How To Roller Skate [ Epic Guide ]

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Pre-purchase considerations
3. Best skate recommendations
4. How to roller skate
5. How to stop on roller skates
6. What's the trick to learning to roller skate?
7. Frequently asked Questions

Introduction

If you're looking to learn how to roller skate, you're in the right spot. Today, we’ll cover all that you need to know, as well as give some recommendations for the best roller skates for beginners. So without further ado, let’s get into it.

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Pre-Purchase Considerations

Since this article is focused on roller skates, we are assuming you are looking for a set of roller skates with a classic skate look - roller skates, aka quad skates. These skates have the 2 by 2 wheel formation and are great for dancing, roller derby and general beginner skating. If you want inline, aggressive inline or other types of roller skates, the below recommendations are not for you.

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend going 1 size larger than your regular shoe size when purchasing roller skates to ensure your toes do not touch the end of the skate - you want a firm fit around the foot while neither being too tight nor too loose. Most brands have pretty comprehensive size guides, so just pay attention to these.

The next thing to determine is if you are indoor or outdoor skating. If you are indoor skating your wheels should be a harder durometer to allow you to glide across the hard surface of the derby track or roller rink floor smoothly. If you are outdoor skating at public skating rings, skateparks or New York City sidewalks, you want softer wheels. Softer wheels give more grip and allow you to cruise the cracks, pebbles and other debris found outside without going feet overhead. As a side note, softer wheels are generally recommended for new skaters as they are slower and more forgiving while developing new skills.

The final consideration is whether you want high or low-top boots. Low tops are more speed skating focused and high tops offer more support for solo dance or rhythm skating.

3 best roller skates

Now you've read the pre-purchase considerations, it's time to get into our recommendations for a good pair of first roller skates. We actually made a whole article on the best roller skates, but if you don't want to read, here's our top 3:

1. Moxi Skates Lolly Roller Skates

🎉 BEST OVERALL

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These are the best of the best and made in the USA. But they don't come cheap. These high-quality suede roller skates are perfect for beginner or experienced skaters who want a top-of-the-line product. The boot hits just right - it's soft, but not too soft and still offers fantastic ankle support. The wheels are soft and absorb shocks better than most others out there, providing a super smooth ride.

The only downside we found was the toe stop came loose. Just make sure to tighten properly using the included tool.

2. Impala Quad Skates

💲 BEST ON A BUDGET

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These roller skates are a great option for beginner or intermediate skaters. They have a durable construction and comfortable padding, making them ideal for those just starting out. The wheels are also designed for stability and easy maneuvering. Impala Skates has been around since 2017 and offer solid entry level product. If you're not wanting to throw down a lot of cash, we definitely recommend these.

3. Sure-Grip Boardwalk Outdoor Skates

🤩 STAFF FAVORITE

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Another top-of-the-line roller skate, perfect for experienced skaters who want the best of the best but don't wanna pay a fortune. Like the Moxi's, they are made in the USA with a suede leather upper and a stitched sole. The Boardwalks come in some sick colors (which aren't too flashy) and is just generally a well made product.

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How to roller skate

You got the skates. Congratulations, you're a real roller skater! But how do we actually get started? Before you lace up your skates and hit the roller skating rink, there are a few things you should first know about how to roller skate.

First, it is important to choose the right pair of skates. There are two main types of skates: inline skates and quad skates. Inline skates have three or more wheels in a single row, while quad skates have two wheels side-by-side. Beginner skaters will usually find quad skates easier to balance on, but inline skates are faster and more maneuverable.

Once you have your skates, get yourself some quality pads. You're likely gonna fall, so please do what you can to protect yourself. Check out guide to the best skate helmets and pads (maybe some wrist guards).

Other things to consider:

1. Long socks - to protect from blisters

2. Skate tool - to carry on you and ensure the nuts are nice and tight.

Now, let's get started. I think the best way to learn is visually, so here's a great video that will help you get up and running in 24 hours or less!

How do you stop on roller skates?

Good question! So you have the movement part down, but how do you stop? See the little rubber cylinder on the front of the skate (or back of the skate if using inline skates)? That is your toe stop brake.

To stop on roller skates as a beginner, you can use the toe stop, you can use your back skate or you can use the plow method. Check out this video guide:

Whichever method you choose, please, please make sure that you are super comfortable with it before attempting to skate in traffic or in crowded areas.

What is the trick to roller skating?

The #1 trick to roller skating is your balance. You need to be able to lean side to side and shift your weight onto one foot without falling over. You also need good coordination and timing. The best way to learn how to do this is by practice.

Our #2 trick is stretching, strength and mobility. Make sure you are at least comfortable performing bodyweight squats and glute bridges for 20+ reps in a row with good form. This will help build strength in your lower body - a necessity when skating. Upper body strength doesn't play as much of a part in roller skating - it is very lower body dominant - but be sure to work on the core too.

