| Roller skating is a fun, recreational activity. It is | | | | with any skill, practice is crucial to success. Try to |
| not for the lazy or the faint of heart. When | | | | skate at least 2-3 times a week at different rinks |
| skaters float like angels on wheels, they have put | | | | to sharpen skills and enhance confidence. |
| in vast hours of training and practice to master | | | | Watch other skaters |
| their craft. For persons ages 30 and over who | | | | Some adult skaters are extraordinary on wheels; |
| are interested in skating for the first time or are | | | | others cannot skate well at all. Everyone has his |
| returning after a long hiatus, consider the following | | | | her own skating style. Pick out the skaters whose |
| advice. | | | | style you like, and ask them for guidance. |
| Buy Good Roller Skates | | | | Choose Advice Carefully |
| The first action any roller skater should take is to | | | | When skaters know you are new or returning, |
| purchase a good pair of roller skates. They can | | | | everyone will offer an opinion. While it is Ok to |
| be new or used. Ask about the quality of the | | | | listen because you can learn from each encounter, |
| boot, wheels and bearings. Expect to pay at least | | | | be selective about whose advice to follow. Be |
| $50 for a used pair or at least $100 for a new | | | | sure to adhere to the guidance of the roller |
| pair depending on the location of purchase and | | | | skaters you have watched and admired. |
| model of skates. | | | | Relax & Bend |
| Although buying from department and warehouse | | | | Some skaters may zoom past while others |
| stores is tempting due to the low cost, resist the | | | | simply glide gracefully around the rink. Whatever |
| urge to do so. Stores specializing in skating gear | | | | the speed of those in the immediate surroundings, |
| are highly recommended for two reasons. First, | | | | do not freak out -- relax and bend your knees. |
| customers are guaranteed to receive guidance on | | | | Bent knees are the main signs of relaxed roller |
| the best skates for their skill level and budget. | | | | skaters. They also help your wheels roll. So, stay |
| Second, all of their needs and questions will be | | | | relaxed and bend. |
| addressed by experts of the activity. | | | | Be Patient |
| Take Lessons | | | | Excellent roller skaters practice and train for years |
| Research or call local roller skating rinks to find out | | | | before earning their "excellent" status. In fact, |
| if they offer lessons. Make sure that the location, | | | | many good skaters will admit that they still have |
| days, and time fit comfortably into your schedule. | | | | things to learn. Be patient with yourself and learn |
| Visit the rink to view the teaching style and | | | | at your own pace for maximum effectiveness. |
| abilities of the instructors. Check out at least | | | | Have fun |
| three rinks to determine a fit for your needs. | | | | With all of the techniques and skills needed to be |
| Skate Often | | | | a good skater, the ultimate goal of roller skating is |
| Many new and returning adult skaters practice | | | | to have a good time. Take the above advice |
| only during their lessons, which is generally once a | | | | provided and let the good times roll! |
| week for about an hour. This is not enough. As | | | | |