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Inline Skating

post #1 of 17
10/19/10 at 3:01pm
Thread Starter 
So I'm thinking of trying this out as a fitness thing. I can't stand running and cycling is fine but I don't feel like blowing a grand on a decent cycle and all the related accessories. I have a cruising bike and it's OK but not necessarily all that suited to real fitness riding. Inline skating looks pretty fun, looks time-efficient as a workout, and seems to be a more full-body exercise than either running or biking (looks like it would work the core pretty well).

I'm planning on getting some decent recreational skates (high-boot) with 90mm wheels. Seems I can get a pair for >$200, with another $25 in protective gear and I can use my bike helmet. I've inline-skated once in my life, though I'm reasonably competent (though not particularly great) on ice skates. Anyone out there have any advice for a newb?

I'm a bit concerned about riding (? - is there a term for this?) on public roads though. Do most reasonable roads provide a decent skating surface? Is it safe? Should I skate with traffic like on a bike, or against it like you're supposed to run?

In between all the gay jokes, hoping to get some decent advice. Thanks.
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post #2 of 17
10/19/10 at 3:25pm
I would every now and then do inline hockey between ice hockey breaks. In the 1990's.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Douglas View Post
I'm a bit concerned about riding (? - is there a term for this?) on public roads though. Do most reasonable roads provide a decent skating surface?

Decent, yes, but it will depend in part on your skill level. Parks are certainly the best, followed by neighborhood streets, especially for road quality. A good number of public roads are suitable, but I never liked the roads. When you have those tiny wheels, the little pebbles or bumps or cracks become really pronounced. Hit one and your skate might tweak a little bit. This is fine for the avid skater, but it could be a problem for the newbs. Learn on the safe and well maintained roads, then venture out if need be.
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post #3 of 17
10/19/10 at 4:43pm
You want to make sure you have a high durometer if you're going to be skating on the road. If you get soft wheels, they'll get destroyed.

When looking at upgrading your bearings, look for some that are sealed on both sides (and usually higher abec ratings mean the wheel will turn more smoothly/faster). Otherwise, you'll find that skating on roads will create a ton of build up and gunk inside your bearings.

Clean and rotate wheels and bearings around once a month if you skate 3-5 days a week.

The most important protective gear you're going to wear will be your wrist guards. Knee pads, eldbow pads might prevent scrapes, but those wrist guards WILL save you a trip to the emergency room if you fall.

P.S. Careful on steep hills.

P.S.S. Learn to T-stop while braking with your other foot.
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post #4 of 17
10/19/10 at 6:21pm
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post #5 of 17
10/19/10 at 6:22pm
ha ha ha ha ha
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post #6 of 17
10/19/10 at 6:27pm
- 90 mm will make you go faster. You might not want this unless you are stable. Seriously. Consider smaller wheels. I know what the hell I'm talking about.

- You can NOT stop when you are first learning. Trees and Parking meters are there to help you stop.

- Do NOT try to use the brake to stop when you are new. As mentioned above, the first (and easier) way to stop is the T-stop, where you drag when skate on the ground 'rough' behind you (forming a "T"). BUT you will very, very quickly find out that if you do it at a 90 degree angle it will spin you around. Try it first multiple times at a very slow speed until you get the hang of it.
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post #7 of 17
10/19/10 at 6:36pm
Lordy. When we tried inline-skating a few years back it was a disastrous comedy of errors. Screams abounded, and I was so happy we had picked a sparsely-traveled trail to try it on, avoiding embarrassment. The only thing I wished for was guard rails and carpeting on said trail, but that was strangely hard to find.
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post #8 of 17
10/19/10 at 6:41pm
For years when people asked me what I wanted for my birthday I said Rollerblades but no one ever bought them for me. I finally bought a pair for myself about 5 or 6 years ago. They are fun and great exercise, but I rarely think to use them.

They are great exercise to get ready for ski season. This thread is making me think I should use them more often.

And good advice on the wrist guards. Even if you don't wear anything else, those are really good to have.
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post #9 of 17
10/19/10 at 7:22pm
Oh damn, forgot that part. Yes, yes to wrist guards. It is the number one injury, as when you fall you put your arms out to break the fall. It works, but it breaks or fractures your wrists.
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post #10 of 17
10/19/10 at 11:55pm
The hardest part about inline skating isnt the stopping or the falls, its admitting to your friends that you're gay.
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post #11 of 17
10/19/10 at 11:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Davidko19 View Post
The hardest part about inline skating isnt the stopping or the falls, its admitting to your friends that you're gay.

Yeah, c'mon out some time and I'll rifle a slap shot at your head and you can tell me if you think I'm gay.
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post #12 of 17
10/20/10 at 12:16am
bahahahahah

im imagining this




Quote:
Originally Posted by fredfred View Post
Yeah, c'mon out some time and I'll rifle a slap shot at your head and you can tell me if you think I'm gay.

if youre wearing wrist guards while trying to rifle a slap shot at me i wouldnt be too worried
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post #13 of 17
10/20/10 at 12:47am
Lulz.
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post #14 of 17
10/20/10 at 1:20am
The most difficult thing about rollerblading is explaining to your friends you're not gay.


But seriously, I used to be a pretty serious skater and I learned from experience that wrist guards are a godsend.
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post #15 of 17
10/20/10 at 1:23am
Why not bike and save the skating for the rink? There's nothing gay about roller or ice skating if you have a stick in your hand. This thread did remind me how little hockey I play these days. I bought my Tour Fishbones about 6 years ago and they're still in decent condition. Only the wheels and laces have been replaced .
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