Quad skates are often associated with roller rinks and dance routines but can be used in various settings. They provide excellent stability due to their wide base, making them ideal for beginners learning the basics or skaters who prefer a slower pace. Here's what you need to know about quad skating:

• History: Quad skates were originally designed for speed racing but have evolved into a versatile option for recreational and performance skating.
• Wheels: Typically range from 54-62mm in diameter, with softer wheels offering better grip on rough surfaces and harder wheels providing more speed.
• Bearings: Determine how easily your skates roll. Higher ABEC ratings (like ABEC 7 or higher) indicate smoother, faster rolling.
• Boots: Can be soft boot or hard boot designs. Soft boots are comfortable but less supportive, while hard boots offer superior ankle support and responsiveness.

Quad skating is popular for:

• Roller Derby: A fast-paced contact sport played on quad skates.
• Jam Skating: A style of dance skating that combines roller skating with hip hop and funk music.
• Artistic Roller Skating: Combines figure skating elements with roller skating, featuring intricate routines performed to music.

Inline skates offer a sleek design and are favored by skaters looking for speed and agility. Their long, narrow profile allows for faster acceleration and tighter turns than quad skates. Here's what you need to know about inline skating:

• History: Developed in the 1980s as an alternative to ice hockey skates.
• Wheels: Typically range from 72-110mm in diameter, with smaller wheels providing more maneuverability and larger wheels offering greater speed.
• Bearings: Similar to quad skates, higher ABEC ratings indicate smoother, faster rolling.
• Boots: Can be soft boot or hard boot designs. Soft boots are comfortable for casual use, while hard boots offer better support and responsiveness for aggressive skating.

Inline skating is popular for:

• Urban Skating: Navigating city streets and skate parks with speed and agility.
• Fitness Skating: A great cardio workout that improves balance and coordination.
• Aggressive Inline Skating (Aggressive Skates): Incorporating tricks and jumps into your skating routine, often performed on ramps or rails.

Falling is inevitable when you're learning to skate, so it's crucial to learn how to fall safely. Here are some tips:

• Bend Your Knees: This helps absorb impact and reduces the risk of injury.
• Don't Reach Out With Your Hands: Protect your wrists by falling on your padded palms or rolling with the momentum.
• Relax Your Body: Tensing up can make falls more painful. Try to relax as much as possible during a fall.

Once you've mastered how to fall safely, it's time to learn some basic skating techniques:

• Starting Position: Stand with your knees slightly bent and feet shoulder-width apart.
• Pushing Off: Lean forward slightly and push off the ground with one foot while gliding on the other. Alternate between pushing off each foot to maintain momentum.
• Stopping: There are several ways to stop:
  • Toe Stops: Quad skates have a rubber toe stopper that you can drag along the ground to slow down or come to a complete stop.
  • T-Stop: Inline skaters use this technique by dragging one skate behind the other in a "T" shape, creating friction and slowing them down.
  • Heel Brake: Some inline skates have a heel brake that you can step on with your back foot to slow down or come to a stop.

Balance is key to roller skating! Here are some tips:

• Keep Your Core Engaged: A strong core helps maintain stability and control.
• Look Ahead: Focusing on where you want to go rather than your feet will help improve your balance.
• Bend Your Knees & Ankles: This allows for more flexibility and shock absorption, reducing the risk of wobbling or falling.

Turning is an essential skill that requires practice:

• Weight Shift: To turn right, shift your weight onto your left foot and vice versa to turn left.
• Lean into the Turn: Slightly lean in the direction you want to go for better control.
• Inside Edge Control: Using the inside edge of your skate (the part closest to the center line) helps initiate turns.

Safety should always be a top priority when roller skating. Here are some essential pieces of protective gear you'll need:

• Roller Skate Helmets: Choose a helmet that fits snugly and covers your forehead, temples, and the back of your head. (Check out our selection of roller skate helmets)
• Wrist Guards: Protect your wrists from fractures in case you fall forward. (We recommend these best roller skating pads for beginners)
• Elbow Pads & Knee Pads: Cushioning your elbows and knees can prevent scrapes, bruises, and more serious injuries during a fall. (Find the right fit with our range of skate gear).

When selecting roller skates, consider these factors:

• Skater Type: What style of skating do you plan to do? Quad skates are great for beginners and classic styles, while inline skates offer more speed and agility.
• Boot Fit: Ensure a snug but comfortable fit with enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes.
• Wheel Size & Hardness: Smaller wheels provide better maneuverability, while larger wheels roll faster. Softer wheels offer better grip on rough surfaces.

We have a wide selection of buy roller skates online to suit every skating style and budget!

A skate bag is essential for transporting your gear safely and conveniently. Look for bags with padded compartments, adjustable straps, and enough space to fit your skates, protective gear, and other accessories. (Check out our gear bags for skaters!)

• Laces: Replace worn-out laces with fresh ones to ensure a secure fit.
• Brake Pads: If your skates don't have built-in brakes, you can add brake pads to the heel of quad skates or the back of inline skates for better stopping power.
• Bearing Grease: Regularly lubricating your bearings helps them roll smoother and last longer.