In this blog, JO ANN Schneider Farris, shares tips, tricks, and everything she knows about inline skating.

About JO ANN Schneider Farris

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Jo Ann Schneider Farris has participated in skating for most of her life as a competitor, coach, and author.

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Sunday, May 10, 2020

Turn and Curve on Inline Skates

Turning on Inline Skates

Learning to turn and curve on inline skates is an important skill. The turns done on inline skates are similar to to the turns done in alpine skiing. Before turning, first look in the direction you wish to travel. Many skaters will figure out how to turn on their own.







JO ANN Schneider Farris

Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide








Turning on Inline Skates - JKS Publishing, Photo Licensed to About.com, Inc.


Skate at an Outdoor Skating Rink

Skating at an Outdoor RinkParks in many cities and towns have built outdoor skating rinks. These rinks are free to use.
If you want to find a safe place to practice your inline skating skills, outdoor skating rinks are a great option.

At an outdoor rink, you won't have to worry about automobiles or traffic or cracks in the pavement. If hockey players share the surface with you, they'll usually let you skate on one half of the rink while they shoot some pucks on the other end. Also, many outdoor rinks are lighted and inline skaters can enjoy skating at night!

Further Reading



JO ANN Schneider Farris
Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide

Skating at an Outdoor Rink - Photo by Simon Bruty - Getty Images

Rollerblading is Inline Skating

Inline SkatingRollerblading and inline skating mean the same thing. Rollerblades are one of the most popular brands of inline skates, but are not the only inline skates. If you Rollerblade, you inline skate, but you don't have to wear Rollerblades to inline skate.






JO ANN Schneider Farris
Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide





Inline Skating - JKS Publishing, Photo Licensed to About.com, Inc.



Don’t Make These Skating Mistakes

Inline Skating Mistake: No Protective Gear If you are planing on taking up inline skating, avoid making certain mistakes:

  • Don't skate too fast.
  • Don't wear skates that are too big for you.
  • Don't skate without protective gear.
  • Don't forget to learn how to stop.
  • Don't skate straight down a hill.
  • Don't run into pedestrians.


Further Reading:




JO ANN Schneider Farris
Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide

Inline Skating Mistake: No Protective Gear - Photo by MJ Kim/Getty Images

Am I the Oldest Person Skating in Heelys?

Heelys - Rebel  ModelI'm not going to give away my age, but I think I might be the oldest person on the globe who wears Heelys wherever I go and on a daily basis. I really enjoy being able to roll down the street and to glide around the supermarket when I go shopping. Walking is just too slow!

If you think you are older than me and also wear Heelys daily and everywhere, please share about yourself in the comment section of this post.

Further Reading:


  • Heelys




JO ANN Schneider Farris
Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide




About.com Figure Skating Guide, JO ANN Schneider Farris, Wears the Heelys Rebel Model
Two Wheels are Embedded in Each Shoe - About.com Pricegrabber Shopping Image

Is Quad Roller Skating Coming Back?

Quad Roller SkatesI was an accomplished ice skater before I tried quad roller skating. The two sports look so much the same and I thought roller skating would be easy, but I discovered that roller skating is very different. It's hard for ice skaters to skate on traditional quad roller skates, but roller skaters find it easy to switch to ice. Inline skating changed things for me since it is easy for ice skaters to skate on inlines.

Recently I have seen more people giving traditional quad roller skating a try. Have you ever tried skating on traditional quad roller skates? It's not easy, but is worth trying since there are some things that can be done on quad skates that just can't be done on inlines. Is quad roller skating coming back?

Further Reading:

JO ANN Schneider Farris
Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide




Quad Roller Skates - About.com Pricegrabber Shopping Image

Heelys are Not Just for Kids

Heelys

Last summer, I decided walking was just too slow. I wished that I could wear my inline skates everywhere I went. I imagined going from "Point A" to "Point B" in just a few minutes. Well, I came up with a great alternative.....I bought a pair of Heelys. In fact, I bought Heelys for my entire family and now we roll and glide everywhere! One of my favorite things to do is to push a grocery shopping cart around a supermarket and to glide through the shopping aisles....

Heelys are a bit different than traditional inline skates, since there is only one wheel embedded in the heel of a sneaker-type shoe. "Heeling" is the technique used - the wearer can scooter, glide, roll, and skate a bit. Most Heelys' wearers find it very thrilling to glide down small hills in their Heelys. Heelys are allowed in many places that don't allow inline skates. Remember, you don't have to be a kid to enjoy Heelys!


