Rollerskating has made a comeback in recent days thanks to the widespread interest in anything "retro" and a cultural fascination with fitness. It's not hard to see why roller skating and blading have had such long term appeal since its inception in the 18th century. Roller activities such as blading and skating bring together elements of sport, fashion, practicality and fitness. Roller derby, racing, and hockey are just a few of the games you can play with wheels on your feet. You can also look fashionable and trendy on a pair of skates for your social media feed or influencer account, get from one place to another without getting in a car or on a bus, and stay fit from a long skate on the weekend or as a regular after work or school activity. Roller blading and skating can fit into our lives in so many ways!
Roller activities also happen to be good for people of all ages, from kids to adults. Kids love putting on a pair of skates and practicing in the driveway or a local park, engaging in a game of roller hockey, or going to a roller rink on a weekend afternoon to socialize with friends in an exciting, screen-free format. For parents, roller skating or blading is a great way to spend time with older kids, walk the dog, or keep the family busy in a way that doesn't involve turning on the TV or a computer.
Still not convinced that roller sports are worth trying? Don't forget that roller activities are perfect for enjoying the outdoor season from Spring to Fall. You can skate pretty much anywhere with a flat, paved surface, so if you have a greenspace or park nearby with long paths you can enjoy skating as one of the most engaging ways to enjoy nature. If you live in an urban environment, skating is a great way to make a trip to the store or subway easy. Carry a pair of sneakers in a backpack, and you have made your commute to work a whole lot more exciting.
If you have been considering getting into roller blading and skating but aren't sure where to start, you are reading the right article. We will explore the history of roller skating and what to consider when taking lessons for yourself or your child.
When you have a pair of roller skates or blades, it becomes very easy to exercise without having to go to a gym or psych yourself up for a workout on a fitness app. Learn more about roller activities!
How Did Roller Skating Classes and Activities Begin?
While roller sports seem like a relatively modern activity, roller skates actually have roots in the 18th century when the first pair was invented in Europe by a Belgian inventor. This early, inline version of the skate did not become immediately popular - it was actually the quad design developed in the mid 1800s by James Plimpton that brought skating its popularity. The quad design, with 2 wheels at the front and back of the shoe, was much easier for users to move around and balance in.
Throughout the 20th century, roller rinks started to appear and skaters would gather at these indoor facilities to socialize, listen to music, and skate under disco lights. Today, you can find countless videos of skaters dancing while moving quickly on wheels to the latest songs. It is also increasingly common to see skilled figure skaters touting graceful moves and jumps on skates on city streets and parking lots.
Roller blading, a close "sibling" of roller skates, became popular as a more physical activity with its invention in the 1980s. Adopted widely by athletes, roller blading has a reputation for being fast paced and modern. Unlike the quad style of skates, roller blades or inline skates usually have durable, narrow wheels in a single row at the centre of the skate, similar to an ice skate. Roller blading is excellent for going longer distances and practicing tricks at a skate park. You can find a wide range of roller blades that have been optimized for speed, lightness, and balance.
With so many international competitions and events for skilled roller skaters, you could be famous if you learn how to skate or blade well. There are many famous Canadian roller skaters that have made their mark on the world scene.
Will I Need Roller Skating Lessons or Rollerblading Lessons Near Me or Can I Learn Independently?
One question prospective skaters often wonder is whether or not they will need a lesson. If you have watched roller skating or blading videos, it can be easy to feel intimidated by seeing skaters that effortlessly jump and glide on different surfaces. Bear in mind, that these athletes and artists have had plenty of practice: it takes years to develop the kind of skills it takes to do artistic moves and dance!
If you have lots of time and are on a tight budget, you can certainly take a "do it yourself" approach to learning roller skating or blading. The first step is to decide which type of skate you want, and to make sure you have the right size and equipment to get started. You will want to have a helmet, knee guards, and wrist guards to prevent any injury! The last thing you want is to feel discouraged by skating at the very start. From here, take the time to watch some videos to learn the basics of moving forward, stopping, and falling safely. Of course, nothing will teach you faster than getting right onto the pavement so you can see how you feel on skates. When learning to skate, start in a safe area like a driveway or empty parking lot of school tarmac. Take it slow, and don't feel upset if you fall a lot! It is all apart of the learning process.
Those that want to accelerate their learning or prefer the structure of direct instruction should definitely take lessons: we will discuss this option in more detail in the rest of the article!
One activity that has started to become increasingly trendy with kids and teens is roller skating. Summer's answer to ice skating, roller skating is a fantastic way to enjoy the Canadian summer whether you are in the city, the suburbs or a small town.
What Will I Learn at Rollerblade lessons Near Me?
If you do decide to take beginner lessons, you can expect to learn a lot about:
- safety on the roads and rinks
- how to move forward and backward
- how to stop
- how to increase and decrease speed
More advanced skaters might learn how to do more sophisticated moves, and you may even find classes that teach you specifically how to skate for roller derby or hockey.
A growing number of Canadians have been more than happy to ditch the ice skates in favour of roller skates. Why abandon the joy and freedom of gliding when the ice melts? The concrete and pavement are the perfect surface to continue practicing those skating skills through roller skating and roller blading.
Is it Worth it to find a Roller Skating Instructor for Kids?
Are you wondering how to get your kids into skating? You may want to consider enrolling them for lessons or getting a private instructor if you are not comfortable teaching them yourself. A private instructor is excellent if you are having a hard time finding group classes nearby. You may even be able to arrange for a private instructor to teach a group of interested kids you know in your community or school to split the cost, or have the instructor teach your entire family.
Since so many Canadians ice skate, switching to wheels is a very natural transition. And even if you don't ice skate, you likely still enjoy the fun and freedom that comes with slipping on a pair of roller skates or roller blades and enjoying the great outdoors!
How Do I Find Rollerblading Lessons and Roller Skating Classes Near Me?
Finding rollerblading lessons and classes is easy: find out if there is a local rink or skating club near you offering classes. There are some disadvantages to taking classes in this way: rinks and skating clubs are not in every community, and you may find that your or your kids' schedule does not align with that of the class.
One great option is to hire a private skating instructor through Superprof Canada. Superprof is a site that connects instructors and tutors with students in so many different fields, including skating. Through the site, you can find a local skating instructor to work with you at a time and a place that makes sense for you and your family! Use the search tool to find someone in your community that teaches skating, and message them directly through the site to see if they will be a good fit. You can have the teacher tailor instruction to your needs and goals, whether it is spinning, learning dance moves, or simply moving forward.
Find a rollerskating or rollerblading tutor on Superprof today!
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