So you've decided to take up rollerskating - where to even begin?
Rollerskating is one of the coolest fitness activities right now and it's easy to see why. First of all, rollerskating is fun and doesn't even feel like exercise. A quick search on social media will show you pictures of rollerskaters dancing and turning effortlessly as they glide down oceanside trails or colourful rinks. Roller skating also happens to be fashionable, with trendy retro style skates becoming increasingly popular choices for skaters that will pair their skates with colourful clothing and fun accessories. Roller skating also happens to be an excellent way to get out of the house and into some fresh air: a perfect alternative to walking or running. Finally, roller skating is also a fantastic social activity - you can skate with friends at the park or at your local roller rink.
Convincing yourself to start skating is easy; but how do you choose the roller skates that will be right for you? What equipment will you need? Where should you make your purchase? If these questions have crossed your mind, you have come to the right place. This article is all about choosing the best pair of skates for you. Let's get started!
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.
What are the Different Types of Rollerskates?
When you decided to take up roller skating, you probably had a specific vision in mind. Perhaps you see yourself as a sporty skater with slick fitness gear and a streamlined set of roller blades. Maybe you see yourself in colourful, funky traditional quad skates in ripped jeans and a vintage t-shirt. Perhaps your vision is completely different from both of these, or maybe you just want to find skates that fit! However you see yourself, you will need to determine whether or not you want quad or inline skates, and also whether you will skate indoors or outdoors.
Though it is easy to buy skates online, you should make an effort to try skates on so you can see how they feel on your feet. Ideally, you should also get the help of a knowledgeable sales person who can provide valuable insights on what other customers like and what a well-sized pair of skates should feel like. Make time to visit a sports or skate store where you can test different types of skates out. You can also rent skates for a short period of time at skating clubs and rinks, which will give you a sense of what you like and don't like.
Let's go through some of the different types of skates.
Are you thinking of purchasing your first pair of skates and are not sure whether to go inline or quad? Learn more about what the main differences are between inline and quad skates.
Outdoor Skates
Outdoor skates are made for uneven terrain and can have a high or low boot. They are 'quad' style (four wheels on the bottom) The wheels on outdoor skates are meant to support you on a wider variety of surfaces, so they are typically softer to support a smoother ride.
Indoor Skates
Indoor roller skates have higher boots to support your ankle for artistic movements. Also called traditional skates, artistic skates, or recreational skates, indoor skates have narrower wheels so you can turn easier. Wheels are quad style.
Roller Derby Skates
These skates are designed specifically for athletes that might skate in a roller derby. They have a more athletic look, and are built to move quickly and make sharp turns.
Inline Skates
Inline skates, also known as 'roller blades' are designed primarily for those who want to exercise outside. Boots have a high top to support the ankle, and they are built to wear for longer periods of time. Inline skates come in different varieties. Some are made for racing, and are designed aerodynamically with easy to change wheels. Roller hockey skates are quite durable, and designed to handle more physical interaction.
Where Can I Find the Best Rollerblades or Best Rollerskates?
To find the best rollerblades or rollerskates, you. will want to visit a store with high quality skates or fitness equipment. To get knowledgeable service, a boutique skate store with a focus specifically on skates will be an excellent place to start. These shops will typically have staff that skate themselves, and have a good understanding of the benefits and downsides of each skate. Here are some of the main skate retailers in Canada's major cities.
Toronto
- Nitro Skates
- Shop Task Skates
- Pro Skaters Place
Vancouver
- Rollergirl
- Shop Task Skates
Montreal
- Boutique Rollin
- Lowlife MTL
- Boutique Solo Inline
Larger sports stores like Sport Chek will also carry skates, and you will certainly find plenty of options online. For a discount, you can also check secondhand stores or sites like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. Alternatively, you can shop online easily for skates: many skate stores have a virtual stores, and you will find plenty of options on Amazon. If you do buy skates online, make sure you do your research to ensure that you are buying the right size and read all the user reviews you can. You might even consider purchasing 2 different sizes and returning the one that fits best.
“I’m going rollerskating - what should I wear?” If you finding yourself asking this question, check out our style guide for rollerskaters.
What is the Difference Between Men Rollerskates and Rollerskates Women?
In most cases, the main differences between mens and womens skates will be the design and size range. In some cases, brands may make a skate specific for a woman's foot, but if you find a design that fits well and works for you, then you shouldn't let the gender on the box determine your purchase.
Are there Outdoor Rollerskates?
Yes - there are specific skates for outdoor use. Recreational roller blades in particular are generally geared for use outdoors, and the wheels are designed to create a smooth carriage over uneven terrain. You can also find traditional quad skates for outdoor use, though they may not be as comfortable as inline skates for going over long distances.
What equipment do you need to start rollerskating? Make sure you have all the supplies you need to get started.
Learning to Rollerskate
Once you have picked the perfect pair of skates, it is time to consider how you will achieve your skating goals. There are three main options for learning how to roller skate: independent learning, group classes, or individual instruction.
How much does it cost to get started in rollerskating in Canada? Find out where to shop and how to choose the best equipment.
Where Can I Take a Rollerskating Class?
Rollerskating classes can be surprisingly difficult to find in most neighbourhoods. Rollerskating is a relatively new phenomenon, and it is simply not as common to find rollerskating classes as other activities like swimming or dance. If you are lucky enough to find a rollerskating club or class offerings, they can be the perfect way to meet new friends and learn how to skate with a group. Start by checking your area for roller rinks: they often offer classes in a safe, indoor environment. If your search does not yield many results, you may want to consider learning independently or hiring a private skating instructor, or a mix of both.
Learning how to skate independently is easy thanks to the plethora of Youtube videos on the topic. These videos can teach you the basics of what kinds of safety equipment you should purchase, how to move forward, how to use your toe stops to stop skating, and how to take turns.
To supplement your independent learning, you should seriously consider hiring a private skating instructor from Superprof. A private instructor can give you feedback on your form, work with you to learn how to skate backwards and forwards, and any other goals you want to achieve as a skater. They can meet you at a time that is convenient for your schedule, and can work with you for as long or as little as you need. They can design a program that is suited exactly for your needs and goals as a skater.
To find a skating instructor on Superprof, simply use the search tool on the site. You can browse prospective tutor profiles quickly and easily, and get a sense of who might be a good fit for you. Use the site to message different tutors to get a sense of their availability and determine whether or not you want to work with them.
Why wait to skate? Find a private skating instructor on Superprof today!
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