  • Heelys




JO ANN Schneider Farris

Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide





Heelys - About.com Pricegrabber Shopping Image

It’s Time to Buy Skates

Inline Skates




The weather is getting warmer and it's time to buy inline skates. Before you buy skates, prepare in advance. Do you want to skate for fun or fitness? Do you want to play hockey? Would you rather do speed skating? Do your want to do figure skating moves on inline skates? How much do you want to spend?

The JUMP-SPIN Inline Figure Skate


You'll need to understand bearings and ABEC ratings, braking systems, and the types of wheels and frames. You'll need to decide what kind of closure system, liner, and shell is best for your needs. And...don't forget that you'll need to also buy safety gear.

Further Reading:








  • Inline Skates




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From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide






Recreational Inline Skates - About.com Pricegrabber Shopping Image

The JUMP-SPIN Inline Figure Skate - Photo Courtesy of the JUMP-SPIN Skate Company

How to Stop on Inline Skates

Stopping on Inline Skates

To stop properly, inline skaters must learn how to use the heel brake. Most new skaters have trouble using the heel brake at first. The trick is to get enough weight on the heel and to bend forward.











JO ANN Schneider Farris

Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide








Stopping on Inline Skates - JKS Publishing, Photo Licensed to About.com, Inc.


Where is Your Favorite Place to Skate?

Inline Skating on a California Beach


I used to live in San Francisco. On Sundays, much of Golden Gate Park was closed to traffic. Inline skaters were everywhere. Skate rentals were available. There was an area where music was playing and skaters were dancing. There was another area where skaters could slalom through a maze and there were numerous areas in the park to just skate, skate, and skate! I loved it!

I've had a chance to skate on the streets in New York City; I've skated on Boulder Creek Path in Colorado and ON the beach in California! I've had a blast skating in Vail, Colorado, and had a wonderful time on the trails on the Lakefront Path in Chicago.

What are some of your favorite places to inline skate?




JO ANN Schneider Farris

Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide








Dirk May of Frankfurt, Germany skating on the Santa Monica Beach Bicycle Trail in Southern California

Photo Copyright © Kathie Fry of SkateLog.com




Know Your Inline Skating Lingo

Staggered StanceDid you know that inline skaters use certain terms? Some basic terms include:





JO ANN Schneider Farris
Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide

Photo of the Staggered Stance Position, An Inline Skating Term - JKS Publishing, Photo Licensed to About.com, Inc.

Have You Seen "Roll Bounce?"

The Cast of Roll Bounce Skating TogetherThere's a great movie, available on DVD, that shows what roller skating was like back in the 1970s. It is called "Roll Bounce." The skating performed in the movie is impressive. The movie also makes me want to go to a roller rink. Rink skating has not changed all that much since the 1970s. The difference is, that today, inline skates exist!


  • Roll Bounce


JO ANN Schneider Farris

Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide



The Cast of "Roll Bounce" Skating Together - Photo © Fox Searchlight. All Rights Reserved.

"Skate Fit" Video

Skate Fit Video
"Skate Fit" is a forty minute inline skating workout video. The goal of the video is to help skaters get in shape and also improve their inline skating skills. The video's host is Carolyn Bradley who is the former director of Camp Rollerblade. Skills covered in the video include striding and gliding, using the heel brake, t-stops, crossovers, turning, and swizzles.




  • "Skate Fit" Video



JO ANN Schneider Farris
Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide


"Skate Fit" Video - About.com Pricegrabber Shopping Image

The Family That Skates Together Stays Together

Inline skating is a great way for families to be together. Families that skate together get a chance to be happy together and get some great exercise at the same time.

There are all sorts of places to skate together. Roller skating rinks usually have inline skates available for rent and the cost of renting skates is not expensive at a roller rink. Some families enjoy skating together at the park or at the beach. Kids can teach their parents to skate and parents can also help their kids. Moms and dads can push strollers and skate, so even babies and toddlers can join in on the fun. Families can participate in group skating lessons, camps, skate weekends, races and workshops. Yes, the family that skates together does stay together!





JO ANN Schneider Farris
Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide

Carpet Skates Work!

FunSlides® Carpet SkatesA few days ago I shared that I purchased Carpet Skates. The skates arrived tonight and my entire family is skating in my living room. My children have done fancy skating footwork and even spins on them. Crossovers are possible too. Since they work so well, I know that I'll be able to continue to practice my inline skating skills when the weather gets too cold to enjoy outside skating.


