Roller skating is one of the most low key, underrated pastimes for Canadians. While ice skating seems to get all the attention in this northern nation, roller skating seldom gets mentioned though it is a favourite for small town folks and urbanites alike.
And with so many international competitions and events for skilled roller skaters, you could even become famous if you learn how to skate or blade very well. There are, in fact, a number of famous Canadian roller skaters that have made their mark on the world scene. Here are a few notable Canadian rollerskaters you may or may not have heard of.
- Eric Arakawa: Canadian inline speed skater who has represented Canada in numerous international competitions, earning multiple medals at events like the Pan American Games and World Championships.
- Mary Elizabeth Monroe: Canadian artistic roller skater who has excelled in roller figure skating. Monroe has represented Canada in various competitions, such as the World Roller Figure Skating Championships.
- Sabrina Wong: Canadian roller derby skater who has played for notable teams such as the Terminal City Roller Girls and Team Canada.
- Tara Steen: Former Canadian artistic roller skater who won multiple national and international competitions, such as the World Roller Figure Skating Championships.
So how do you get into roller sports or activities? Does the idea of learning skating sound intriguing? If you have never put on a pair of skates and want to get into the world of roller sports, a great way to start is to hire a roller skating instructor or find local classes. This article will explore everything to do with roller skating classes and finding a roller skating instructor. Let's start by discussing why having an instructor is important.
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.
Why is Having a Roller Skating Instructor Important?
Having a roller skating instructor is important if you are new to the activity and want a safe beginning. If you are a parent with a child learning to skate, an instructor can ensure that your child starts off on the right foot when it comes to safety, using equipment properly, and learning how to move, stop, and fall. A good roller skating instructor can also ignite a passion for skating in the student, and showing exactly why skating is such a fun and thrilling activity.
The Benefits of Taking Roller Skating Classes Near Me
Let's explore the top benefits of learning how to roller skate or roller blade.
Get Fit
Increasing your physical fitness is one of the best reasons to get into roller activities. Skating is an excellent way to build your lower body muscles, and if you can learn to skate with speed you can get a great cardio workout. It is worth noting that the body becomes accustomed to different physical activities like running and walking. Adding a new activity can help your body to burn calories more effectively again, while also building new muscles. Skating will also help you to build your core as your body works to maintain its balance and control on wheels.
Learn a New Skill
Learning a new skill is good for your mental health and self esteem. Once you get the hang of moving with skates on your feet, you will increase your self confidence and gain an entry point into a whole world of activity. Of course, you may choose to stick to skating in your local streets and bicycle paths, but there are plenty of great activities like roller derby and speed skating you can choose to learn should you have the interest.
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!
Have a New Method of Transport
Another great benefit of learning to skate is that you will have a new way of getting around. Instead of driving or taking transit, why not skate to visit a friend or run some nearby errands? Just keep a pair of lightweight shoes in your backpack if you need them! Skating is also an environmentally friendly way to travel that does not require you to burn any fossil fuels.
Spend Time Away from Screens
Many people spend an excessive amount of time on screens for work, and perhaps even more time scrolling through their phone at lunch or when they get home. When we fall into a habit being a little too connected to technology, it is important that we step away from our screens and make time for outdoor time or physical activity - this is especially important for kids and teens. Roller skating lessons is the perfect antidote to getting away from your screens. It's engaging, fun, and will keep your mind occupied as you learn balance and control.
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.
How are Rollerblade lessons near me Different from Roller Skating Classes?
Rollerblading lessons differ from roller skating in the equipment being used. Roller skates are quad style with 4 wheels, with a pair of wheels placed side by side on the bottom of the boot. Roller blades differ from skates in that they constructed with a row of wheels in a line at the center, offering a lower center of gravity and a narrow wheel base, which provides better stability of balance. Blades are well suited for inline hockey, agressive skating, or freestyle skating. By contrast, quad skates are more popular for recreational skating and artistic skating.
In a roller blading class, you will learn slightly different technique. For example, you may learn to use a more forward learning stance, compared to an upright stance you would have on roller skates. Finally, roller skating is more typically practiced on indoor and outdoor surfaces, where as rollerblades are used more for outdoor use.
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. Find out more about the world of roller skating.
Are There Rollerblading Lessons Near Me for Kids?
Roller blading lessons are popular among older kids, especially if they are already avid skaters or hockey players. Roller blading is also an excellent way to keep kids active and engaged, especially during those long summer months with no school. Kids love meeting up with their friends for a skate in the park or the empty tarmac of a school.
You can use your favourite search engine to see if there are roller blading lessons in your community. In most cases, they will be offered by private sports schools and small businesses that serve local neighbourhoods. Keep in mind, however, that skating lessons are not as commonplace as activities like swim or gymnastics, so it can be a challenge to find lessons that are convenient and happening at the right time for your family.
Don't be discouraged if you don't find anything right away - you can always work with a private skating instructor. We will discuss this option next!
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!
Finding Roller Blading Lessons and Roller Skating Lessons Near Me
In the event that you cannot find the right roller skating or blading classes near you, then it is worthwhile to consider hiring a private skating instructor. A private instructor is the best option if there are no classes near you, you want to learn how to skate within a specific time frame and want intensive instruction, or you like the kind of learning that happens in a one-to-one or small group context. With a private instructor, you can take lessons for as long as you see fit, and focus on the skills that you want to learn, whether you are a beginner or advanced.
To find a private skating instructor, visit Superprof Canada. Superprof is a site that you can use to find private instructors in a range of areas, including skating. Use the search tool to find teachers near you: you can browse profiles until you find a teacher that you think will suit your needs. You can message them directly, and coordinate a meeting or a phone call to see if you can make something work.
Why wait to learn how to skate? Find a private roller skating or blading instructor on Superprof today.
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