Inline & Roller Skate Equipment

Answer 1

Inline skating and roller skating are fun ways to burn major calories, and can even be a great alternative to cars and bikes when it comes to getting around. Whether skating is a hobby, or your chosen method of transportation, the right equipment can make it safer and easier in the long run.

The most important piece of skating equipment is the skates themselves! Choosing the right skates is like choosing the right shoes. The perfect skates should never be uncomfortably tight, nor should they be so loose that your foot moves around inside them. A snug fit is optimal for a safe ride and to prevent blisters. It shouldn't be hard to find a store in your city that carries both inline skates and roller skates, and most of these retailers have an indoor skate area for you to test the merchandise. Make sure that you try out a pair of skates for a least a few minutes before buying them to get a good idea for how they feel. Also, don't be shy about trying on as many pairs of skates as you want. Inline skates come in various models, with buckles, laces, and ankle cuffs that vary in height and stability. You won't know what you like until you know all of your options! If you're looking for roller skates, roller skating rinks often have skate shops that carry a wider variety than you may find anywhere else.

Protective gear is a must no matter what kind of skater you are. Protective padding for both inline skating and rolling skating is essentially the same, and should be easy to find. A helmet is the most important piece of protective equipment, and you should never skate without one. The hard exterior of skate helmets can come in a variety of materials, and the interior is usually a cushy foam that absorbs force if you fall. Most helmets also have an adjustable chin strap, and both adult and children's sizes are available.

Protective padding is also essential to both inline skaters and roller skaters. Knee and elbow pads are basic protective elements, and shield the joints that are most vulnerable. Most people react instinctively to a fall by holding out their arms, which exposes the wrists to injury. Wrist guards help to prevent this, and investing in a pair can save you from a painful sprain. For daring skaters attempting tricks or speed skating, other types of protective equipment like shin, ankle, and even mouth guards can be added to help keep yourself injury free.

The right skates and protective gear can last a long time, and will get you on the road to becoming the safest skater possible.