In this portion of our guide, we will discuss the equipment and accessories used in the multidisciplinary sport of inline skating.
Also known as rollerblading, or just blading, inline skating has several disciplines, attracting different segments of the skating community.
Aggressive inline skating focuses on tricks and stunts, with skaters using specialized skates designed for grinding on rails and ledges or executing aerial maneuvers.
Similar to downhill skiing, Alpine skating involves descending steep slopes at high speeds. Alpine skaters often use longer frames and larger wheels to navigate the terrain.
Traditionally known as figure skating, artistic skating on inline skates is akin to ice figure skating. Skaters perform routines to music, incorporating jumps, spins, and dance moves.
Freestyle skating involves various techniques, including slalom skating, where skaters maneuver around cones in intricate patterns. The emphasis is on precision, agility, and fluidity.
Inline hockey is a team sport similar to ice hockey but played on a smooth surface with inline skates. Players use specialized equipment, including sticks and a puck or ball, to score goals against opponents.
Also known as all-terrain skating, off-road skating involves traversing rough and uneven surfaces on inline skates. Skaters use specially designed skates with larger, pneumatic tires to handle dirt trails, gravel paths, and grassy areas.
Speed skating on inline skates is a racing experience in which skaters compete to achieve the fastest times over set distances. Skaters use lightweight, aerodynamic skates with larger wheels for minimal resistance.
Vert skating takes place on vert ramps, similar to those used by skateboarders. Skaters perform high-flying tricks and spins, launching from the ramp's vertical sections.
Several types of inline skates and protective gear are available for the differing ways in which they are used.
Besides the extreme inline skating sports discussed above, most people take up the activity as a recreational activity, including those who might later progress into more organized sports. Recreational skating involves skating for leisure or light exercise. Skates typically used for these purposes have four wheels designed for comfort and stability. Protective gear includes helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.
Fitness skating is more intense than recreational skating, focusing on cardiovascular exercise and muscle toning. Fitness skates are similar to recreational skates but lighter and more aerodynamic. Helmets and pads are necessary for protection during high-speed skating. Fitness skaters sometimes use heart rate monitors or Smart watches to track their cardiovascular performance.
Aggressive skating includes freestyle or street skating, as it involves performing tricks and stunts on ramps, rails, and urban obstacles. Aggressive skates have a robust boot, smaller wheels, and a grinding plate for tricks. Grinding wax reduces friction on rails and ledges for smoother grinds. Again, helmets and pads are essential protective measures.
Already mentioned, speed skating focuses on high speeds, often termed competitive racing. Speed skates have longer frames and larger wheels for maximum speed and efficiency. Helmets are mandatory, and skintight suits are worn to reduce drag. Timers and speedometers are used to track performance metrics.
Also mentioned earlier, hockey skating is played on inline skates and requires many of the same skills as ice hockey. Inline hockey skates have a sturdy boot and four wheels arranged in a high-low configuration for agility. Protective gear includes helmets with face shields, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, shin guards, and mouthguards. Hockey sticks are made of wood, composite, or aluminum. Depending on the surface, inline hockey can be placed with either a puck or a ball.
Major manufacturers serving the inline skating market include Rollerblade, K2 Sports, Powerslide, Sebastion, and Bauer and Mission. These and other manufacturers of inline skating equipment and gear are appropriate topics for this category, along with retailers focused on inline skating.
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Headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California, the company has another location in Alpharetta, Georgia. Founded in 2000, the retailer specializes in inline skates and related equipment from top brands, including skates, wheels, protective gear, and apparel. Online shoppers can browse its category by sport (roller hockey, fitness skating, or street skating), brand, or product type (inline skates, quad skates, wheels and parts, protective, apparel, and others). Clearance items are also available.
https://www.inlinewarehouse.com/
Located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, ProSkaters Place is a popular retailer specializing in inline skates, roller skates, scooters, skateboards, and skiing equipment. Its online catalog of inline skating products includes a selection of inline skates, inline skate liners, rollerblade boots, off-road skates, frame sets, inline skate wheels, wheels for rollerblades, frames, inline skate bearings, heel brakes, color kits and laces, skate parts, and skate tools. Contacts are included.
https://proskatersplace.com/products/inline-skating/
The online retailer was founded in 2008 and is based in Lenexa, Kansas. Online shoppers can find a wide range of roller skates on its website, including indoor and outdoor skates, kids' skates, and even custom sneaker skates, with various brands and styles to choose from. Also available are safety gear, parts and maintenance items, accessories, and apparel. Shoppers may browse by product type, brand, or sale items. A gift guide and gift certificates may also be accessed.
https://rollerskatenation.com/
Rollerblade is a brand of inline skates owned by Nordica. Started by Scott Olson in 1982 as Ole's Innovative Sports, the company became Rollerblade when it was sold and has changed hands a few times. Inline skates were used for many years by ice speed skaters before they became mainstream, and for the first few years, Rollerblade was the only manufacturer of inline skates with worldwide distribution. The company manufactures several types of skates, including those for aggressive skating.
https://www.rollerblade.com/usa/en
SkatePro is an online retailer specializing in action sports equipment. They offer a wide range of products for various sports, including skateboards, scooters, roller skates, inline skates, surf, and winter sports. SkatePro was founded in 1996 and has become a global action sports leader. The company has a catalog of over 20,000 unique items, including gear for inliners, roller skating, aggressive skates, freeskates, speed skates, endurance skates, off-road skates, roller hockey, and others.
https://www.skatepro.com/en-us/c22.htm
