When it comes to roller skating
there are three categories of people - those who have fond memories of roller
skating, those who are making fond memories, and those who will make fond
memories roller skating in the future. Our goal at SkatingFitness.com is to
provide you information and equipment to help you build those fond memories!
Looking for a place to roller skate?
We have compiled hundreds of
roller skating rinks from across the US to help you find a roller skating
rink near you. When you begin your search, you will find our roller skating rink
directory comprehensive and user friendly. If you are aware of a roller skating
rink that is not listed, or have any other type of update, please contact us and
we'll be happy to make the change. We have also included our roller skating rink
directory below for your convenience.
Getting Started
Roller Skating: How do I get
started roller skating? It is a good idea to seek assistance from a
roller skating instructor, friend or capable family member that has
mastered the art of roller skating. If you have the time and money,
we highly recommend taking lessons from a certified roller skating
instructor. It is certainly possible to learn how to roller skate on
your own, but it may take longer to learn, and you may experience a
few more bumps and bruises along the way. If you plan on roller
skating on a regular basis it is a good idea to buy your own pair of
roller skates, and all of the
skate protective
gear that goes along with it. If and when you fall for the first
time, you will be glad you purchased (and properly wore) that safety
gear!
Attitude: It is important to
start out with a positive, "can do" attitude. Try not to become
discouraged if it takes you a few tries before you are comfortable
roller skating.
A few practical tips - As you
begin roller skating you may find your muscles tensing up; this is
normal. After you gain a little confidence, try to relax your body
and be careful not to lock your knees. Once you begin making
progress moving in the forward direction, focus on how to safely
stop and how to make turns in both
directions. It is a good idea for beginners visit the roller skating
rink during the rink’s slow times. This will make the environment
less stressful and allow more space to practice.
Be patient - be patient while
you are learning to roller skate and don’t be embarrassed when your
movements are not as graceful as you'd like. Remember, every roller
skater had to learn to skate at one time or another.
If roller skating outside: If
you are roller skating outside, find a smooth, hard surface and
avoid roller skating on uneven terrains. It only takes a slight
decline for you to quickly lose control. Also, be sure to use all of
the available protective gear (knee, elbow, wrist pads, and a
helmet). Lastly, avoid roller skating around traffic.
One last thing - do you have
good control of your balance? Does roller skating seem like
something that would be natural and fun? If you answered no to
either question, roller skating may be difficult for you to master.
Either way, it is always wise to proceed with caution and put your
personal safety first - purchase the safety gear and seek out
assistance to help you get started.
Some
Frequently Asked Roller Skating Questions:
Where can I roller skate? We
have compiled a list hundreds of roller skating rinks across America
to help you find a place to roller skate. Click on “Roller
Skating Rinks” and look for a roller skating rink in your area.
If you know of a rink that is not on the list, please complete the
form (at the bottom of all of our roller skating rink locator pages)
and we will gladly add it.
Do I need to buy my own roller
skates? No, nearly all roller skating rinks rent roller skates
to customers. However, if you plan on roller skating on a regular
basis, it is a good idea to buy your own roller skates. You can view
and purchase a pair of high quality roller skates at excellent
prices from this site.
Do I need to purchase anything
other than roller skates? If you are a beginner, plan on speed
skating or skating outside of the rink, we recommend you invest in
knee, elbow, wrist pads, and a helmet (skate
protective gear).
What are the risks of roller
skating? Falling down is the single biggest risk for roller
skaters. For this reason (particularly for beginners) you should
always wear your roller skating protective gear. If you roller skate
outside the rink, being struck by an automobile, or other moving
vehicles (motorcycles, bicycles, etc) is also a serious risk for
roller skaters. When possible it is good for roller skaters
(beginners and advanced) to spend most of their time roller skating
in places void of automobile traffic. Unfortunately, we know that
this is not always feasible or practical. When you cannot avoid
roller skating near traffic, stay alert and always exercise extreme
caution.
Can I reserve a rink for a
private roller skating party? Absolutely! Many of the roller
skating rinks on our lists offer a variety of party packages. Give
the rink nearest you a call and make a reservation.
(All Roller Skating Rinks are Listed
Alphabetically by State)