Roller skating has become increasingly popular in Canada. Home to some of North America's most inhospitable climates, Canadians rejoice the second the springtime arrives with warmer temperatures and melting snow. While we do love the beauty of winter, there is a collective sense of relief when we can - for a little while at least - pack the parkas and winter boots away for summer clothing, patios, summer travels, and long days by the lake or cottage.
One activity that has started to become increasingly trendy 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. All you need is a pair of skates, a paved surface, and some protective gear!
Skating has had an impact around the world since the invention of skates in Europe in the 18th century. While the first roller skates were not wildly successful, later iterations proved to have staying power and have become iconic emblems of Western culture. Who can forget those vintage videos of fast food drive thrus with skaters delivering milk shakes and burgers? Dancing skaters grooving around roller rinks in the 1970s with glamourous hair and clothing? Perhaps its the skater culture of the 1990s that you remember most.
Today's skaters are in all styles and ages, from roller hockey playing kids to social media trendsetters gliding around the Bentway in downtown Toronto or figure skaters dazzling onlookers on Tiktok. And while skating is nowhere near as popular as it could be, it is sure to become an even bigger phenomenon in Canada as a new generation discovers how fantastic the sport is.
Introducing the next generation to roller skates and blades are parents who are eager to see their kids learn a challenging activity that takes them off the screen and into the outdoors. This article is all about why roller blading and skating is a great activity for children to get into, especially teens. Let's explore the best reasons you should get your kids into skates!
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!
The Best Reasons to Send your Kids to Roller Skating Lessons or Rollerblading Lessons Near Me
Skating Keeps Kids off Screens
It's no secret that excessive smartphone time has its consequences on kids. Smartphones can be socially isolating, expose your child to harmful messaging, or contribute to a sedentary lifestyle. Roller skating or blading is an exciting way to engage your kids in a way that takes them off the screen and into more authentic and active social situations. Best of all, your child will work up a sweat and sleep soundly at night from all the activity!
Roller Sports are Fun and Exciting
Those that roller skate or blade can join exciting sports that are exclusively for skaters, such as roller derby, roller hockey, speed skating, and figure skating. These are sports that may take place outdoors or indoors in rinks. Roller derby, for example, involves teams racing each other for points. Speed skating, usually involving roller blades, will bring kids to a track where they can show off their ability to race quickly.
Skating is a Great Way for Teens to Socialize
Teens are always looking to socialize with one another, and it can be all too easy for them to resort to loitering in public places, watching social media videos or other sedentary activities like eating or streaming videos. With roller skating or blading, teens can connect with each other in a fun and active way! Stylish young people will love integrating fashion into their skating routines, or even creating fun videos for their social media feeds. Better yet, get your teens to ditch the phones and focus on racing or enjoying beautiful weather outdoors.
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.
Skating Is Great for Kids Fitness
Your child's fitness is incredibly important, and the healthy habits they start at a young age will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Making roller skating, sports, or any other physical activity a regular feature of daily or weekly life sets a strong lifestyle practice that, if continued, may prevent them from developing health issues such as obesity. Skating also requires you to use your legs and maintain balance, which are fitness skills they can transfer to other sports. Another bonus: skating is so fun they won't even realize they are exercising!
Your Kids will have a Hobby for Life
Giving your child a hobby or activity they can engage in throughout adulthood is a priceless gift. Think back to your own childhood and the things your parents encouraged you to do: reading, eating home cooked food, maintaining a clean home, sports, running, dance, or even games. What do you still do today? Teaching your kids to skate may give them a hobby they can turn to as adults, when they are feeling stressed or want to unplug from their daily lives and work.
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.
Is it Worth it to Take Roller Skating Classes Near Me?
It is definitely worth it to enrol your child either roller skating classes. Not only will they learn how to skate properly and safely, they will also have an opportunity to meet new friends and build independence! In a roller skating class with other kids, your child will also be able to participate in different games and drills designed for kids to improve their balance and mobility on skates.
Are Rollerblade Lessons Near Me Better?
Depending on what your child is interested in, roller blades may be a better option. Roller blades are slightly different from the traditional quad skate in that they have a single row of narrow wheels inline placed at the center of the skate. They are much sportier in appearance, and are used often in speed skating, roller hockey, and some may even find them easier to use since they are similar to ice skates. The best thing to do is to encourage your child to try both: visit a sporting store and have your kids try both on to see which feels more comfortable.
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.
Are Roller Skating Lessons Near Me Better than Private Classes?
Roller skating lessons are not always easy to find in certain neighbourhoods and towns: unlike activities like swimming or gymnastics, skating classes are not as readily available. Another issue that may come up is the timing of a class. Sometimes classes are not scheduled when you or your children are free, the class may be fully booked, or the location is tough for you to get to at a certain time of day. For this reason, you may find it much easier to arrange private classes.
Private roller skating or rollerblade classes can be arranged with an individual instructor who you may pay by the class or the hour. They will meet with you at times that make sense for you and your family, and work with the specific goals and outcomes you have in mind. If you are an advanced skater, the right private instructor or coach can help you to achieve your personal goals. We will discuss how to find a private roller skating instructor next!
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 a Private Roller Skating Instructor?
Finding a private roller skating instructor is easy with Superprof Canada. Superprof is a site that connects students with teachers of all different disciplines, including roller skating and blading. You can use the site to search for private roller skating instructors in your town or community, and message prospective instructors directly through the site to see if they are a good fit. Use the search tool to browse instructors, and message only those you think might work for your child. If you have a group of interesting students, you may even be able to start your own class series in your neighbourhood!
Get your kids into skates and check out Superprof today!
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