My First Time Rollerblading

[ss20821]

My first time on roller blades was about thirteen years ago when I was 27 and took my son to a roller skating rink and saw all these teeny-boppers with inline skates. I wanted to try it since I basically grew up roller skating and was pretty good at it. How hard could this be!? So I tried on my nephew's rollerblades and fell on my tail bone within seconds. (I swear I could feel that for six months!) I couldn't even come close to figuring out how to move in those things. I was disgusted. Luckily, I don't give up easily and eventually got a decent pair of skates and pads, went home and actually read the ENTIRE manual (probably the only manual I've ever read so intensely). I tried it again in town and did a little better. Ever since then, I've been going and going and going. I'm on my fifth pair of skates and they are now like an extension of my feet... just natural! Wish I could skate everywhere! I live near a small town of about 5,000 people that has a fairly new 5-mile paved trail and I'm practically the only inline skater that uses that trail. I've thought about figuring out how to offer to teach others how to skate... they just don't know what they're missing out on! My skates go everywhere I go. Whether I'm on a fishing trip or a business trip, I'm on the nearest trail!

[Mikeyb]

I'm like you. I started 11 years ago when my 7 yr old daughter got a pair for her birthday. I've lost count of the different skates I've owned. Also, every few years I try a new skating style. About 4 or 5 years ago I picked up a pair of roller hockey skates and kept at that till I was good at backward skating and various slide stops. This year I switched to speed skates complete with the low cut boot. While I'm not convinced the low cut speed boot is necessary for my brand of fitness skating, they looked cool and I had to give them a go.

Every time I try a new skate type, it takes a few months to adjust. Then there's another couple years growing with the skates and getting new skills. Aside from just being out there, my biggest love is to get new skills. Very satisfying to finally 'hit it'.

[Robert]

so20821,

Welcome to the Forum.

... What kind of skates are you on these days and what part of the world do you live in?

Yours,
Robert