How to Roller Skate
Step into your roller skates and learn to get your glide on!
Up next in Roller Skating & Rollerblading (4 videos)
Learn how to rollerskate and rollerblade with the skating and blading lessons in this Howcast video series.
You Will Need
- Helmet, wrist guards, and pads
- Smooth surface
- Roller skates
- Patience
Steps
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Always wear protective clothing, including a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, and kneepads when you roller-skate. Children under the age of 10 should only roller-skate with adult supervision.
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Step 1
Go to a smooth spot
Find an open area with a smooth surface, like a roller rink or a smoothly paved parking lot. Make sure there are few obstacles to get in your way.
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Step 2
Practice your stance
Put on your roller skates -- often referred to as quad skates -- and stand with your knees bent slightly, your shoulders directly over your ankles, and your back straight.
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Step 3
Take baby steps
Practice finding your balance by taking small steps forward on your skates, keeping your chin up and looking straight ahead.
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Try to stay relaxed, and don't get discouraged if you fall.
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Step 4
Move faster
Start going faster by developing your scissor kick. Keeping the wheels of both skates on the ground, bend your knees and push your feet apart and back together in a fluid motion, leading with your toes.
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Step 5
Start to glide
To glide, shift your body weight from leg to leg, pushing one leg out while straightening the other one and letting the skate come off the ground. Alternate your feet to continue moving.
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Step 6
Learn to turn
To turn, point your head and shoulders in the direction you want to go. Lead with your shoulders into the turn while leaning your hips in the opposite direction. Feel the lean in your ankles, which actually turn the roller skates.
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If you feel wobbly or are unable to adjust on turns, you may need to adjust your skates' axles.
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Step 7
Learn to stop
To stop, drag one toe behind your other foot. If you're moving fast, drag one foot behind the other at a 90-degree angle to form a T, and shift your weight to the back skate. Once you've mastered the basics, start learning some tricks!
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The first recorded use of roller skates took place in 18th century London.
