Skate Kingdom

The last few days we have been talking about roller skate terms and how to use those terms to help us select just the right skates for us. We also talked about inline skates and quad skates. Quads are the “traditional” roller skate and probably what you rented when you went to the rink.

Quads are broken down into two primary categories, indoor or rink skates and outdoor or sidewalk skates.

The indoor grouping is further divided into subcategories depending upon the type of skating being done.

• Quad speed skates: Skates meant to go fast with a low cut boot, speed style wheels (harder wheels)  and faster bearings. The low cut boot allows greater ankle movement that helps on the corners. This characteristic makes the speed skate popular with the jam (dance) skater also.

• Recreational Skates: A style of quad skates that are sometimes referred to as Artistic Skates. These are the traditional high boot roller skates that allows the skater greater control in the spins and jumps found in an artistic dance routine.

• Roller Derby Skates: This is a category of quad skates that is growing in popularity. Popular in the 30’s it is known for rough and tumble roller skating. Derby skates are generally characterized by low boots and durable construction that can stand up to hard knocks. Roller derby skaters are looking for a skate that can get up to speed quickly and hold well through tight corners.

Outdoor Roller Skates are quad skates designed to be used on the street or the sidewalk. They can be either high boot or low boot and the major difference between the indoor skate and the oudoor skate is in the wheels. Outdoor skates feature a softer wheel to give you an easier ride and more control on the rougher surface of a sidewalk. Here is where the durometer term we discoussed a couple days ago comes into it’s own. 

Of course, these types are further divided into Adult Skates and Youth Skates but those subcategories are pretty much self-explanatory.

That’s it for today folks. Happy Skating!

Tomorrow we’ll discuss the different roller skating sports. You will find that there is something for everyone in this activity.

In many regions of the country, ice hockey is a passion that draws as much attention as any other sport. Hockey is especially popular in the Midwest and on the East Coast, but its influence has spread with the expansive popularity of the National Hockey League. Children naturally want to emulate their heroes on the rink, but ice hockey can be impractical during the warm summer months when parents lack the cash for rink fees.

Inline skates are the perfect summer substitute. They provide a similar form of exercise and help kids maintain balance and control. Many models of youth skates are suitable for outdoor use, and older kids can use them for cheap, easy transportation. Young hockey players can stay in mid-season form all year long by staying active on inline skates.

My friend Bob, who considers himself something of an expert when it comes to all things rollerskating, says that my rink skates have wheels that are too hard for outdoor skating. What’s the deal?

Wheel hardness is determined by an “A” scale rating. The higher the number the harder the wheel.  The softer wheels that are ideal in the outdoors are rated  78A or 84A. This gives the skate more “rebound” for skating on the uneven surfaces found in sidewalk skating. Rebound makes it possible for a wheel to roll over uneven surfaces rather than bouncing over them like a harder wheel would.

The softer outdoor wheel lends itself to a softer and less tiring ride in addition to making control easier on  rougher surfaces.

Guess Bob knows what he’s talking about afer all.

Roller skating is not only fun and super exercise but it’s a great way to socialize, meet people and develop lifelong relationships. While it is a relatively inexpensive sport you don’t wan’t to throw money away foolishly when you are just beginning. Shopping the web is for sure a good way to go but sometimes the dicisions you have to make can be a little scary when you’re new. We’ll be talking about that over the next few days on this blog and hopefully we can make it easier.

One good way to get your feet wet, metaphorically speaking, is to go to the rink and rent some skates so you can try different sizes on your feet. The only problem with that approach is that rental skates tend to get a lot of use and sometimes the fit is pretty sloppy.

In my opinion, you should measure your feet before you even turn on your computer.  This gives you a starting point for size decisions and you are well on your way to being a smart shopper.

Stand with your bare foot on a blank piece of paper. trace around your foot and then measure the distance from the back of your heel to the end of the big toe. Do this for both feet just to make sure they don’t differ significantly.

Some websites have charts that will convert this measurement to size but I would just call or e-mail the store that you have chosen and discuss roller skate sizing with them. If they don’t have time for you then you need to find a store that does. After all you’re the consumer here.

According to the American Obesity Association, obesity among children and teens is developing into a crises in the United States of epidemic proportions. Did you know that about 30% of children and teens are overwight and 15% are obese? That is almost 1 in 2 individuals that are at risk. 

 Modern man loves to express himself in numbers and this subject is no different. Those who track the subject use the Body Mass Index to define the difference between overweight and obese. BMI charts are easily obtainable on the web and I won’t get into that today but if you are concerened about this issue one source is www.cdc.gov/needphp/dnpa/obesity.

The bottom line is that we all need exercise and activity is particulary important for children as they are setting the tone for the rest of their lives. Rollerskating, either inline or quad, is one activity that is sure to appeal to children and teens with lots of energy.  Not only that, but it is amazingly effective. Roller skating burns 315 calries per 30 minutes of skateng while bicycling burns 150, basketball 258 and skiing 252 calories per 30 minutes of doing.  Aerobic execise only burns 178 calories per 30 minutes of boring sweat.

If roller skating weren’t so much fun it could almost be considered medicine.

During the rainy season, there are still activities that can keep kids fit and busy. One of these activities is skating. Kids as young as 5 or 6 can learn the basics of roller skating. There are kid’s roller skates available for rent in skating arenas. However, if you think your child would like to spend more time learning how to skate, then it is wiser to invest in a pair. Owning one can come out cheaper in the long run.

Even adults can learn how to skate. For beginners, skating can be tricky. For sure there will be times when you will fall bottom first. Once you get the hang of it, skating can be a graceful sport. Aside from keeping you fit, the leg muscles are kept toned.

Back in the 1950s, roller skating was known primarily as a hobby or socializing activity. Nowadays, kids roller skate for sport and are active in what is known as X games or alternative sports. As a matter of fact, roller skate designers have revolutionized the general look and feel of the skates.  Some designs for kids roller skates are more streamlined for use in competitions and races.

The otherwise laid back reputation of the roller skate has now turned edgy and cool.  Tricks and stunts have been tried and perfected.  Roller derbies have given way to roller parks complete with platforms and tunnels.  Parks are brimming with roller skating enthusiasts, hell bent on perfecting their skills.  Sports shops and hobby stores come out with advertising campaigns aimed towards kids and young adults, promoting roller skating as the newest, hippest alternative sports craze after skateboarding.