When summer arrives it is no secret that Canadians are absolutely thrilled: after months of long and cold months, heat and sunshine is much needed. With the summer months comes a renewed need to spend time outdoors. Canadians know how amazing it is to be outside without the obstacles of snow, ice, and the need to "bundle up" in layers of winter clothing. It is truly liberating to explore bike paths and streets on roller blades or skates!
With so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Canada, you may be wondering why you would choose roller skating or rollerblading at all. This article explores the best reasons to choose rollersports. Here are the top reasons to get into roller skating or blading!
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.
The Best Reasons to Get into Roller Skating or Blading
Exercise in a Fun and Easy Way
Once 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. You simply head out your front door, and hit the pavement! If you are just learning how to skate or blade, you may want to start by practicing on a quiet street or an empty parking lot. Do you already have some roller skills? Plan a route and just start moving. You'll not only become more physically fit, but enjoy all the sun and fresh air the outdoors has to offer.
Have a New Form of Transport
We all know how great walking and cycling are for getting from A to B, for running errands, or even getting to work. Once you develop strong roller skills, you will have a new way to get around. Roller blading or skating to get around is not only good for your health, but good for the environment. You will not be burning fossil fuels as you would by driving, and you can save money on expensive fuel.
Socialize with Friends
Socializing is a great reason to get into roller blading or skating: it is much healthier to spend time with friends or loved ones while engaged in movement! Why not invite your other roller skating friends to meet up for a skate, a coffee, or an ice cream cone? This is the perfect activity for nearly any age, and will add variety to your social life.
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.
What is the difference Between Roller Skating Classes and Rollerblading Lessons?
While roller blading and roller skating sound quite similar, there are some significant differences between both types of activities that are important to understand if you are choosing one or the other.
Roller skating has a long history dating back to the 18th century, when a primitive form of inline skates was invented by a Belgian inventor named John Joseph Merlin. While his invention was not very successful, a more modern version emerged in the mid 1800s with the quad configuration of roller skates that we often see today. The quad skate gained popularity since they were much easier to move around in, and roller skating became a fashionable pastime as roller rinks started to appear.
Roller skates still consist of a boot with 4 wheels that are placed in a quad formation, with 2 wheels parallel to the other two. These skates have a traditional look and feel. Roller blades, on the other hand, consist of a boot with narrow wheels set in an inline formation. Invented in the 1970s, roller blades were developed for hockey players to use for practice in the off season. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, rollerblading gained significant popularity and is currently enjoyed by millions around the world.
Taking roller skating lessons will differ significantly from roller blading because the wheel formation makes it a slightly different activity. Roller skates are typically used in rinks, though some are designed for outdoor use. In a roller skating lesson, you may learn how to move forward, backward, make turns, and possibly even learn some figure skating moves. Roller blading lessons, on the other hand, may involve spending more time outdoors, and can seem like more of a "fitness" than a "fashion" activity (though you can be both stylish and sporty if you choose to be so!). Depending on the purpose of the class - basic movement, racing, or roller hockey - you will find lots of variation in the lessons or classes you take.
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.
Is it Worthwhile to take Rollerblade Lessons Near Me?
One popular way to learn how to rollerblade is to watch videos and practice independently. While this strategy will save you lots of money, you may find that it requires you be disciplined and focused as you will need to practice regularly to get better. Here are some tips for those who choose to learn roller blading indpendently.
- Make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment to prevent injury (helmet, knee and wrist guards).
- Practice in a safe, smooth paved area free of vehicles.
- Watch a variety "how to roller blade" videos on the internet to get learn basic moves like going forward, stopping, and turning.
- Don't feel discouraged if you fall or feel like you are not learning fast enough!
- If you have a friend that knows how to rollerblade, see if they can help!
If you are struggling to learn independently, or want to see results fast, you may want to consider finding a class or an instructor near you. Skating clubs and rinks nearby may offer classes that will teach you the basics. You may find, however, that there is very little availability in your area or that the classes take place at a time that will not work for you. For this reason, a private skating instrutor can be an excellent option. We will discuss this option in greater detail 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!
What Can I Expect to Learn in Rollerblading and Roller Skating Classes Near Me?
Taking a roller blading or skating class is a great way to get into the sport. But what can you expect to learn in a class?
Roller classes at the beginner level should teach you basic safety guidelines, such as wearing equipment appropriately and knowing when it is time to replace your wheels. You should also learn how to fall safely to minimize injury, move in different directions, turn, stop, and skate at a pace that is comfortable for you! Before starting with any class ensure that you will learn things that will help you to skate safely and confidently.
How do I Find Roller Skating Lessons Near Me?
Finding a roller skating or roller blading class can be tricky. Skating classes are not nearly as readily available as classes such as swimming, dance, or other sports. You may find that you need to join a club, drive or take transit out to a rink, or find an individual that teaches classes to groups. Group classes can also be tricky in that you will have to follow the schedule of the class, which may conflict with times of work or other events you have going on in your life. This is another reason having a private roller skating or roller blading instruction is an ideal option.
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.
Where Can I Find a Private Roller Skating Instructor?
Private roller skating or blading lessons are excellent for those who want to accelerate their learning, prefer individualized attention, and do not want to be constrained to a specific schedule or time. Private instruction will also help to ensure that your goals are met, whether you are an advanced skater or just putting on your first pair. A private instructor can work with your individual needs, and teach you at a pace that is comfortable for you.
To find a private roller skating instructor, look no further than Superprof Canada. Superprof is a site that connects instructors of many different subjects and disciplines with students who want an alternative approach to learning. To find a private skating instructor, visit the site and use the search tool to find roller skating or roller blading instructors in your area. You can browse profiles of different instructors, and contact only those that you think will be a good fit.
Why wait to skate? Find a skating instructor on Superprof today!
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