Inline skating is an exhilarating way to have fun, stay fit, and explore the world around you. Whether you’ve been inspired by skaters gliding through parks or speeding down trails, this guide will help you take your first steps (or rolls!) into the sport. Let’s get started!
Why Inline Skating?
Inline skating offers an incredible mix of freedom, fitness, and fun. It’s a low-impact cardio workout that builds strength, balance, and coordination. Plus, you’ll join a welcoming community of skaters of all ages and skill levels. Whether you want to glide leisurely along trails, zip through the city, or master tricks at the skatepark, inline skating has something for everyone.
(Quick Note: You may have heard the sport called “rollerblading,” but that term comes from the Rollerblade brand. The sport itself is properly called “inline skating,” and understanding this distinction is the first step on your journey!)
Getting Started: The Basics
Essential Gear
Before you begin, make sure you have the right gear:
- Inline Skates: Choose beginner-friendly skates with a supportive and comfortable boot. Soft boots offer comfort, while hard boots provide better control.
- Protective Gear: Helmets, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads are non-negotiable. Safety first!
- Comfortable Clothing: Wear breathable, flexible clothing that allows for easy movement.
Learning to Stand and Balance
- If you’ve never stood on skates before, start on the carpet to minimise slipping.
- Bend your knees as much as possible and try a penguin-like waddle to get a feel for balance.
- Lean much more forward than you think you need to—this helps prevent falling backward.
- Always aim to fall forward onto your knees rather than backward onto your head.
Once comfortable, transition to a flat, smooth surface. Great beginner spots include netball courts or, for locals, the open area near Suncorp Stadium right next to our shop!
Your First Steps
- Shift your weight onto one foot while gently pushing off with the other.
- Focus on short, controlled strides rather than long pushes.
- Keep your knees bent and your body centred over your skates for stability.
How to Stop
Stopping is essential for safety. Here are two beginner-friendly techniques:
- Plow Stop: Point both your toes inward to create friction and slow down. Be careful not to overdo it, as you’ll reach a peak and may start rolling backward.
- Heel Brake: Most beginner skates come with a brake on one skate. To stop, bend your knees and gently press the brake down while gliding.
Practice Makes Progress
Don’t be discouraged if it feels awkward at first—everyone starts as a beginner. Practice balancing, gliding, and stopping regularly, and you’ll notice improvement in no time. Try to dedicate 15-30 minutes a few times a week to build confidence and muscle memory.
Next Steps: Exploring Inline Skating Styles
Once you’re comfortable rolling, you might want to dive deeper into a specific type of inline skating. Check out our upcoming guides:
- Recreational Skating: Relaxed, scenic gliding for fun and fitness.
- Urban Skating: Navigating city streets with confidence.
- Speed Skating: Pushing limits and chasing thrills.
- Aggressive Inline Skating: Tricks, grinds, and skatepark adventures.
Inline skating is all about progress, not perfection. With practice, patience, and the right gear, you’ll soon be rolling with confidence. Ready to start your skating journey? Explore our range of skates and gear to find everything you need to hit the pavement today!