Rollerskating has a reputation for being a trendy physical activity nowadays. A quick Instagram search of the topic will yield images of retro-inspired roller skates with colourful wheels and boots, colour coordinated socks and outfits, and skaters gliding oceanside with palm trees waving in the background. Drew Barrymore brought roller derby to popular consciousness in her movie, "Whip It", and even fashion magazines like Harper's Bazaar declared the "revival" of roller skating after the pandemic left millions looking for new outdoor activities. Roller skating seems to be everywhere!
Before you dismiss roller skating simply as a fashionable hobby, take note that it is one of the most fun and social physical activities you can get into. You can certainly dress however you want, and use the activity for whatever purpose you have in mind, whether it is getting a good workout, moving from one location to another, socializing with friends, doing acrobatic tricks, or getting some great photos for your social media.
If you are new to roller skating and are wondering what kind of gear you need to get started for both fashion and function, you have come to the right place. This article will focus on what you can wear while skating, from protective gear to stylish outfits. Let's start by taking a closer look at what roller skating is.
Rollerskating 101: What is Rollerskating All About?
Roller skating is a recreational and competitive activity where participants wear skates to move on rinks or pavement. Speed skating, hockey, dancing, roller derby, and vertical competitions are different ways you can compete in roller skating. Joseph Merlin, from Belgium, has traditionally been credited for inventing roller skates. Early roller skates were difficult to use, and turning and stopping were practically impossible. In 1863 roller skates received a more practical design using two parallel pairs of wheels, now known as quad skates. These new skates became incredibly popular, and rinks were build in cities across the US and Western Europe. By the 1980s, skates were innovated with light weight plastic wheels that gripped surfaces better. Inline skates in the 1980s also brought renewed popularity to skating, along with improved boot construction that enabled quicker adjustments.
How much does it cost to get started in rollerskating in Canada? Find out where to shop and how to choose the best equipment.
Today roller skating remains a popular activity for fun and sport. While learning to skate will take an investment of time and energy, skating can be done in a variety of places beyond a roller rink. Purchase a pair of recreational outdoor skates or inline skates and transform a regular walk in the park or a bike path without the hassle of strapping a bicycle to your car. Looking for a break from the office? Why not keep a pair of skates in your car or by your desk for lunch break? Bored of sitting and drinking coffee? Meet up with friends for a skate with plans to get some ice cream or simply focus on working up a sweat.
On the topic of sweat, roller skating also happens to be a fantastic workout. Grab a pair of inline skates and embark on a long skating session where you can truly work your legs and glutes. You can also get a great workout using indoor skates at a local roller rink: learning how to skate dance can be incredibly fun and cool.
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.
Rollerskating Basics for Beginners
When choosing your roller skating gear, you'll have to start with the basics: your skates and protective gear. For skates, you will either choose between quad or inline skates. Quad skates are traditional skates with 4 wheels. You can buy quad skates designed for recreational outdoor or indoor use, and advanced skaters can find ones that are specifically designed for dancing and jumping. Quad skates can come in many different colours, have replaceable wheels, and may have a tall or short boot.
Inline skates tend to have a sportier look and are designed for wear over long distances. They provide significant ankle support, and are sometimes designed for contact sports like roller hockey. Many skaters choose inline skates for jumping and tricks over rails.
To choose the skates that are right for you, try on both online skates and quad skates to see what your preferences are. Consider what your purpose is for skating, where you see yourself skating most option and you will quickly determine what makes sense for you to buy.
Once you have chosen your skates, you will also want to make sure you have the appropriate protective gear. Knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and helmet will typically form your protective gear list. You can find any of these things in a local sports store: Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, or Decathlon are good places to start.
What is Rollerskating Fashion?
Roller skating fashion is all about figuring out your own personal style for rollerskating. While Tiktok made vintage style extremely popular for skating, the most important thing is to figure out what you feel most comfortable and confident in when skating. Of course, it can be extremely fun to get dolled up if you are creating videos or posts - one of the reasons roller skating is so fun is that you can be completely casual or totally fashionable.
Some of the most popular roller skating influencers on Tiktok opt for looks that reflect the 70s: think bell bottoms, flares, bright colours, headbands and knee high socks. Unitards and bicycle shorts are also high fashion in the roller skating world and beyond, and others love sporting a 90s look with crop tops and high waisted pants.
If you prefer to be comfortable and plan to work up a good sweat, you will be comfortable in any comfortable, breathable athletic gear. You can go super comfortable and skate in a good old sweatsuit! Anything goes, as long as you can move freely and safely.
What equipment do you need to start rollerskating? Make sure you have all the supplies you need to get started.
What are the Best Rollerblade Brands?
There are many fantastic brands of roller skates you can purchase from your local sports store or skate shop. Here is a list of some of the more popular ones.
- Bauer
- K2
- Moxi
- Antik
- Sure-Grip
- Impala
- Chaya
- Riedell
Picking roller skates is no easy task, especially with so many options available. Find out how to shop for the very best roller skates.
What is the Best Way to Learn Roller Skating?
Independent Study
You can learn just about anything on the internet these days, and roller skating is no exception. There are dozens of sites and Youtube channels that will demonstrate the basics of skating, how to to V-Step, scissor, and skate dance. What matters most is motivating yourself to get on the pavement and start rolling! So if you do choose an independent study pathway, make sure you schedule lots of time for practice.
Classes
If you are fortunate enough to have a roller rink or club nearby with classes for beginners, you will have a great option for learning how to skate. These classes have experienced instructors that will help you get moving on wheels through drills and direct instruction.
Private Instruction
Private skating instruction may sound luxurious, but it is one of the most efficient ways to accelerate your skating especially if you don't have a local option for classes or you have a schedule you need to work around. Superprof Canada is the best place to find a private roller skating teacher.
Superprof is a site that connects lifelong learners and instructors with expertise in different knowledge areas. Experienced skaters that want to share their skills post their profiles on Superprof, and can meet you in a safe place to teach skating. You can use the site to browse the profiles of teachers near you, read their backgrounds, compare rates, and message them through the site when you find the right instructor. If you have friends or family members that also want to learn to skate, you can even work out a rate or program to accommodate your group.
Why hold off on learning how to skate? Find a private skating instructor on Superprof today.
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.
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