Getting into roller skating can be one of the best decisions you make this year. Why?
First of all, rollerskating is so much fun that you may not even realize you are exercising. What could be better than getting into fresh air, rolling through greenery or dramatic urban landscapes? Gliding to your favourite ice cream or coffee shop for a treat? Or roller dancing with friends at a flashy, funky roller rink? Getting your heart rate up as you speed through your favourite bicycle path?
Secondly, skating is good for your physical health. Spend a few hours on some inline skates and your legs and glutes will feel the burn of a solid workout. Your sense of equilibrium and balance will be challenged as you learn to skate, and as you build confidence you can easily break a sweat skating laps or in a park. If dancing is a passion, you will notice that you will be using many different muscles to perform dance moves while skating.
As with many physical activities, roller skating is also excellent for your mental health. You can skate to take a screen break after a long day or morning in front of the screen - why not pack your skates when you go to the office? Skating can also be a social activity if you choose to skate with friends or join a meetup group.
Finally, skating is the perfect activity for most seasons (minus winter, of course, where you'll have to bring out your ice skates). Though Canada often gets a reputation for cold snowy winters, you can easily skate during spring, summer and fall. You have an activity you can literally start by just exiting your front door: as long as you have a paved surface, you can skate! Skates are also much easier to tote around than bicycles: bring them to your favourite park, find an empty parking lot to get some practice time in, or visit a skate park with ramps and rails you can use to do some tricks. And if you do want to skate in the winter, you can always head to your closest roller rink or get into roller derby!
Ready to get into rollerskating? Let's start with the basics.
Canada is a great place to start roller skating, no matter what you think about the weather! Read more on why Canadians are getting into roller skating.
Inline Skating vs. Roller Skating
When you start skating, the first decision you will likely make is whether you will use an inline or a quad skate. What's the difference?
Inline Skates
- Narrow wheels are positioned in a line at the center of the skate.
- Boot tends to be higher for ankle support.
- Designed for longer term wear over long distances
- Can be specific for recreational use, roller hockey or speed skating
- heel brake is at the back of the skate
Quad Skates
- Two pairs of wide wheels placed at the back and front of the skate
- Also known as 'traditional skates'
- Used for roller derby
- May have shorter or higher boot depending on use
- Can be designed for roller derby, artistic dance, or recreational use
- Toe stop at the front of the skate is used for stopping
How much does it cost to get started in rollerskating in Canada? Find out where to shop and how to choose the best equipment
Choosing the Best Inline Skates or Quad Skates
Choosing the right skate for you will depend on how you see yourself using your skates and your goals for skating over the long term. The best thing to do is visit a skate shop where you can discuss your needs and goals with a sales rep that understands the different brands of skates and what they are best suited for. You will also want to try skates on so you can see how they feel on your feet, and what you are most comfortable with.
Brand new skates can be a significant investment, with beginner recreational skates costing anywhere from $75-$350. Consider what you are willing to spend, and what design features are important to you. Try on as many skates as you can, read user reviews, and check out second hand options or rent skates if you are not ready to make a big investment.
Finally, when shopping for skates, don't forget to have fun! There are so many colourful and creative designs for roller skates, so use this investment as an opportunity to express your personality. You can try different coloured wheels, laces, and funky outfits to create your own personal skater style.
Picking roller skates is no easy task, especially with so many options available. Find out how to shop for the very best roller skates.
Are there only Mens Inline Skates?
Skate manufacturers make both mens and women's inline skates, so you will have plenty of options to choose from when you start shopping!
Rollerskating 101
Once you have your skates, it is also important to purchase protective gear to prevent any significant injuries while learning. Keep in mind that falling is common - so don't feel discouraged if you have a few spills! A helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are usually the most essential pieces of equipment to have besides the skates themselves.
You'll also want to start with some basic movements for going forward. Here are some positions that will help any beginner get started on quad skates.
The Safe-T position: this is a position to prevent falling when you are trying to stand still. Place the heel of one foot into the instep of the other foot at a 90 degree angle, using your muscles to hold your feet together.
V-Position: make a slight 'v' shape with your skates, and propel yourself forward by transferring weight from one side to the other.
Ready Position: this position is for cruising and resting. Maintain a narrow stance while keeping your weight on the balls of your feet.
Scissor Position: from the Ready position, shift weight to one side by bending lower in that knee. Roll your other foot forward until the back wheels of the front skate are just in front.
What equipment do you need to start rollerskating? Make sure you have all the supplies you need to get started.
How do I Find a Good Rollerskating Teacher?
If you want to accelerate your learning, finding a good rollerskating teacher is key. Prospective skaters that are lucky enough to live near a roller rink or club may be able to find group classes where you learn how to skate with a good instructor. You may learn, however, that group roller skating classes are not as common as swim or dance classes. For this reason, you will want to consider hiring a private skating instructor.
A good skating instructor will be strong skaters themselves, bringing expertise from their own experiences and practice. They should be patient, accommodating, and motivating. When hiring a private teacher, be sure to ask them what their approach to teaching skating is like, and what a typical lesson might look like. Don't be afraid to ask questions, such as the following:
- How long do you recommend sessions last?
- How often should I practice skating outside of class?
- What is the cost of lessons, and is there a discount for purchasing a block of classes?
- What equipment do you recommend a beginner skater should have?
- What is your previous experience teaching skating to others?
“I’m going rollerskating - what should I wear?” If you finding yourself asking this question, check out our style guide for rollerskaters.
Hiring a Private Skating Instructor
Finding a private skating instructor has a lot of advantages. You can work with the teacher to tailor a specific program for you, or for a group of your friends if you want to learn with a group. With a private skating instructor, you can build your own schedule and meet somewhere that is convenient to both parties. You will have the benefit of individualized instruction and feedback, which will help you to skate with the correct form and posture.
So how do you find a private roller skating teacher? Check out Superprof Canada. Superprof is a site that connects instructors and learners, making it easy for people to learn pretty much any topic in the world. Skating students can find local teachers that can meet in a safe location where lessons can take place. You can browse the site to research the profiles of different tutors, and message them directly through the site to determine who will be the best fit.
Why delay on getting your skate on? Find your private roller skating teacher on Superprof today!
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