Make sure to properly stretch and warm up before and after each session. This along with developing strength will help you to prevent injuries 🤙

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you skate in roller skates for beginners?

If you're new to roller skating, it's important to start off on the right foot. That means learning how to properly strap on your skates, stand up, and move around. With a little practice, you'll be skating like a pro in no time!

Here are some tips for skating in roller skates for beginners:

1. Make sure your skates fit properly. Roller skates should be snug but not too tight. Your toes should just barely brush the front of the skate when you're standing up straight.

2. Lace up your skates tightly. This will help you avoid blisters and keep your feet from sliding around inside the skate.

3. When you're first starting out, practice skating in a straight line. Once you feel comfortable with that, you can start turning and stopping.

4. To turn, simply lean your body in the direction you want to go. The skates will follow.

5. To stop, just put your weight on your heels and dig your toes into the ground.

[A guide to snowboarding for beginners.]

Is it easy to learn to roller skate?

Ultimately, it depends on your coordination and balance. If you have these and follow the instructional videos, above, you should get the hang of it pretty quickly.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Choose the right skates. There are two main types of roller skates: quad skates and inline skates. Quad skates have four wheels in a row, while inline skates have three or more wheels in a line. Beginners should start with quad skates because they are easier to balance on.

2. Find a smooth surface to skate on. Avoid rough surfaces like concrete or asphalt, which can make it difficult to glide smoothly. A smooth indoor surface like a wood floor or a polished concrete surface is ideal.

3. Start slow and practice stopping. When you first start skating, go slowly and focus on getting the feel for gliding on your skates. Once you are comfortable moving around, practice stopping by dragging your foot or toe to slow down gradually.

4. Don't be afraid to fall. It's inevitable that you will fall when you're learning to skate. The key is to get back up and keep trying. Wear protective gear like knee pads and elbow pads to help cushion any falls.

[Everything to know about bouldering.]

What is the first thing you should learn to do when you roller skate?

One of the most important things to learn when you start roller skating is how to fall correctly. This may seem counterintuitive, but it's actually very important. Falling correctly can help prevent serious injuries, and it can also help you get back up and skating again quickly. Here are some tips on how to fall correctly when you're roller skating:

1. Try to relax your body as much as possible. This will help cushion the impact and prevent serious injuries.

2. Try to fall on your side or your back, rather than on your front or your stomach. This will also help cushion the impact and prevent serious injuries.

3. Put your hands out in front of you to help break your fall. Again, this will help cushion the impact and prevent serious injuries.

4. Try to tuck your chin in to your chest. This will help protect your head and neck from the impact of the fall.

5. Get up as quickly as possible once you've fallen. The longer you stay down, the greater the chance of getting injured.

What are the benefits of roller skating?

Roller skating provides a great workout for both the upper and lower body. It is also a low-impact activity, which makes it ideal for people of all ages. In addition, roller skating can help improve balance and coordination.

Is it hard to roller skate?

Whether roller skating is hard or not depends on the person. Some people find it easy to pick up, while others may find it more difficult. However, with practice, most people can learn how to roller skate. There are different types of roller skating, so the level of difficulty may vary depending on the type you choose.

For example, inline skating (which involves rolling on skates with wheels in a line) is generally considered easier than quad skating (which involves rolling on skates with two pairs of wheels). Ultimately, it's up to the individual to decide how hard they find roller skating.

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How can you get better at roller skating?

Roller skating is a great way to get some exercise and have fun at the same time. If you're just starting out, it can be a bit tricky to get the hang of it. But don't worry, with a little practice you'll be skating like a pro in no time.

Here are a few tips to help you get better at roller skating:

1. Start by practicing in an open area where you won't have to worry about traffic or obstacles. Once you're feeling more confident, you can try skating in other areas.

2. Pay attention to your posture and keep your back straight while you skate. This will help you stay balanced and avoid falling.

3. Use your arms to help you balance. When you're first starting out, it can be helpful to skate with one arm extended out to the side.

4. Practice stopping and turning. These are two of the most important skills you'll need to master when roller skating.

5. Be patient and don't get discouraged if you fall a few times. Everyone does when they're learning how to skate. Just keep getting back up and trying again until you get it right.

What are the parts of a skate?

There are four main parts to a roller skate: the boot, the plate, the trucks, and the wheels. The boot is the part of the skate that you step into. It is usually made of leather or synthetic materials and is designed to support your foot and ankle while skating.

The plate is the metal base of the skate that attaches to the bottom of the boot. It holds the trucks, which are the metal axles that connect to the wheels. The wheels are made of hard plastic and come in a variety of sizes and hardness levels. They are what make contact with the ground as you skate.

[What do you know about low trucks?]