Should I start Roller Skating?

[JustOnePersonNotAnOctopus]

I run for exercise, and go to the gym. I’m not super into it but I do enjoy the physical and mental benefits. I’ve been developing an interest in roller skating but how does a person find a pair of roller skates? I wear size 5.5 running trainers. Any advice?

I roller skate and have done for years, I would always say YES! Where are you planning to skate? Rinks are few and far between these days, and it is harder outside (but not impossible, but you will need different wheels)

I know this may sound scary but check out if there is a roller derby team near you, they likely have a rookie course and will teach you to skate (and fall) and introduce the wonderful game if derby!

Lots of skates in gutted etc but try to get ones with adjustable toe stops, they are less likely to be crappy toy ones that will do you no favours.

Good luck!

On Vinted not gutted - sorry!

Thanks for the advice! I’ve found a local-ish group that I can attend and they will lend me the skates for the session. I’ll try it out. I’d like to skate outside really as I generally prefer outdoor exercise. There is a sports pitch near me that has a good footpath around it, it’s about 1km.

I actually find outside easier because if you're going too fast or are going to trip its easy to divert to the grass and slow down/at worst you have something soft to fall on! Plus not so busy.

Trying them at the rink is a good idea the if you want to buy some for yourself. There are quite a few skate shops around , I would recommend trying them on if possible - a lot of skates use American sizes which don't translate exactly to UK sizes even if sold in UK shops. Some feel a lot heavier than others, wheels are different, etc.

There are loads of YouTube videos on how to start, turn etc including stuff you can do in a small space at home to learn control and explaining what wheel types are better for what surfaces etc

Thanks @latetothefisting

Im pretty scared of falling down. I know I’ll fall for sure but do you see many bad injuries eg broken wrists?

My friend who is a radiologist advised against it. She sees soooo many broken bones from roller skating.

I bought a set of knee and elbow pads and wrist protectors when I tried roller skating.

How did you get on?

I tried a few years ago. Took lessons. Fell on my arse and bruised my coccyx and couldn’t sit down for weeks. Eventually recovered and went back but it seems that some people just don’t have much balance. I tried for weeks but just didn’t improve. I was gutted.

What about nordic blading? Its outdoors and you use poles to help with balance.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/unveiling-the-joys-of-nordic-blading/story

You can get them from decathlon, order online.its really fun.we have a roller Rina so see you have one nearby as it's softer than concrete.

Don't worry about falling,especially if you have a roller Rina as can hold on to the sides as you go around.its just like ice-skating but easier and all year around.

Well I didn’t break anything! Won’t save you if you fall on your coccyx though - I remember doing that as a kid ice skating and it hurts.
I did a lesson but haven’t been back - hard to find the time.
I think outdoors sounds fun - otherwise you’re just going round in circles indoors.
Nordic blading is a great suggestion!

not if you wear protection. When you get the right stance you're crouched a little bit forward so it's actually quite hard to fall backwards and hurt your back/bum.

Even if you aren't going to wear full safety gear and helmet I'd say wrist guards and knee pads should be essential, and you can wear them under clothes (or if you're wearing black they're not obvious even if over) if you feel self conscious.

A pp suggested roller derby classes as being good even if you never want to play because they teach you how to fall safely, but you can get it from youtube as well and then just practice in your living room. Basically if your stance is good you don't have as far to fall anyway, and if you fall forward onto your knees the knee pads take the brunt and you shouldn't hurt your wrist/face/anything else. Ideally you should have the control to turn it into more of a slight skid than a direct impact crash which also lessons the impact. Sometimes you can use the toe of your boot to slow you down as well (although if you have fancy boots get toe protectors!)

When I'm out I usually do a deliberate semi-controlled fall at least once, not only is it then muscle memory if you do a not-deliberate one, it sort of takes away the fear/embarrassment of falling for real - I've actually never done so when outside (have indoors).

Because of people being around, rougher terrain etc you rarely go that fast.

Practice getting back up again as well -it's actually surprisingly easy.

You could trip and fall and break your wrist just walking or jogging and wouldn't be wearing wrist guards, so I don't worry too much.

My brother is a radiographer and his wife does roller derby. His kids aren’t allowed a trampoline though.

I have an almost unused pair that I bought about 10 years ago, maybe I could sell you them?
And yes you can infer from that that I didn't get the hang of it 😄🤭

We used to do trampolining at school, I remember I hurt my back one time and there was a girl who broke her neck.

I skate a lot and can't think of many places, or maybe any places, where nordic blading would be feasible. Am curious WHERE anyone does that in UK. Regents Park, London, maybe?

Get yourself down to your local roller disco! I'm in my late 40s and love a good skate!

I have Rookie skates and I think they are true to size. Moxi is another brand name and I have their pads.

Didn't stop me fracturing my elbow - but I was practicing my turns rather than skating in a straight line! As PP, learn to fall on your knees. Wrist guards are good to have too.

Invest in a spanner for adjusting your trucks/wheels - they are not expensive - and check your wheels are suitable for outdoor use. A bag is helpful. Ask your local group for recommendations and retailers. As PP my skates were brand new from Vinted.

Look up your local roller derby team, they will most likely offer a beginner program that will teach you everything. Most don't make contact drills compulsory either, and you never know, you might like it, it's an amazing sport!

And yes, I'd get protective pads, wrist, knee, elbow and a decent helmet as well. If it's not for you then you can sell on afterwards.

Sadly my local roller derby group is at the same time as a regular work commitment. Likewise the disco! But there is another local group that might work and I’m going to try that. Thanks for the advice!