Q&A for How to Roller Skate

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you skate faster?
    Community Answer
    Your speed will naturally increase as you practice. Once you have good balance, you can speed up by shifting your weight back and forth between your two legs, pushing off with each foot in turn.
  • Question
    How can you skate without falling or tilting back?
    Community Answer
    Instead of being rigid and scared of falling, relax and assume the 'derby' stance. Bend your knees a little and put your hands on your thighs if this gives you more support. Just practice this stance until you feel comfortable enough with this center of gravity to skate. You need to train your body to feel stable while in skates.
  • Question
    Do you have any tips on recovering from a painful fall?
    Community Answer
    If it's a scrape, just pick yourself up and move on; the stinging ebbs after a while. If it's bleeding, put some gauze or a band-aid over it, along with some disinfectant. If it's a serious injury, such as a broken bone or heavy bleeding, go to a doctor.
  • Question
    If I'm going to fall, should I slide or just fall?
    Community Answer
    Slide and fall if you can. It can help you to not bruise your knees.
  • Question
    How long does it typically take for a person to learn how to roller skate?
    Community Answer
    It doesn't take much time at all to learn to roller skate. If you know someone who knows how to skate, they can probably teach you to skate in around an hour or so, but it will take you a while to become proficient at it. If you don't know someone who can skate, pretend that you are drawing the letter V with your feet, over and over.
  • Question
    What if your really good at skating? Would you still need all the equipment?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you would still need the equipment. Even if you are a pro, you have a chance to falling and getting a serious head injury.
  • Question
    I'm over 60. Can I still try skating?
    Community Answer
    You can, but make sure you have appropriate safety gear and proceed very carefully. Also, make sure you have people nearby who can help you as and when you need it.
  • Question
    How do I become a professional roller skater?
    Community Answer
    Practice often and ask for advice from experienced skaters. Try to find roller skating classes or a roller derby league in your area.
  • Question
    How do you do scissors?
    Community Answer
    Stand up as straight as you can, with your arms held out to the side for balance. Place your heels together and your toes slightly apart, in a V shape. Push your toes apart as you bend your knees, then bring your toes together again and straighten your knees. Repeat this motion to scissor forward.
  • Question
    Do you need to bend forward to maintain balance?
    Community Answer
    It helps a little at first to lean slightly forward, but if you lean too far, your feet will fall behind and cause you to fall.
  • Question
    Do I have to look at the skates and skate or look forward? And how do I skate fast?
    Community Answer
    Make sure you look forward. You will increase your speed while you practice.
  • Question
    Do I have to raise my feet up while skating?
    Community Answer
    Not all the time. You might fall if you pull your feet up too high. Try lifting the outside of your foot while skating, so that you don't look like a penguin on wheels.
  • Question
    Can I stop without using the toe stop?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Put your dominant foot horizontal and behind your gliding foot.
  • Question
    Can we skate without helmets or knee and arm pads?
    Community Answer
    Skate helmets are strongly recommended for all skaters, since most serious injuries involve the head. Knee and arm pads are less important, but they're recommended for beginners.
  • Question
    Would it be safer to practice somewhere like an indoor skating rink that isn't paved with concrete?
    Community Answer
    While outdoor skating rinks are usually made of concrete, it still possible to get bruises and other injuries on a indoor rink. If you're worried about falls or injuries, try skating on a carpet first, then switching to an indoor or outdoor rink once you're comfortable.
  • Question
    How do I skate without being scared?
    Community Answer
    All you have to do is try not to be scared and to hold an adult's hand and once you get the hang of it, you will be fine.
  • Question
    Do I have to wear protective padding when roller skating?
    Community Answer
    You don't really need them, but if you feel worried or scared you might fall then you should definitely wear them.
  • Question
    How do I turn while going fast?
    Community Answer
    In order to turn while going face you need to be able to lower your body and put your weight on the knee the is on the side you are turning into. Practice mastering turns at a slower speed and slowly increase your speed until you can turn going faster.
  • Question
    What if I don't have any equipment?
    Community Answer
    Some places (roller rinks, roller derby leagues and roller skating shops) rent equipment. If not, you can buy skates online or in a shop. Look for second-hand gear, you might be able to find great skates for a fraction of the regular price.
  • Question
    Can a 10 year old girl learn to skate in one hour?
    Community Answer
    If you want to learn in as little time as possible, gain a sense of balance first. You may have to hold on to a wall or to a friend's hand in order to start. Push off while holding on and skate that way. Once you feel comfortable like that, start to inch away from what you're holding onto at a steady pace.
  • Question
    What are the wrist guards for?
    Community Answer
    If you fall, you naturally put your hands out to break your fall. The wrist guards are to prevent a twisted, sprained or broken wrist.
  • Question
    How do you stand on states without moving?
    Community Answer
    Put your feet in a T shape, one foot facing straight ahead and the other foot behind, perpendicular. Another good option is to stand with feet shoulder width apart, with your toes facing slightly in. Keep your knees bent.
  • Question
    How do I get better on other roller skates, like the ones with one line of wheels?
    Community Answer
    On the In-Line skates, you just practice and practice. Just remember that on these you'll not have the same speed, and you can do less tricks.They are better for walking, not dancing.
  • Question
    Is it hard to learn how to jam skate?
    Community Answer
    It's the same as normal skating, except quads are the equipment of choice for jam skating since they provide the maneuverability and solid wheelbase needed for intricate jam skating footwork. Jam skaters prefer to use low cut, speed styled boots with dance toe plugs instead of jumping toe stops.
  • Question
    What are some places I can get non-expensive roller skates in the US?
    Community Answer
    Amazon. You can also check out your local thrift stores; you just might get lucky.
  • Question
    Are roller skates supposed to be heavy?
    Community Answer
    They tend to feel a little heavy, especially if you don't have the strongest lower body. You have to keep in mind that there are contributing factors to that weight. It's pretty much already a boot (plus the weight of the plastic if it has that), a metal piece on the bottom to hold the wheels, and four wheels all connected to the bottom of that skate. It's bound to be a little heavy, but the more you practice and the stronger your legs become, the less you'll notice the weight.
  • Question
    How do I roller skate backwards?
    Community Answer
    Push backwards with one foot, and with that same foot, go in towards the other skate and then back out. Then, use the other foot to push and gain speed. Watch other people's feet as they roller skate backwards for tips.
  • Question
    What if you can't get help from others?
    Community Answer
    You should join an online forum. There are usually plenty of professionals there who are kind enough to help.
  • Question
    Last time I tried roller skating I fell backwards and broke my helmet when hitting my head really hard. I have a new helmet, but I am scared. How do I get more confidence?
    Anna
    Community Answer
    Jump back on the rink before you know what's happening, and just be careful. After a while, the stress will diminish.
  • Question
    I need to practice but I am so busy. I have homework, have to babysit my younger siblings and when I do have time, either I read or can't go outside for some reason. When can I practice?
    JenniferKing
    Community Answer
    Wearing roller skates while doing simple tasks is fun and good practice. I used to wear mine while working on a project for homework, reading or listening to an audiobook, making food or eating in the kitchen, and more. Also, if given the opportunity, roller skates can be used as a fun source of transportation when you need to commute between short or reasonable distances! Not to mention the fact that it's environmentally friendly and great exercise. Don't be afraid to wear your skates indoors, as long as you are careful and clean the wheels before wearing them inside if you were using them outdoors. Also, maybe a fun trip to the park with your younger siblings while babysitting is in order?
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article