Rollerblading is a popular outdoor activity.Similar to ice skating, it involves gliding on skates that have a series of wheels set in a straight line.Rollerblading can be difficult to get used to at first.It is an enjoyable pastime that will allow you to stay active and have fun.
Step 1: Wear safety equipment.
It's a good idea to wear a helmet and knee and elbow pads.If you want to break your fall without hurting yourself, you should get a pair of wrist guards.You should keep your safety gear on the entire time you are skating.
Step 2: Attach a pair of rollerblades.
Press the tongue of the skates against your shins as you slip your feet into the boots.Pull the straps across the front of the boots and through the buckles on the opposite side.The skates need to be tightened until they fit.The skates are too loose if they slide on your feet.They are too tight if they feel rigid or cut off circulation.You need to wear skates in the correct size.Most skates are the same size as sneakers and other shoes.
Step 3: Stand tall.
You can use a chair or a wall to get to your feet.Pull one foot up under you and place both hands on the ground if there is no one else to help you.Be careful not to lose your balance while climbing to your feet.Don't let your feet roll out from under you.Before jumping to concrete, practice standing up on grass or carpet.The plush surface will help the skates.
Step 4: Place your feet together.
You should assume a stance similar to how you stand once you are upright.Don't let your ankle lean one way or the other, stay on top of the wheels.If your toes stray inward or outward while you are skating, your legs will move with them and you will fall down.To balance successfully on rollerblades, you need to make small adjustments to your feet and ankles.Pay attention to the location of your feet.You will go wherever your skates are pointed.
Step 5: Practice crouching and leaning.
This will help you get used to the movements you will be using in the future.Keep your hips and anklets nice and loose by bending your knees slightly.Pick up one foot at a time and balance on one skate once you've got the hang of a few basic leg movements.While skating, you want to keep your center of gravity low.
Step 6: Move to the side of the road.
You have plenty of room to move around when you find a flat, level stretch of ground.Skaters prefer paved surfaces since they allow the wheels to roll smoothly.You can hold onto the rail or wall if you set yourself up close to it.There are good places to learn the basics of in-line skating.When you are taking your first steps, make sure there are no pedestrians, drivers or other people around.
Step 7: Start walking slowly.
Put one foot in front of the other.Next, repeat with the other foot.If you want to avoid putting too much weight on each foot, take baby steps first.You can build up to gliding here.Walk from one point to another without falling down.
Step 8: You can turn your steps into smooth strokes.
Push your foot forward and out if you want to keep putting one foot in front of the other.To begin gliding, transfer your weight over your leg.Lift your skates so that you can set them down for the next stroke.It is possible to turn your back skate at an angle to push against something.By the time you start gliding, you should not be picking up your feet at all.
Step 9: You can maintain your balance by using your upper body.
When you feel yourself tipping, hold your arms out to your sides and make small adjustments.You can bring them down closer to your side once balance is no longer an issue.When skating at full speed, you'll swing them in an alternating rhythm with the movement of your feet, similar to an exaggerated run.If you want your arms to cross over in front of your body, don't bring them up higher than your head.
Step 10: Pick up speed
You can accelerate on rollerblades by doing the same thing you have been doing.If you want to glide over one skate then you have to lean your torso forward, bend at the knees, and pump your legs back and forth.Keep your skates moving in a V formation.You have to skate as fast as you can.It will get harder to control your movements as you go faster.You can change the length of each stride.Some skaters use long, smooth leg motions, while others prefer to take lots of short, quick strides to build speed.
Step 11: You can progress at your own pace.
Don't try to go too fast right away.Take it easy until you get a feel for the movement.You will grow more and more comfortable on your rollerblades with each session.The sessions should focus on a single skill or technique.You can practice starting and stopping during one session, then work on turning during the next.Even if it's only for a few minutes at a time, try to get a little practice every day.
Step 12: You can learn how to fall.
When you lose your balance, lean to one side and let your body collapse, keeping your head away from the ground.Most of the impact will be absorbed by your butt and thighs.If you fall straight forward or back, it could lead to a nasty bruise.It's best to be prepared to react quickly because you won't always see a fall.When you first start rollerblading, expect to fall down.A lot.Once it happens a few times, you will be able to focus on improving your skills and having fun.Don't try to catch yourself with your arms.If you land wrong, there are a lot of small bones in your arms that can break.
Step 13: Lean your body.
Place your feet side-by-side as you start skating.To allow your ankle to flex, shift your weight over the right edge of the skates.Lean to the left to make a left turn.You will be able to change direction with ease if you ride the edge of the skates.The most common steering method used by skaters is the A-frame turn.As you get more comfortable with the motion, tighten the turns as you practice.
Step 14: Pick your feet up.
If you find it hard to change direction, you can give yourself some help by arching your other skate around to follow the lead of the one on the side you want to go.It's a good way to get used to high-speed turns when you're first starting out.Lift your back wheels, not your front ones.It will be easier to maintain your balance that way.Start tweaking the movement when you can pivot without a problem.
Step 15: The crossover step can be used for sharp turns.
Place one skate ahead of the other on the far side.Push off with your opposite skate if you want to go in a certain direction.Continue this motion until you complete the turn.It's possible to take sharp curves and corners withlapping your feet.Don't let your skates get in the way of each other.It is easy to trip yourself up if you are not careful.
Step 16: The basic stop is practiced.
When it's time to slow down, you should bring your legs together to make them more stable.If you want the brake to stay on the ground, you have to bend your knees and tilt it back.If you dig in too much, you could lose control.The plastic peg on the back of the boot is what most rollerblades have.Some rollerblades have a single brake on the right foot.Some may have brakes on their heels.Extreme sports skates have no brake at all.
Step 17: Go up to the hockey stop.
The hockey stop is used by advanced skaters.If you want to do it, plant one foot in front of your body.Turn the other foot so that it is parallel to the back foot.The rapid change of direction will allow you to die instantly.Most of your weight should be over your front foot, with your upper body leaning back to avoid pitching forward.The movements need to be done quickly.If you don't, you'll just throw yourself into a spin.The hockey stop is a high-level technique.Before attempting to learn it, you should already be proficient at gliding, maneuvering and performing normal heel stops.