Learn to Skate - inline skating

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Skating equipment

On this page you'll find information about skating equipment.

I am sure you will have heard the old saying "Give anybody anything they want but never give them advice." It may well have been a skater who said that first!

Which skate should I get? Where do I go to buy? How much should I spend? What skate suits me best? Why are there so many different types of skate? The questions come thick and fast. There isn't a single skate instructor who hasn't seen the results of a disastrous skate purchase. The reasons are many.

Who should I ask for help? Unfortunately advanced skaters complicate matters with technicalities, retailers have their own concerns, the internet can't answer specific questions or let you try on skates (see Buying Skate Guide below). Begin with your instructor. If you can't rely on him/her for skate advice will you feel confident at their lessons? Don't hesitate to ask questions about any aspect of inline skates. Your skate instructor should give you impartial advice without obligation.

Hiring skating equipment

If you do not own a pair of skates and have no idea what to buy consider hiring to start with. Then you can find a skate boot that feels comfortable. Don places comfort before all else for the beginner skater. If your skate boots are uncomfortable or worse cause pain it will put you off skating for ever. Comfort and support matter far more than colour, style or fashion.

• The cost to hire a pair of adult inline skates for one hour is £5, (Junior £3) hardly a King's ransom.
• A day hire is much better value at £10. (same day collect & return)
• Weekend hire better value still at £15. (Collect Friday, return Monday)
• The skate hire cost includes safety pads but not a helmet. A returnable deposit is necessary. Skates should be returned undamaged and clean. Longer time and group hire deals negotiable.

Buying Guide for Inline Skates

Before buying inline skates you have to consider the problems and advantages of buying over the internet. Nobody is going to deny the best way to purchase footwear is to try-on first. This is not possible using the internet therefore some guidance needs to be given to help pick the best size and select the correct type of skate. Unfortunately not everybody's experience of fitting footwear is the same hence the reason for conflicting advice.

Beginner Skaters (Adults)

Beginners need the most help. If this is your first ever inline skate purchase make sure the boot fits comfortably. To achieve this you may require to buy bigger than your normal shoe size however this will depend on the specific skate brand you prefer. It is difficult to be more precise because manufacturers skate dimensions vary within a given size.

The fit must ensure the skate boot is not too tight making it uncomfortable to wear by rubbing on hotspots or experiencing "black nail" caused by feet unaccustomed to pressure application but at the same time it is most important the skate boot is not so big it feels loose and lacks support. The beginner skater is very easily put off when the skate boot causes unnecessary discomfort.

Experienced skaters

The experienced skater will have a good idea which inline skate is best and have gained knowledge through feedback from other proficient skaters, this information will help decide the correct size and preferred brand to purchase. Experienced skaters have the confidence to select a size that will be a combination of fit and comfort suited to their own personal style of skating.

Advanced skaters

Advanced skaters have their own criteria for determining size depending on the skate discipline they pursue, no rule applies here. At this level skaters choose a size of their own particular preference insisting the skate meets their expectation and justifies the price by improved performance.

Buying recreational skates for children

It is the responsibility of any adult purchasing children's inline skates for the first time to buy a reliable adjustable size skate that not only fits and supports properly but also allows room for the child's feet to grow. Be prepared to spend at least £35 if you are not willing to do this at first why not arrange a lesson with skate hire then you can gauge the child's interest in skating. It is false economy to buy cheap skates, don't be tempted, they will only hinder progress. Buy from proper skate sources not chain stores that know nothing about skating and be wary of internet auction site sellers who will not accept returns or allow exchanges. Remember your budget has to include the cost of safety pads and a helmet, essential equipment for the new junior skater. Learn to skate safely, take lessons.

The foregoing guidance is given with best intentions but does not necessarily apply to everyone. Should you have a query relating to skate fit prior to purchase or if you think TrySkating's information is really helpful/unhelpful please don't hesitate to email.

To sum up, with careful thought internet purchasing can be as reliable and more convenient than the try-on experience at the Point-of-Sale. You may have no choice if there are no inline skate outlets in your area. In this instance why not START with the deals your skate instructor can offer.

Safety Pads

You should wear full safety pads every time you go skating. Make sure you have a complete set, i.e. Elbows, knees and most important wrists. All need to be protected. Some skate groups think it is not cool to wear pads and you may come under pressure to conform. Don't remove pads just to meet peer pressure, this can lead to damage of the knee, wrist and elbow joints that can prove particularly troublesome later in life.

Helmets

Helmets are not compulsory for skating but recommended. Some experts argue there are no statistics to prove that helmets have been beneficial to skaters. However common sense plays a part here, it is sensible to wear a helmet when you're skating. Check out the Wear a Helmet website if you need any persuasion. Buy a skate helmet now.