activity.

Ankle Socks

Ankle socks remain one of the more popular styles of socks for individuals who frequently roller skate. In particular, those who prefer a minimalist style without socks that take up too much space will gravitate towards these socks.

One of the advantages of wearing ankle socks when you roller skate is that there is less bulk around the ankles, which allows for increased mobility. In addition, these types of socks usually consist of less material, which can help keep your feet cool in warmer conditions.

Ideally, you should seek out socks made from moisture-absorbing materials such as polyester and nylon. These materials are also quite breathable, which will prevent you from overheating if you’re the type to engage in athletic activities intensely.

Crew Socks

Crew Socks are another good choice when it comes to roller skating. These types of socks extend beyond the ankles, arriving at the mid-calf, allowing them to offer additional support and coverage to the legs.

One of the advantages of these types of socks is that they offer increased support for the calf muscles, which can help to reduce fatigue while one engages in roller skating. On top of that, these types of socks can be more comfortable for some individuals due to the added comfort and protection that they offer.

If you’re looking to wear these types of socks when you roller skate, then consider selecting some that are made from natural fibers, such as cotton and wool. These materials offer skaters a balance between comfort and performance that can be quite enjoyable.

Knee Socks

Knee socks also may prove the right fit for some individuals when they go rollerskating. In particular, for the more fashion-conscious individual, Knee socks can be popular for those who find that they would prefer a “retro” or vintage-inspired fashion sense when they go rollerskating.

In addition, these types of socks can add warmth and additional coverage for those who might be skating outdoors in colder climates. This coupled with the fashion sense that some find preferable means that you can find many roller skaters utilizing these socks at outdoor arenas in the wintertime.

If you’re interested in wearing these types of socks when you go rollerskating, there’s a wide range of materials that can work for you in this sense, including polyester, nylon, and wool.

Thin versus Thick Socks

Whether you decide to go with thin or thick socks for your roller skating experience will have something to do with your personal preference. Each has its own advantage depending on the style and body type of an individual.

Thin socks tend to be lightweight and breathable, which has the potential to be beneficial for skaters who prefer these qualities in a skate sock. In addition, they tend to be less bulky, which is a preferable quality for those who tend to want to be nimble on their feet when they skate. They also tend to be more comfortable in warmer weather.

On the other hand, thick socks can have increased levels of cushioning and support. This can feel better for skaters who need a bit of extra padding to feel comfortable when engaged in this activity. These socks have the potential to add a level of comfort and stability to one’s ankles and feet when they skate, which can help prevent them from becoming distracted from all of the fun they could be having.  

Your Resource for All of Your Roller Skating Needs

Crazy Skates is your best resource for finding anything you might need related to roller skating and other athletic activities. If you’re interested in shopping for some socks that would work well for you when you roller skate, come visit our roller skating one-stop shop today to check out what we have in stock.