Buzz
For me, roller skating has always symbolized freedom. The feeling of speed as you zip along feels like you're soaring through the air. Even when you're gliding slowly, making small turns on your wheels, you're moving in ways that those confined to regular shoes could never experience. So, how do you become one of those roller skaters? It requires a bit of practice and some time, but soon, you’ll be rolling like a pro.
I spent years playing roller derby, so I became quite comfortable on my skates. In my downtime, I’d practice figure skating tricks like spins and jumps, and fun stunts like the "shooting the duck." (During the pandemic lockdown, I tried skate dancing—turns out, it’s not my forte.) Today, I'll share the most important beginner tips to help you start skating with confidence and speed.
The first step is simple: get yourself some skates
When I mention "roller skating," I’m assuming we’re both talking about quad skates, the ones with four wheels—two in the front, two in the back. (I’ve heard of something called a “roller” “blade” too, but honestly, I’m not sure what those are all about.)
There are two main types of quad roller skates you’ll come across. The first type features heeled boots that lace up around the ankles. These are ideal for figure skating moves like jumps and spins, and they’re also great for a casual skating experience. They’re your classic, retro-style skates.
The second type is a low-cut skate that looks more like a sneaker. While these offer zero ankle support, they provide greater flexibility. These are perfect for jam skating’s intricate footwork and are also favored by roller derby players.
Both types are perfectly fine for beginners, and I won’t judge if you choose your skates based on which ones look the cutest. Just a heads-up, though: While it's usually smart to start with the cheapest option and upgrade once you outgrow it, when it comes to skates, you don’t want to go too cheap. Anything under $80 is probably a red flag.
Some skates may feel too flimsy or lack the right features. To identify a quality pair, it helps to understand the anatomy of a skate. Below the boot (the shoe part) is the plate. The plate needs to be sturdy enough to handle your weight. Then, attached to the plate, you’ll find the trucks, which connect the wheels to the plate. These are the moving parts that allow flexibility between the wheel axle and the plate. The trucks are mounted at an angle and cushioned for comfort. Here’s a video that explains more about the anatomy:
When shopping for skates, ensure that the pair you choose includes the essential parts. For instance, if the area connecting the wheels is just a solid piece of plastic, like on these kids’ skates, then they lack trucks altogether. Without trucks, you won’t be able to adjust them, which limits the type of movement you can do. Plus, you won’t be able to replace the trucks unless you buy a whole new pair of skates.
Another thing to keep in mind: Nylon (soft plastic) plates are often too flexible for people who weigh more than 200 pounds. These work fine for children and lighter adults, but if you're heavier, look for skates with aluminum or fiberglass plates instead.
Here are some budget-friendly brands to consider for beginners:
High ankle skates (retro/artistic style): Candi Grl, Impala, Moxi Beach Bunny, Riedell Wave
Low cut skates (derby/jam style): Riedell R3, Riedell Dart, Sure-Grip GT-50
And don't forget to grab some safety gear!
Until you get the hang of falling safely, it’s a good idea to wear protective gear while you practice. You’re going to fall on your knees, so kneepads are a must. The best option is the skater kind with hard caps, but if you're feeling adventurous, I sometimes use the thinner dancers’ kneepads like these. They still hurt when you fall, but they soften the blow a bit. Don’t forget a helmet to protect your head, and consider adding elbow pads and wrist guards to the mix.
Learn some basic skate maintenance skills
There are a few things you’ll need to do to keep your skates running smoothly. First, make sure you can adjust the nuts on your wheels. Skates often come with the nuts too tight. Check that they’re loose enough so that when you hold the skate up and give the wheel a flick, it spins freely.
A basic skate tool (like this one) will typically have a socket for the wheel nuts as well as for the nuts on your trucks. Looser trucks allow for sharper turns but can make your ride feel a little wobbly. You’ll want to adjust them depending on your skill level and the kind of skating you plan to do.
If you primarily skate on hard indoor floors, go for hard wheels (with a durometer rating in the 90s, like 90A). For outdoor skating, softer wheels will give you a smoother ride over rough pavement, and these usually have a durometer rating in the 80s. Many skaters use a set of indoor wheels and a set of outdoor wheels, swapping them out as needed.
Your toe stops are another key component to consider. Some dance moves are easier to perform without toe stops, so you might choose to remove them and swap them for small nubs called jam plugs. On the other hand, if you're an outdoor skater, you may find yourself relying on toe stops so much that they get worn down. The great thing is, toe stops can be replaced, and certain models even let you adjust the height, usually requiring an allen wrench.
Get familiar with your skates
The initial step to mastering (or re-mastering) skating is to simply teach your body how to move when you're on wheels. One of the quickest ways to do this is by wearing your skates at home, regardless of whether your house offers an ideal place for skating or not.
That being said, use your judgment: Avoid practicing in areas with fragile or sharp objects around. Don’t attempt to go up or down stairs or try any tricky terrain until you’ve fully gained confidence in your skills.
Even if your floors are all carpeted, you’ll get a feel for where to distribute your weight as you walk around. You might even find yourself leaning on your toe stops to get up from a chair. When you wear your skates in a confined area, like while washing dishes in your kitchen, you'll discover all sorts of ways to pivot and move on your wheels while staying still. These maneuvers will serve you well when you hit the rink, dance floor, or streets later on.
Skate without wiping out
You don’t need a large area to master the basics. The first step is getting your body in the right position: Always bend your knees slightly. This helps you stay balanced and makes it easier to adjust your weight when needed. (Keep your knees unlocked—don’t lock them, at least not until you're more experienced.)
Master the T-stance: Place one foot behind the other at a right angle. This position is very stable and perfect for when you're standing still. You can also use it to push off from the back foot and start moving. For instance, if your right foot is behind your left heel, push off with your right foot and glide forward on the left.
To steer, simply lean to one side. With practice, you’ll be able to skate in a circle on one foot. (The looser your trucks, the tighter the circle.) To stop, shift all your weight onto one foot and slowly bring the other foot behind you in that T position. To protect your ankles, make sure you’re dragging all four wheels of the back foot on the ground, not just the two closest to your moving foot.
Learn some cool moves
Now the exciting part begins! What will you do on your skates? If you plan to skate outdoors, don't forget your helmet and knee pads. Start off by finding a smooth, even surface.
Indoors, there's a lot you can do even in tight spaces. The video below demonstrates stylish dance moves that are built from basic steps, like sliding your feet back and forth.
Whatever activity you choose, always prioritize safety, understand your skates, and feel free to get creative. Support your instructors by making donations whenever you can, and share your moves on social media to inspire others. Enjoy skating!
