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Remember learning how to ride a bike for the first time? Clutching the handlebars of a bicycle with a vice-like grip, your legs shake as you try to push the pedals and your eyes dart up every second to make sure your path is clear.
Among the fear and confusion, your parents were right there, guiding you with their strong hands and letting you ride by yourself once they thought you were ready. Sure, it’s daunting at first, but before you know it you’re gliding down steep hills with ease and weaving through streets and alleys like Fabiana Luperini herself.
Whenever you learn something new, it can be a scary experience, especially if you could get hurt. Just like riding a bike or driving a car, rollerblading has the potential to be super fun, but the process of learning how to rollerblade terrifies some into never having the courage to lace up a pair. But if you know a few tips and tricks, you can master rollerblading just like you did riding a bike.
So if you’re up for the challenge and the fun that comes with it, read along for some helpful hints on how to perfect your rollerblading skills.
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Again, even though rollerblading is a lot of fun, it can be dangerous if you don’t have safety gear. So before you ride off into the sunset on your rollerblades, strap on a snug-fitting helmet to keep yourself safe. Teens Health suggests purchasing a helmet develop specifically for inline skating, as these helmets extend lower than bicycle helmets and protect the back of the head and neck in the event of a backward fall.
Additionally, you can also buy knee or elbow pads to prevent nasty scabs if you fall or scrape yourself against the sidewalk. Nothing a Band-Aid can’t fix, though!
Scout out an area where you can practice in peace, preferably a flat, concrete space that isn’t too busy. Most importantly, make sure rollerblading is permitted there. Empty parking lots, parks and calm streets are great places to learn how to rollerblade.
In addition, Running, Loving, Living suggests rollerbladers stick to smooth paths. “When possible rollerblade on a paved path in a park, you will be less likely to have an accident,” the website says. “Rollerblading on gravel in the street can be dangerous in itself because of all the rocks, but also the cars pose a real danger especially if you lose your balance and fall in the street.”
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For some, balancing on a column of rubber wheels is the scariest part of rollerblading. But you’ve got this! Slowly stand up on the rollerblades, keeping a hand on a nearby wall, tree or friend for support. Spend some time just wobbling on your rollerblades to get a feel for balance, keeping your knees slightly bent, ankles shoulder-width apart and feet bent in a V-formation.
Wiki How suggests beginners stand on carpet or grass before venturing onto the path. This will keep your wheels still while you adjust to the added height and learn to balance on your skates. Then take a few careful steps forward as you practice making gliding motions.
Don’t rush into rollerblading like you’re sprinting the 400-meter run at the Olympics. Start off with small steps to get used to the feeling of rollerblading. It’s best to keep your weight at the top of your feet, taking diagonal steps that align with your V-position.
If you find that your feet are moving too far apart and you’re about to break down into the splits, try to roll with it and slowly move your feet more towards an A-position instead. You can keep using the wall as help, but once you become more confident, try rollerblading on your own.
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From there, you’ve got it! No need to worry about falling or hurting yourself; you’ve got the gear to keep you safe, the balance to keep you on your feet and the moves to rock out on your rollerblades. So when you’re at the roller rink strapping on a fresh pair of rollerblades, just remember: It’s as easy as riding a bike.
