When you think about roller skating, you may connect it to the wild ‘80s. In movies and TV shows, you can see people roller skating to some of the most energizing songs humanity has ever heard, and you may want to recreate these times by trying out roller skating yourself. If you are a beginner, remember a few things to roll safely.
Although it may not seem like an extreme sport, roller skating can be dangerous if not done correctly. To avoid any possible injuries, follow our guide below, which will teach you how to protect yourself while on wheels. With these tips, you will become a pro in no time!
1. Choose the perfect weather!
It would be best if you chose favorable weather conditions. If you want to roll out, select a day with the ideal weather. Spring or early summer may be the perfect time to use your skates outside. You may wonder: can you roller skate in the rain Or can I slide on a hot summer day? The answer is yes, technically, but you should stay away from extreme weather conditions.
The weather may be crucial to your safety if you are a beginner. If it is rainy outside, the roads will be slippery: there is a higher chance that you may fall and injure yourself. On the other hand, if it is too hot outside, you may become dehydrated or even get a heatstroke. To avoid these harsh conditions, choosing the perfect temperature is the key.
Since your skates may be sensitive to bumpy surfaces, you may not be able to see all the small obstacles at night. Moreover, it would be best to avoid skating at night when visibility is low. Thus, choosing a warm, sunny day will save you from unnecessary injuries caused by slippery roads, direct sunlight, or invisible barriers.
2. Wear safety equipment
When you see the bulky safety equipment for roller skating, you may feel overwhelmed by wearing it. It may be uncomfortable at first, but, trust us, the equipment is there for a reason. The placement and safety equipment materials aim to protect your most vulnerable spots; even if you fall, you won’t experience any significant physical trauma.
To fully protect yourself, there are a couple of must-haves you should carry with you. Here’s a list of necessary safety equipment for roller skating:
- A helmet – the first and most important thing to bring with you is a helmet specially designed for skating. Since you may have less balance on wheels, you may fall unexpectedly; thus, protecting your head is crucial.
- Knee and elbow pads – when skating, people usually fall to their knees or elbows; these are the most vulnerable body parts in this sport. Knee and elbow pads can save you from unnecessary cuts, sprains, or fractures.
- Mouthguards – mouthguards can protect your teeth and the inside of your mouth from getting hurt. When you fall, you may accidentally bite yourself and injure your mouth. To prevent that from happening, you should wear mouthguards on your rolls.
3. Invite a skating partner
If you are a beginner, it is essential to be with someone with more experience in the skating world. When learning how to skate, you can opt for professional instructors or a friend who will teach you how to make your first steps. Moreover, if you fall, you will have someone to help you get back up or call a medical crew.
It would be best if you had a partner on the first days of your skating journey. Not only will you feel more confident and safe knowing you have someone to help you, but you will also become a pro in no time.
People will hear your call and help you get on your feet. However, if you choose to do it alone, you should always carry a signal you can use in case you get injured. For example, you should bring a whistle around your neck and blow into it if you cannot stand up. You should also bring your phone and have it nearby so you can call someone to pick you up.
4. Don’t force yourself!
You may have seen professional skaters do some incredible stunts and think you can do the same. For example, many professionals like to try out new tricks on rinks and amaze everyone around them. However, to be able to do these stunts, you will need a lot of practice and patience.
You probably won’t go to a rink on your second-day skating if you are a beginner. Instead, you should take it one step at a time and only do tricks you are comfortable trying. For example, if you have been skating for a month, you may try to slide backward or may want to try rolling on one foot.
To stay safe and flee injuries, you should do things in your comfort zone (at least in the beginning). If you are an expert in the field, you may try some things that will give you an adrenaline rush, but make sure that these things aren’t too extreme and that you are confident in your skills. To avoid possible injuries, you should stand your ground (literally).
5. Learn the right way to fall
You will inevitably fall at some point on your skating journey. It would be best always to look for the safest landing options to avoid more severe injuries. For example, lean forward when rolling because you have more time to react and land on your hands and knees rather than your back.
On the other hand, if you accidentally slip and start falling backward, you should react quickly and try to turn to your side. Falling directly backward may cause severe injuries, so you should always direct your body to go sideways or straight to avoid getting hurt.
Skating is all about learning how to get back on your rolling feet. The most general tip we can give you regarding falling off your skates is to be as low as possible. Not only will you have more aerodynamics (and skate faster), but you will also be able to prevent severe injuries by landing on more substantial body parts (such as knees or hands). You will get a scratch or two at some point, but you shouldn’t give up.
Conclusion
Roller skating can be very entertaining when done safely. You can incorporate fun and sport into one and have the best time. You should ensure safety comes first in this sport. The most important part is to let the good times roll! We have mentioned a couple of tips to give you the best experience above.
