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Inline Skating - Fundamental Methods
Mastering proper inline skating techniques involves achieving a stable posture on your skates, knowing how to come to a stop, making smooth turns, and understanding how to fall safely. This guide equips beginners with all the essential techniques required for inline skating.
Inline skating is suitable for all ages and sizes, whether you're young or old. All you require is a pair of inline skates, adequate protective gear, and a smooth, traffic-free surface to begin learning. Although the initial stages may present challenges, noticeable improvement can happen within a few hours, so persistence is key!
Overview
Maintaining the Right Posture on Inline Skates
A correct stance on inline skates entails bending your knees. Bending down assists in stabilising you as you skate, as you are closer to the ground.
Ensure your feet remain parallel, facing straight ahead, and not turning inward or outward.
Your stance should consist of knees bent, feet in parallel alignment, and a slight forward lean of the upper body, thus helping you balance effectively.
Watch our instructional video on mastering Inline Skating:
Stopping Techniques for Inline Skates
Choose between utilising the brake pad or applying the T-stop method to decelerate when inline skating.
Inline Skates - Using the Brake Pad
To effectively utilise the brake pad, push the skate with the brake pad forwards and raise your toes to press the brake pad to the ground, which will slow you down. It's a handy method for reducing your speed or achieving a full stop. Familiarisation with the brake pad is advisable for beginners, as it helps in maintaining control.
Inline Skates - T-Stop Method
The T-stop method involves placing one foot behind you and dragging the wheels on the ground perpendicular to the other foot, forming a T shape. Continue dragging the wheels to come to a stop. Performing a T-stop requires balancing on one foot while rolling.
The T-stop allows braking using the wheels without a brake pad, offering a significant advantage as brake pads may occasionally become obtrusive. Beginners should also practise the T-stop for enhanced control while skating.
Both techniques are detailed in our instructional video, How to Stop on Inline Skates:
Turning Methods for Inline Skates
While making turns on inline skates, maintain a slight forward lean with bent knees. For a left turn, move your left foot slightly in front, and reverse this for a right turn. Shift your body weight towards the direction you intend to turn, while leaning into it with your upper body. Looking in the intended direction can prove advantageous.
Focusing on your turning approach can help avoid common novice errors and will be beneficial for mastering the cross-over turning method as you advance.
Falling Safely while Inline Skating
Falling forwards is generally safer, allowing better control and reducing the risk of hitting the back of your head or tailbone.
If you sense a loss of balance while skating, consider these actions:
- Adopt a crouched position and lean forwards – staying lower reduces fall impact and might allow you to regain control.
- Let your protective gear take the brunt – falling on knee pads, elbow pads, or wrist pads transfers the impact to these items rather than you. When moving at high speed during a fall, attempt to slide on your pads to minimise skin abrasions.
By following these techniques, you're less likely to sustain injuries that could hinder your inline skating progression.
Selecting Ideal Inline Skates for Learning
No matter if you are a newcomer or an experienced inline skater, choose skates that provide a precise fit and comfort. For beginners, skates should have a heel brake and robust ankle support. Opt for soft wheels (76A - 84A), ensuring they are not too large – a maximum of 84 mm for adults with larger feet is advised, while children’s sizes should not exceed 70 mm.
Consult our guides for further details on purchasing inline skates:
