3. Find a Flat, Smooth Surface:
When you’re first starting out, it’s best to practice on a flat, smooth surface free of obstacles. Look for a local skating rink, basketball court, or empty car park where you can skate without worrying about bumps or cracks in the pavement or loose stones and chipping’s. As you become more confident on your roller skates, these things won’t be such a big deal, but until you feel ready, we recommend choosing the best skating conditions that are available to you.
4. Master the Basics:
Before you start trying fancy moves and hitting the ramps, focus on mastering the basics. Start by getting comfortable standing in your skates and finding your balance. Practice marching in place and taking small steps forward and backward to get a feel for how the skates move. Another great way is to wear your roller skates at home, even if you don’t live in a mansion, having the skates on your feet and manoeuvring around will help increase your co-ordination and awareness – Kitchen’s are usually a good start.
5. Learn to Stop:
Learning how to stop is crucial for staying safe while roller skating. There are several stopping techniques you can try, including the T-stop, plow stop, and heel brake. Take the time to practice each one until you find the method that works best for you and depending on whether you are in roller skates or inline roller blades, this will also play a part in the best practices for ensuring you come to a stop safely.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice!
Like any skill, roller skating takes practice to master. Set aside time each week to practice your skills and gradually build your confidence on skates. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t progress as quickly as you’d like—just keep practicing, and you’ll improve over time. Just remember, some people pick up certain skills easier than others, so don’t be too hard on yourself if it takes longer than your friends – ‘comparison is the killer of joy’ and we don’t want that for you!