  • Carpet Skates



JO ANN Schneider Farris
Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide

FunSlides® Carpet Skates - About.com Pricegrabber Shopping Image

Roller to Ice Skating = Ice to Inline Skating

Quad Roller Skates

Inline Skates Roller skaters who are used to skating on traditional quad roller skates have an easy time transitioning to ice, but ice skaters have a terrible time getting used to skating on traditional quad roller skates.

Figure Skating Guide, JO ANN Schneider Farris - Ice SkatingThe good news is that ice skaters usually have no trouble with inline skating. So, if you can ice skate, you can inline skate and if you can inline skate, you can ice skate.

My own story is an example of this. I began ice skating as a young child. I tried to take up quad roller skating in my teens. I could do it, but found that the ease of ice skating just didn't transfer to traditional quad roller skates. When Rollerblades came out, I took to them right away. A few years later I found I could do almost everything I could do on the ice on inline skates. I've also seen roller skaters switch to ice with ease and I've seen inline skaters ice skate instantly.

To sum things up, skating is skating and inline skating makes it possible for more people than ever before to enjoy skating on wheels.



JO ANN Schneider Farris
Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide


Photos of Traditional Quad Roller Skates and Inline Skates, About.com Pricegrabber Shopping Images
Photo of About.com Figure Skating Guide, JO ANN Schneider Farris on Ice Skates, Photo Copyright © JO ANN Schneider Farris


Skate in a Staggered Stance

Staggered StanceWhen two feet are on the ground while inline skating, the right skate should be out in front and the left skate should stay behind. This is called a staggered stance. The staggered stance keeps the skater stable and balanced. Also, the skate with the heel brake is in the position it should be in if the skater needs to stop or slow down.

Further Reading:







JO ANN Schneider Farris
Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide





Staggered Stance - JKS Publishing, Photo Licensed to About.com, Inc.



An Inline Skating Poem

Inline SkaterI stumbled on a very original inline skating poem. The poem's title is "In-Line Skating" and the author is Mary T. Hoffman. What I like about the poem is that the author is a grandmother and inline skating makes her happy!

Have you written a poem about inline skating? Share it in the comment section of this post.



JO ANN Schneider Farris

Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide


Inline Skater - Photo by Jamie Squire - Getty Images

Safeway Supermarket Bans WALKING in Heelys

Heelys - Rebel  ModelRecently, I WALKED inside a Safeway supermarket and was told to remove the wheels that are embedded inside my Heelys shoe as I entered the store. I explained that my Heelys are not the kind of Heelys that allow wheels to be removed and only some Heelys have that feature. I explained that Heelys are allowed in many places that don't allow inline skates and I've been shopping for over a year at other Safeways with my Heelys on.

I was told that if I could not remove the wheels from my Heelys, that I would not be able to shop in the store. I was WALKING, not rolling. I'm an adult. I do not believe that I was treated fairly. What are your thoughts? Please share your opinion in the comment section of this post.

Further Reading:


  • Heelys




JO ANN Schneider Farris
Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide



About.com Figure Skating Guide, JO ANN Schneider Farris, Wears the Heelys Rebel Model
Two Wheels are Embedded in Each Shoe
About.com Pricegrabber Shopping Image

Roller to Ice Skating = Ice to Inline Skating

Quad Roller Skates

Inline Skates Roller skaters who are used to skating on traditional quad roller skates have an easy time transitioning to ice, but ice skaters have a terrible time getting used to skating on traditional quad roller skates.

Figure Skating Guide, JO ANN Schneider Farris - Ice SkatingThe good news is that ice skaters usually have no trouble with inline skating. So, if you can ice skate, you can inline skate and if you can inline skate, you can ice skate.

My own story is an example of this. I began ice skating as a young child. I tried to take up quad roller skating in my teens. I could do it, but found that the ease of ice skating just didn't transfer to traditional quad roller skates. When Rollerblades came out, I took to them right away. A few years later I found I could do almost everything I could do on the ice on inline skates. I've also seen roller skaters switch to ice with ease and I've seen inline skaters ice skate instantly.

To sum things up, skating is skating and inline skating makes it possible for more people than ever before to enjoy skating on wheels.



JO ANN Schneider Farris
Happy Skating!

From JO ANN Schneider Farris - About.com Figure Skating Guide


Photos of Traditional Quad Roller Skates and Inline Skates, About.com Pricegrabber Shopping Images
Photo of About.com Figure Skating Guide, JO ANN Schneider Farris on Ice Skates, Photo Copyright © JO ANN Schneider Farris