SKATE TIP OF THE WEEK
Inline secrets from the world's top skaters and coaches

This week's tip:

Spring Skating Tips
Getting back on your skates again after a winter layoff

By Peter Doucet
April 10, 2009

For many skaters, winter is a period of hibernation, forced on us by the harshness of the season. But come spring, we're eager to return to the fresh air and freedom of our tree-lined trails and open roads.

However, spring does pose a few challenges. So before you head out, read these spring skating tips:

Clothing

Spring is unpredictable. One day (or hour), it's warm and sunny; the next, cold and gray.

If you hope to skate regularly (and you'll need to if you want to get rid of that winter flab), you'll have to be ready for anything. So, you'll need some additional items of clothing on hand just in case, such as long-sleeve jerseys, gloves and a hat to wear under your helmet. You might also want to invest in arm warmers, tights or a full-body skinsuit.

(I'm always ready with gloves and a tight toque to wear under my helmet. And just when I think it’s time to put them away, old man winter usually roars back to town.)

Wind Survival

Spring winds will mess with you! They're ferocious. So plan ahead. Select skate routes (e.g., tree-lined trails) that offer protection from the wind. (I've found a loop that is sheltered by houses, apartments and trees in my neighborhood.)

Debris

After a winter of snow, rain ... whatever, trails and roads are often littered with stones, branches and other trip hazards. Look out! ... And your first time out, take it easy and make sure your pavement is still in one piece.

Over Confidence

You may have fancied yourself the next Chad Hedrick at the end of last season. But after a winter off skates (or indoors), you may need to find your legs again. So start out easy and build back to where you were last season.

And don't venture out without your wrist guards or palm sliders. You may have forgotten about them. But don't let your faulty memory (or overconfidence) result in a broken wrist.

...

Peter Doucet is a veteran speed skater and the webmaster of Speed Skate World. A resident of Mississauga, Ontario, he has represented Canada in seven World Championships and at the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil. He founded the Toronto International Inline Race Weekend and the RSO Speed Points Series. He is also a coach of the Toronto Inline Skating Club. His hobbies include writing and performing music, cycling, watching movies, going out with friends, and cooking.

• www.speedskateworld.com

Related reading:

• Skate Tip of the Week Archive
• Beginners Guide to Outdoor Racing
• Beginners Guide to Inline Skating