| Imagine whooshing down the road with the wind | | | | across Bangalore. Beginners can buy good skates |
| for company and in a set of wheels that doesn't | | | | from Yonex for around Rs. 400. For kids |
| require you to turn 18 and get a license. Roller | | | | participating in tournaments there is professional |
| Skating as a sport is a big favorite among kids, | | | | equipment available from premium brands like |
| especially in Karnataka. Although the number of | | | | Bont, which you can order from abroad or |
| skating clubs in the city isn't all that high, | | | | through the skating clubs. Those are expensive |
| awareness about the game is building up and | | | | and cost around US$ 250. |
| there are several district, state and national level | | | | * Children can take up the game at any age but |
| championships held to hone your child's talent and | | | | the ideal age to start is four plus. Most of the |
| competitive spirit. One of the clubs in the city is | | | | children I train for competitions are in the 5-7 age |
| Esther Roller Skating Club (09886568364), run by | | | | bracket (semi-professionals) and 8-12 years |
| ace skater Esther Bernard, 25. Esther was ranked | | | | (professionals). |
| the 24th fastest skater in the World | | | | Skating Clubs in Bangalore... |
| Championships held in France in 2001 and has | | | | Ace Rollers School of Skating |
| represented India in several Asian Roller Skating | | | | Started by an enthusiastic group of parents who |
| Championships. With 27 gold medals at several | | | | wanted to promote skating as a sport, this club |
| National and All India Roller Skating Championships | | | | has been in existence for the last six years and |
| behind her, she's a great source to get some | | | | takes children from four years onwards. Children |
| skating tips from. MetroMela spoke to her. | | | | coached by the club have participated in state |
| * I believe the right age to start learning roller | | | | level, national level and even the world |
| skating is four years. This sport needs strong | | | | championship. Experienced coaches train the kids |
| ankles and around this time, children's ankles are | | | | and physical fitness is of utmost importance, says |
| strong enough. Their bodies are also flexible, they | | | | Dr Veena Ashok, a committee member. |
| pick up the technique well and are easier to handle | | | | Beginners have four classes a week for an hour |
| than smaller children. | | | | each, while those going for professional |
| * Skating is a great way to maintain balance. I | | | | tournaments have classes six days a week at |
| feel that children are able to do well in studies and | | | | 5.45 AM. They practice at the Jayanagar Stadium. |
| the sport even if they have taken it up in a | | | | Esther Roller Skating Club |
| professional way. I myself missed school half the | | | | Run by 25 time national champion Esther Bernard, |
| year because of tournaments but did well in | | | | this one year old club takes in kids from the age |
| academics. I attribute a lot of it to the discipline of | | | | of four. Classes are held at the skating rink in |
| the sport. | | | | National Games Village, Koramangala. They also |
| * Skating teaches you to think smart and plan. | | | | hold summer camps from where they select |
| You also learn to coordinate, balance your body | | | | talent for tournaments. There are three |
| and concentrate. | | | | categories - beginners, semi-professionals and |
| * It builds a good immunity level in your body. In | | | | professionals. Classes are held in the evenings |
| all these years, I've rarely seen skaters fall ill. | | | | between 4.45 PM and 7.30 PM. The fee is Rs. 300 |
| * When you are skating, ensure that you have a | | | | a month approximately. |
| lot of water in the breaks in between. | | | | Coles Park Skating Club |
| * There are chances of lots of bruises in skating, | | | | This club is run by five-six coaches and takes in |
| even though the kids use knee guards etc. Some | | | | kids from four years of age. The classes are held |
| kids play safe but to really learn, you need to get | | | | at Coles Park. You can opt for either early |
| aggressive. | | | | morning classes (6.20 AM to 7.30 AM) or evening |
| * Parents need to be aware that skating can | | | | classes (7 PM to 8 PM). The fee is Rs. 550 a |
| become an expensive sport. The equipment for | | | | month. |
| beginners is available at any sports goods shop | | | | |