Roller skating is a ton of fun, and you can learn roller skating at any age. Roller skating also improves balance, and heart strength, and is a great calorie burner. Today some sportsbooks even provide bettors betting on roller derby – betting on special roller skating competitions as a form of gambling like playing casino games in the Playamo casino in Canada. Today there are a huge number of different types of roller skating including freestyle roller skating, speed roller skating, and roller derby we already mentioned before. Interested in how to learn roller skating as a newbie? Let’s begin your roller skating journey then!

How long does it take to learn the basics of roller skating? Well, you won’t learn how to perform effortless-seeming twists like a pro overnight, but it is possible to master the basics of roller skating in five days. The main thing is to know where to start. And you need to start with the purchase of the necessary gear for comfortable and safe training.

Choose the right pair of roller skates

Before getting up for the first time on rollers, you need to take care of your comfort and safety. The choice begins directly with roller skates: remember, they must be your size. Good roller skates should have thick and soft padding inside, which may have an extra seal in the thumb area. Make sure that the wheels on the skates are removable, this will prolong the life of your roller skates.

It is important to choose between two main types of roller skates: those with wheels in a single row (inline skates, also called rollerblades) and skates with wheels in a square formation (quad skates). If you are getting into roller skating, we recommend you decide on quad skates. They have a wide wheelbase, require less control, and are easier to learn. The most suitable quad skates for beginners are the recreational quad skates.

Improve your balance and build your confidence

You can practice balancing at home on carpeted floors in front of the TV! Having balance means you can stand still on roller skates on one foot or another for a while. This skill is a big part of roller skating.

Learn how to stop

It is very important to learn how to stop knows skates. You will feel much more confident when you learn to do it yourself, without the help of a friend, a tree, or the nearest fence. To do this, you can use the roller brake, which is located at the back of the skate in the form of a special pad. To slow down, simply place your foot upright, resting it on this pad. There is another way, it is more suitable if you are moving slowly. Just put your feet at an angle and start to bring them together. This stop is called the V-stop.

Don’t be afraid of falling – you just need to fall right!

When you start on roller skates, falling is an essential part of learning. If you do feel yourself starting to fall, just try to bend your knees and sit on the cards in the process, with your back rounded and your arms tucked in. In this way, you will not break anything.

First steps on wheels? No problem!

Now you need to learn the correct body position, which will allow you to get used to the rollers, as well as protect you from improper falls. Roller skates should stand parallel to each other, feet at a distance of 30-40 cm, all joints slightly bent, arms extended in front of you, also slightly bent at the elbows. Then repeat the movements as in normal walking, a couple of steps, and the skates are already rolling, your main task is to keep your balance under any conditions. When skating, never push off only with the front toe, as we do when walking, but always make pushing movements with all four wheels.

Buy safety gear

Don’t forget to buy safety gear. Many skaters roller skate without it, but still, if you want to feel more confident, and avoid unnecessary abrasions, it is worth buying a safety gear set: knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.

And here is our last and “pro” tip: have fun! Good luck on your great journey!