Roller Skating 101: The Essential Gear to Keep You Rolling Smoothly

Did you know that roller skates date back to 1735? They were invented by John Joseph Merlin that used them while playing the violin. He crashed in a mirror while doing it but that’s not the point. Since then, roller skates were gaining popularity all over the world and soon became a fun family activity. People of all ages love roller skating, especially small children. It gives them a sense of adventure, makes them independent, plus it’s very beneficial for their health. But in order to do it right, it’s necessary to acquire all the essential gear, including safety equipment.

Roller Skates

These are the most traditional type of skates, also known as quad skates. They have a wide baseplate which provides a lot of stability. They give out a very special old-school retro look that nothing else can replicate. But before you go out and buy from the variety of girls quad skates there are some things to consider and think about. After all, not all of them are designed for the same purpose. Some are meant for riding, and some are created for dancing.

Roller skates are very distinctive because of their four wheels arranged in pairs. You can find hard and soft wheels. This is measured by a durometer scale. It goes from 0-100A, and if you’re closer to 100 that means the wheels are harder. These wheels have a longer lifespan but don’t have a lot of grip or shock absorption. Soft wheels on the other hand have a shorter lifespan but great shock absorption and grip. To keep the bearings as safe as possible, try to avoid water, moisture, dirt, and sand.

Roller skates have a hard boot and shell, and a soft boot and shell. The hard ones are suitable for long rides and fitness activities because of their stability and support. The soft ones have better ventilation, are lighter and you can manoeuvre them easily. One of the characteristics that make these skates unique is their toe stop. Skaters use it as a break and as a helping tool to start off. You can easily replace it, but before it gets all worn out. Otherwise, it’ll be difficult to dismount it.

Size is always an important thing when you buy roller skates. Always follow the size recommendations of the manufacturer and choose a size bigger than your regular shoe size (unless stated otherwise). Skates should have a nice fit around your foot, but not too tight or too loose. Before buying, always try them on and give them a ride around the store. It’s recommended that you wear your skating socks so you get the right size and fit. Don’t let your toes touch the skate’s nose, this means they’re too small for you. Also, keep an eye on the cushioning inside the skates. A softer one will make the skates more agile, and the harder cushions are more stable.

Safety Gear

Helmet

A helmet is necessary no matter whether you’re a novice or an expert in roller skating. A single fall can often make all the difference between a life and death situation. One fall has the power to permanently impact your life and cause irreversible damage. You may buy these helmets online or at your nearest shop. Look for a reputable seller who sells helmets with strong safety standards and doesn’t skimp on quality.

The shell is usually made of fibreglass, carbon fibre, Kevlar, or ABS plastic. Under the shell, there could be multiple paddings for maximum protection. A layer of foam is added to provide comfort after the first layer of soft foam. An adjustable strap and buckle mechanism should be a part of all helmets. The strap is not a one-size-fits-all item, that’s why you need to make sure you take the proper measurements before buying one.

Take a soft measuring tape and wrap it around the widest portion of your head, which is slightly above the eyebrows and above the ears. You can also use a string or lace and transfer the measurement on a ruler. The staff at the store will always be happy to assist you if you’re unsure that you have the exact measurements. If you decide to buy helmets online, find the sizing charts available for the helmets on the retailers’ website, and follow their instructions. Be patient and you’ll make the right choice, don’t just follow the sales hype stores offer.

Knee Pads

Your roller-skating experience will be safer and easier if you also use knee pads. This is essential for young boys and girls. They will be inspired to practise more on their boys and girls quad skates and get better every day if they’re safe. Explain the value of knee pads to your child if they are just learning to skate, so that they will always wear them to prevent cuts, scuffs, bruises, and even fractured bones. It’s important to protect the knees as much as you can because they’re the first ones to take the hit when someone falls.

Roller skaters with a stubborn attitude, shy children worried about looking foolish, and individuals who believe they don’t need knee pads are a few examples of those who refuse to wear knee pads. You don’t need to feel ashamed, so don’t be stubborn. The smartest thing you can do is wear them. Knee pads have two layers of protection. One of them is a foam-like filler that absorbs the impact of the fall. To take the right measurement use the soft tape again. Wrap it around your knee while it’s fully stretched out.

Elbow Pads

Roller skating is not something you can do on grass or other soft surfaces. That’s why you need elbow pads when you practice. Every fall on concrete or other hard surfaces can seriously harm your bones and skin. Elbow pads have a sturdy outer shell, stretchy fabric to wrap around and soft protective layers beneath to absorb the shock. All of them are flexible and adjustable so you’ll feel comfortable while wearing them.

Again, to take the right measurement, soft measuring tape saves the day. Grab it and wrap it around the centre of your elbow while you extend your arm. If you can’t do it on your own, ask a friend or go to the store and the employees will assist you. The elbow pads must be cosy to avoid limiting your range of motion, decreasing blood flow, turning your arm the wrong way, or even falling out.

Wrist Guards and Gloves

Wrist injuries and breaks are very uncomfortable and take a lot of time to heal. Oftentimes, people can’t move their wrists as they used to before the injury. That’s why wrist guards and gloves are important. The guards absorb the impact of the fall, and the gloves protect the hands from scrapes and scratches. Try them on and choose the appropriate size for optimal protection.

Mouthguard

This piece of protective gear is not just combined with girls roller skates. People wear it while boxing, skateboarding or playing basketball. Many times, roller skaters suffer from teeth or tongue injuries which can be very painful. Plus, they take a lot of time to heal. A mouthguard is perfect to prevent these. It’s not an expensive investment but it’s very effective in preventing mouth injuries.