The design is made to accommodate more speed, better maneuverability and balance.

The Basics

The inline skating is usually found in a few popular venues such as tracks specifically designed for the purpose of inline skating, at skate parks, urban area and off roads. Besides being a leisure activity, some people actually include in a form of inline skating that is rather aggressive in nature. There are three major types of aggressive inline skating which would be hard boots, soft boots and skeletal skates.

There is usually a lot of competitiveness between the inline skaters as most of their abilities are a result of hard work. However there is still some, interest in this sport due to the other contributing factors. The modern style of inline skating has since replaced a lot of ice skating, and this is probably due to the easy accessibility of the sport and more venues where is can be exercised.

Considerations when getting your skating gear

In order to get the best out of skating, it would be best to take the time to look around for skating gear that is both suitable and comfortable for the user. Having some helpful tips to use as guidelines, would be very helpful indeed, especially if the individual has very limited knowledge on the subject. The following are some tips to help when considering the purchase of skating gear:

The Gear

The most important consideration to make would to be ensure the fit of the pair of skates is accurate. If the fit is not comfortable, the individual would probably have to eventually endure really uncomfortable blisters which could be rather painful and cause the use of the skates to be put on hold.

This should also come with a good pair of socks, which should be thick. This is to ensure there is enough cushion for the feet to create good airflow and be shock absorbent. The skates should fit snugly and support the ankles well.

This is to ensure the user does not sustain any unnecessary injury to the ankles area, as this is commonly the case for a lot of skaters. The fit should also not feel pinched at the toes. There is also the consideration of what the general use of the skates would be. Competitive skating would require a different set as compared to leisure skating. The type of surface that the users intend to skate on would also have to be factored in when making the choice for the purchase.

There are quite a few varied types such as for speed skating, street hockey skating use, uneven terrain skating , indoor skating, trick skating and many other kinds. Each activity would require a different type of skate in order to be able to perform optimally.

Remember the rules and regulations

As with all activities, there are rules that usually governing the various aspects of it in order to ensure the experience is both enjoyable and safe. Failing to take note of these rules and regulations could result in injury, thus rendering the experience less enjoyable. The following are some of the rules and regulations that should be noted to ensure the individual does not eventually encounter any problems:

Rules

Perhaps the first and most important rule to adhere to would be to be constantly aware of the surroundings when using the skates. This is important as the user would not only create problems for himself or herself but also for those around if the care and caution aspects are not taken seriously.

Being aware of the traffic rules governing the area being used is also something that should be noted. This would directly affect the safety and the convenience of others using the same path. Ensuring the attire chosen is both suitable and safe for skating is also important.

These would include the proper helmet, wrist protection, elbow pads and knee pads. Using all the right accessories would help limit the level of injury sustained should an accident occur. Staying alert at all times is also another important point to practice when using the skates. Staying in control would require the user to be alert, and to watch out for road hazards, avoid water, oil and sand encounters and avoid traffic.

The techniques used when skating also should be as according to the standard requirements. Skating on the right and passing on the left is very much a standard practice of all skaters, and should be followed as much as possible. It would be even better to announce the pass if it is possible and giving way to pedestrians is also highly recommended.

Fundamentals of skating posture

Disregarding the importance of proper posture when it comes to inline skating would eventually result in injure or a less than optimal experience. Therefore one should take the time to understand the need to practice posture when inline skating. The following are some of the fundamental skating postures that are recommended to be used:

Posture

In order to keep a good balance when skating, the individual would have to lessen the chances of losing the centeredness of the body that would help to keep from falling backwards. Keeping the weight forward and over the balls of the feet is the first posture position to follow.

This would help the individual have better balance, thus avoiding the tendency to lean too much backwards. This will also help to steady the stance when on the skates, which can be quite tricky, as this is when most people tend to lose their balance. Swinging the hands side to side in front of the body is also another motion to incorporate into the posture formation.

Without this swinging motion, the balance will not be able to be maintained equally and this too may cause injury, as balance is the prime element in keeping mobile an in control. Learning to relax while keeping the knees bent is important.

Though initially it may seem rather an uncomfortable position to take on, eventually with practice the individual will be able to become more accustomed to this position. This particular position also acts as a good way to absorb and impacts on the body, thus is considered the ideal shock absorber position.

Ideally the body should stay in line with the skates, even when the surrounding changes while skating. Keeping the weight balance throughout the experience is both essential and important in keeping the individual on the skates.

Excerpted from the book In-line Skating Made Simple.

This excerpt has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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