A Quick Guide to Basic Skating Skills

THE FIRST ROLLER SKATES, created in the 1700s, resembled today's in-line skates: a single line of metal wheels. Even in the next century, the first patented roller skate design followed the alignment of three wheels in a row. It wasn't until 1863 that a man named James Plimpton revolutionized the design by inventing a skate with two pairs of wheels set side by side, also known as a quad skate. The new skate quickly became the standard, due to its greater control and ease in turning, and even more refinements were made: ball and cone bearings helped improve the skate's maneuverability, and the toe stop was patented in 1876. Roller skating increased in popularity and reached its heyday in the US during the 1970s and 80s; in the 90s a modern inline skate design, the Rollerblade, took the lead as roller rinks gave way to outdoor skating. But roller skates are still made, and the fun to be had on skates is everything it used to be.

If you've never skated before-and even if you have-it's a good idea to get used to your new skates. Find yourself a smooth, flat, safe, traffic-free place to skate, and before you do anything else, practice the skills of starting, turning, and stopping. And even if you're not a beginner, wear protective gear, including knee pads, wrist guards, elbow pads, and a helmet.

STARTING OUT
Before you skate, find your balance and get comfortable in your skates by walking on a flat, grassy, or carpeted surface. First; just stand, feeling the sensation of your weight distributed evenly over the middle of your skates rather than in your toes or heels. Do not lock your knees.Then stand with your feet in a "V" position with your heels together and your toes apart. Bend your knees slightly, put your arms out at your sides and then march slowly, right, left, right, left, to get a feel for your skates. When you feel comfortable with this, move to a paved surface and try to balance on your skates.Bend only at the knees, never at the waist.

FALLING
It sounds funny, because a fall should seem like something to avoid, but falling is one of the most important things to practice. When you fall forward on skates, your skate stops but your upper body keeps going. Practicing falling forward on your bed or another cushioned surface can prepare you for how it feels to fall, so that if a fall occurs your reaction can be reflexive and you can minimize injury. When falling forward, drop to your knees which should always be protected with kneepads) and sit on your backside and thighs-avoid putting your arms down or falling forward onto your hands. When falling backward, try to regain your balance by leaning forward and resist the urge to flail your arms or put your arms out to break your fall.

SKATING FORWARD
Begin with your feet in a "V" position, your heels together and your toes apart. With slightly bent knees and your arms held out to steady you, lean onto your right foot and coast forward, pushing off lightly with your left. Bring your left foot to meet your right foot, again in a "V" with your heels together, and as you place your left foot down, lean to the left, gliding on your left foot and pushing off lightly with your right. Repeat, alternating feet. Remember to relax, keep your knees bent, and lean your body in the direction of the foot carrying your weight.

STOPPING
It's possible to use the toe-stop to stop yourself by pointing your toe and dragging the rubber stop on the ground, but that can be a little tricky. A surer way is the four-wheel "T" stop: Gliding on your forward skate, lift your back skate and bring it behind your front skate at a 45-degree angle, creating a "T." Gradually let the rear skate touch the ground and create a drag to slow you to a stop. Another method of stopping is to simply lean into a turn. If you keep leaning in the same direction, you will gradually spin to a stop.

STROKING
Begin with your feet close together, shift your weight to the right foot and push off to the side with your left. Glide forward on your right foot with your left foot off the floor. Be careful not to bend at the waist, turn or twist your shoulders, or swing your arms. Bring your left skate alongside your right one and place it on the floor. Now shift your weight to your left foot and glide forward the same way. Keep repeating these glides, swaying right and then left, and remember to look ahead of you in the distance, not down at your feet. Gradually make each glide or stroke longer as you build up speed.

STEERING/TURNING
To steer yourself into a curve, lean in the direction of the curve. For a left turn, lean left; for a right turn, lean right.

CROSS-FRONT
After you are comfortable with stroking, you can practice the crossfront. Glide forward, your weight on your left foot, with knees bent and close together. Swinging from the hip, cross your right leg over your left and step your right foot as close to your left as you can. Continually crossing over in front is one way to navigate a turn.

SKATING BACKWARD
Start with your feet in an inverted "V," with your toes together and your heels apart. Press down on the inside of the left foot while lifting your right foot off the floor. Point your right toe down and shift your weight to the right. Lean slightly forward, bend your knees, and look back over your shoulder while you push off with your right foot and glide backward on your left. Bring your right foot backward and alongside the left. Push off your left foot and glide backward on your right. Your balance foot is in front of you. Bring your left foot alongside the right and start over. Another technique for skating backward is to move your skates in an hourglass shape without lifting your feet off the ground. Start with a wide stance, your skates far apart, and then apply pressure on the inside edges of your skates to roll them close together. Once they're close, apply pressure to the outside edges, making your skates roll away from each other. Try this going forward, too!

SKATING A FIGURE EIGHT
Build up speed by stroking, then skate on your right foot only and lean in to the circle; when you complete the circle, switch from your right foot to your left foot and lean in to finish.

Now go burn the wheels!