Roller skating/blading as an adult

cazs

Does anyone skate or blade as an adult? Something in the Metro today reminded me that I had skates and blades as a child and wondered if anyone does it as an adult? I thought it might be fun to try again and exercise too. Does anyone have recommendations for what to buy or any other related wisdom? Thanks

Timpu

Snap, my story is the same.

I used to skate as an adult for a number of years and really loved it (moving to a hilly area made it tricky to continue). If you've not skated in a while then perhaps do a couple of sessions in an ice rink to get used to it again. The small temporary rinks will be popping up soon and are great to get in some practice.

In terms of what to buy, I did spend good money on a pair of comfy blades, I tried loads in the shop before deciding. I was lucky at the time to live close to an independent skating shop and got really good advice as a result. (Sadly gone now or I'd stick a link here for you.) If you can find an independent, try there first.

If you think you'll fall, get some protective stuff and save yourself a bit of pain.

Pick a quiet park/flat path to get started on. I actually didn't skate once autumn kicked in as the twigs on the ground made it difficult to get a smooth action.

Enjoy yourself! Your legs will hurt as you get used it again but it's fantastic fun.

Post again if you've further questions :beer:

cazs

Timpu wrote: »

Snap, my story is the same.

I used to skate as an adult for a number of years and really loved it (moving to a hilly area made it tricky to continue). If you've not skated in a while then perhaps do a couple of sessions in an ice rink to get used to it again. The small temporary rinks will be popping up soon and are great to get in some practice.

In terms of what to buy, I did spend good money on a pair of comfy blades, I tried loads in the shop before deciding. I was lucky at the time to live close to an independent skating shop and got really good advice as a result. (Sadly gone now or I'd stick a link here for you.) If you can find an independent, try there first.

If you think you'll fall, get some protective stuff and save yourself a bit of pain.

Pick a quiet park/flat path to get started on. I actually didn't skate once autumn kicked in as the twigs on the ground made it difficult to get a smooth action.

Enjoy yourself! Your legs will hurt as you get used it again but it's fantastic fun.

Post again if you've further questions :beer:

Thanks for your enthusiastic message. It sounds like you were/are quite good at skating. I had both quad and then inline skates when they got trendy as a child but my 'skating' was about limited to edging half way down our road very very slowly. They mostly gathered dust haha.
Funnily enough I did go ice skating at the not-so-local rink now and again, just for fun and took to it easier than roller skating/blading.
So I'd definitely be starting from the beginning. In fact, I was thinking of getting some tuition. I live NW London and from Googling it seems there are some people who do skate tuition in Hyde Park.
Finding a worthwhile pair of skates/blades to start with will be a good start.. Sports Direct sell some pairs but I've no idea which are good so I will probably find a specialist shop, hopefully.

skateykatey

I skate and I'm an adult! It's mostly quads or on ice, funnily enough I'm rubbish on inlines though.

It's great exercise, brilliant for cardio and leg and core strengthening.

I go at least 3 times a week and have done for a good few years now.

Outdoor skating is great and luckily you're near Hyde park so will be plenty of opportunities to get out there.

In terms of skates, try Amazon for the cheap retro quads at first; I skated on anarchy mayhems for ages and, for a cheap brand, they're actually ok. I'd recommend you get specific outdoor wheels though. These are softer and allow you to roll over twigs, gravel etc. The stock wheels will ensure you feel every single bump and just make you unsteady. Also, as a necessity invest in some pads for wrists, knees and elbows and a helmet. Anarchy or bullet are a good cheap make.

Any other q's just ask away.

katrina82

Depending on where you are there might be a roller derby group you can join. I started last summer - they had open session where you could borrow skates and pads, and they were really helpful in teaching an absolute novice how to skate! If you were good enough you could eventually get on to the team!


(I fell and cracked my coccyx after about 4 weeks and was too scared to do it after that, but don't let that put you off!)

NaturalNatt

I'd love to go out roller skating but i know i'd look like a plonker. It's a shame how it's so normal for adults to rollerblade in like miami and california yet over here people would stare and probably laugh!
We do a place called roller world which is near us in Derby. It's the only place where you can go and roller-skate indoors, a bit like going to an ice skating rink

PasturesNew

NaturalNatt wrote: »

I'd love to go out roller skating but i know i'd look like a plonker. It's a shame how it's so normal for adults to rollerblade in like miami and california yet over here people would stare and probably laugh!
We do a place called roller world which is near us in Derby. It's the only place where you can go and roller-skate indoors, a bit like going to an ice skating rink

This post started with exactly the same words I was about to type!

Additionally, I know I'd fall over, hurt myself, bleed, cry .... and nobody would care.... they'd cross the road and snigger.

I could never go out again, I'd have to sell the house and move.

Ilona

I used to roller skate as a kid, and I fancied having a go again. I am 66 now and found a pair of roller blades at a car boot sale for £1, a good fit. Then I found some knee and elbow pads also for £1, all kitted up now. I do feel a bit of a plonker when I skate, I must admit, I prefer quiet places. I use a walking pole to help me balance. Have a go, plonkers unite.
Ilona

AmberStripes

Adults aren't meant to roller skate. My friend went roller skating with his little boy at the weekend. It was his first time on skates in 25 years.......

He fell over within minutes of arriving. Turns out he now has a rather painful spiral fracture of his tibia and fibula.

He's off work, unpaid and cant do much for a few weeks!

zoesmummy_2006

I have roller skates and a pair of bauer roller blades (awesome things!!) And I have a 9 year old daughter whos learning to skate so I get mine on and go out on the very wide pavement outside our house with her or to the school tennis hard courts to skate to our hearts content-it's great fun!!!

cazs

Well I've just ordered a pair of K2 Alexis Boas and looking forward to trying them but I suspect that that might be some time away as the weather is about to turn cold and wet - not the best weather for someone learning.