If you're one of the fanatics that may have picked an interest in roller skating from childhood or are simply looking for a fun outdoor activity to engage in this summer, then this article might just be for you. Learning how to roller skate goes beyond putting on your Rollerblades and gliding from your couch to your fridge while holding every visible surface for support. There's much more involved beyond the beginner level, such as crossovers, stops, backward skating, and many other stunts and manoeuvres you could use. Discover the benefits of roller skating.
You could even discover a few manoeuvres of your own while practicing. One thing is certain, though, whether for sport or just as a hobby, rollerskating is a fun activity to engage in.
If you are interested in learning how to rollerskate in Calgary. This post is for you. Learn about roller skating in Vancouver.
Roller Skating vs Rollerblading: Which One is Easier to Learn?
Right off the bat, it is important to be able to distinguish between both terms. While Most people use them interchangeably, roller skating is somewhat different from rollerblading. Both terms also have similarities, however, and they are explained below.
Roller skates and roller blades are both boots with four wheels. However, the differences between both exist with the positioning of these four wheels. With roller skates, two wheels are at the top part of the boot's sole, and two are at the bottom part of the boot's sole providing balance, like on a four-wheeled car.
With roller blades or inline skates, all four wheels are lined in a single row at the bottom of the shoe, like a bicycle —but with four wheels.
It is also important to note that rollerblades are a brand name for a company that specializes in producing these types of shoes.
For beginners taking roller skating classes, it is common to perceive roller skates to be more balanced and easy to use than roller blades. In reality, many adults and children prefer roller blades because they find them easier to use.
The roller skates may have a more balanced frame and base of stability; however, with roller skates, the skater can easily trip over while learning because the roller skate plate is not very extended as with roller blades. In comparison, the skate plate on roller blades is extended past the toes and behind the wearer's heel, while roller skates have a shorter frame that only spans from a few centimeters below the toes to the heel.
See the right techniques for rollerskating.
Also, both pairs of wheels on the roller skates tend to clip to one another, resulting in the skater stumbling or falling over. Hence, beginner skaters learning how to roller skate are always advised to separate their feet to avoid tripping over. This might be difficult for children learning to roller skate because they have smaller legs.
When it comes to choosing between roller skates and roller blades, most people who have previously used roller skates in their childhood may find it easier to use, just like people who may have used roller blades in their childhood may find rollerblades more comfortable.
Both skates, however, require the learner to develop leg strength, core strength, and, most importantly, balance. With time and consistent practice, the muscles and agility required for roller skating and rollerblading will develop, and the learner will find it easy to switch between both types of skating.
Helpful Roller Skating Techniques
Like every other niche in the world, roller skating has helpful techniques and manoeuvres that could be helpful while you learn how to roller skate in Calgary.
Braking with inline skates: With inline skates or roller blades, a heel brake is usually attached at the end of the wheels that can be used to slow or stop movement altogether. Some roller blades, such as the ones used for exhibitions and sporting, don't have these brakes attached. Hence, they have to be installed separately.
When braking with inline skates, skaters slightly raise the foot that is fitted with brakes so that the toe points upwards. This engages the heel brake pad with the ground, ending the skater's motion. For roller skates, the brake pads are replaced with toe stops at the front of the boot that the skater can use by simply dragging one toe behind.
T-stops: A T-stop is an intermediate braking technique that can be used when a brake is unavailable. This technique involves positioning one foot behind the other in a perpendicular position. This way, both skate wheels form a T shape. Once positioned, drag the foot behind while the forward foot is still in motion, slowly applying downward pressure or shifting your weight onto it. This will bring you to a stop quickly. This technique is recommended only when braking is necessary or inevitable, as frequent use can damage skate wheels.
Plow Stops: Performing the plough stop is quite easy. The logic behind this technique is creating an apex point while skating that should bring you to a stop. To do this, separate both legs in motion until they are wider than your shoulders. Ideally, you bend your knees while widening your stance and avoid creating an unusually wide stance.
Next, position your toes in a direction that leads them slightly towards a central point. When you do this, the gap you created with both legs will naturally begin to close.
When both toes are positioned inwards, the skate wheels create friction while rolling; this is how your motion is slowed.
You will need to close the gap between both legs to come to a full stop. This might make you shaky, so it is better to do it slowly while keeping your knees bent. Close the gap by allowing the front wheels to rub against each other slightly, adding more friction that can bring you to a complete stop.
Hockey Stops: A hockey stop is a skating technique to end motion. This technique involves changing the direction of your motion in an abrupt yet diligent manner. With the hockey stop, both your feet turn simultaneously, either leftward or rightward, depending on your orientation. This manoeuvre is mostly used for roller derby or jam skating. Maintaining balance while making this manoeuvre is vital to avoid tripping over. Hence practice is essential.
Crossovers: Crossovers while skating are mainly used for changing directions and manoeuvring corners while maintaining speed. This technique involves balancing on one foot while stepping over the standing foot in a new direction. Balance is easily transferred onto the next foot after stepping over while pushing out the previous standing foot and then replacing it in its right position but facing the new direction.
You can practice a cross-over on a smooth flat surface by first practicing the single-foot balance. First, without roller skates, then with roller skates, and finally with roller skates in motion. Alternate balancing on both feet for perfection before trying to learn crossovers.
Do you want to skate like a pro? Read this guide.
Other rollerblading manoeuvres include:
- Waltz jumps
- Power Slides
- Bunny Hops
- One-foot turn
- Two-foot spins
Where Can I Learn Rollerblading in Calgary?
If you are keen on taking beginner rollerblading classes in Calgary or you are looking to perfect your rollerblading skills with a roller skate club near you, below are a few options you could find useful:
Calgary Roller Skate Club: With pioneers from Nerd Roller Skates and Free Spirit Dance, Calgary Roller Skate Club is put together to encourage, train and inspire roller skating in Calgary as a fun and healthy activity. With several skating shows and events, including Sunday Skate, the Calgary Roller Skate Club is a great place to hone and express your skating skills.
Alien In-Line: Launched in 1994, Alien In-Line is a skate school in Calgary dedicated to teaching various kinds of skating to students worldwide. Alien In-Line offer skating programs from beginner skate classes to advanced skate classes. With certified instructors, Alien In-Line allows students to take roller skating lessons nearby while applying appropriate safety measures and promoting fun.
Superprof Tutorials and Online Classes: The internet can be accessed by almost anyone from anywhere and Calgary is not an exception. With many online resources available, you can learn rollerblading in Calgary right from the comfort of your home space. Most tutors on Superprof offer a virtual learning option that can be accessible in Calgary. Superprof also offers rollerblading classes where students are taught the fundamentals and advanced lessons in rollerblading from the comfort of their homes.
Final Thought
In conclusion, you can learn how to roller skate anywhere in Calgary. There are a lot of options available for this. Having a sibling or friend who's already an expert in rollerskating can boost your chances of learning to rollerskate quickly. Rollerskating is an outdoor and indoor activity that is fun, healthy, and low risk. It is important to wear necessary safety equipment while learning to roller skate to avoid minor injuries when you trip over.
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