To a lot of people, inline skating is likely seen as something as simple as putting on a pair of inline skates and rolling way. While this is true on a very broad scale, inline skating as a whole is quite a bit more than that. Inline skates come in a few different types, each specialized for the type of skating it is used for. There are 4 different types of inline skate. Those types are: Recreational/Fitness, Hockey, Speed, and Aggressive.
No matter the type of skate, all have 3 main parts: the boot, the frame, and the wheels. Brakes are rare on any skate besides recreational/fitness skates, as they otherwise only serve to get in the way. Some skates that are designed for simulating ice skating will actually have a toe brake, but for skates with a brake, the traditional placement is at the heel.
Now, the first question to ask in regards to inline skates and figuring out which is right for you, is what you will be doing on the skates you buy? If you are a novice, then you should start out on a basic recreational skate, and learn all of the basics of inline skating. If you have already been riding inline skates for awhile, then it comes down to what you want to do.
Recreational Skates
By far the most popular type of skate is the recreational skate. Recreational skates are designed for anyone who simply wishes to put on a pair of skates and roll. They are generally good for use on any urban surface. Pretty much every maker of inline skates will have at least one model of recreational skate, and more than likely, they will have many more. Different skates will have different features and be made from different materials. There are numerous types of enclosure systems, and they will have nearly as many ways to secure them to your feet.
Aggressive Skates
Aggressive skates much more closely resemble inline skates as they were first introduced. They employ a more boot like appearance for overall durability, with reinforced frames. The wheels tend to be smaller and harder for landing tricks. Also, more oft than not, they will have smaller center wheels and grind plates installed, as well as having reinforced boot heels for the various grinds and slides that can be done.
Hockey Skates
Inline hockey skates are pretty much exact replicas of ice hockey skates, but with wheels. The boot design is the same, and the wheel frames are made to be durable, stiff, and light weight.
Speed Skates
If you like going fast, like competition, or even both, then speed skates are for you. Speed skates are built similar to running shoes. Low profile, light, with a slightly raised heel, and sporting 5 wheels on each foot, these things are all about one thing, and that is going fast. It should be noted that speed skating is for those of a high fitness level.
Photo Credits: cesarastudillo
Originally posted 2009-10-13 03:18:18. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
High Tech Deck Skate Park Choices There is a great deal of interest in high tech deck skate park materials today as more and more people are becoming interested in the sport once again. As you watch the interest in skateboarding becoming more popular every year, there is more reason than ever for the innovations in...... -
Braking in Skating Learning how to stop when you are riding inline skates really is not rocket science, and yet there are many novice skaters that actually struggle when it comes to braking simply because they have an intense fear that they are going to fall. This fear often comes from having to...... -
Are Quad Skates Becoming Extinct? People are beginning to wonder if quad roller skates are ever going to become extinct, seeing as most people seem to be preferring inline skates these days. Now that inline skating has become so popular, could it be possible that quad skates are on their way out? If you explore...... -
How are Roller Blading and Inline Skating Different? Roller blading is a name that has been applied to the inline skating sport as a result of the large role that the "Rollerblade Company" played in creating popularity out of the inline skating sport. Rollerblade, Inc. was not responsible for inventing, manufacturing or designing the very first inline skates....... -
Early History of Skateboarding Skateboarding goes back a lot farther than people might think. The roots of the sport can be traced back to roughly some point in the late 1940's to the early 1950's. It started as a past time for surfers when there were no good waves to ride. The early boards......
Related Websites -
How to Not Collect Rare Coins Coin collectors who are interested in collecting rare coins are going to find that there are certain procedures that must be done for each purchase. Unfortunately, those who are new to the coin collecting scene may skip out on some of these different methods, purchasing the rare coins that they...... -
9 Skiing Tips to Improve Your Form Whether you are just starting out in skiing or if you are a seasoned expert, it never hurts to go over some skiing tips to improve one's skill set. Every venture in life is a learning experience and nobody knows everything; everyone can benefit from learning, or reviewing, good skiing...... -
Improving Your Swim Technique to Improve Speed Swimming is a sport which many people engage in either by itself or as a part of a triathlon. You can use it for general fitness or as a sport. Those looking for greater speed from their swimming will need to have the right swim technique. This means paying attention...... -
West Coast Salmon Season Called Off From the Contra Costa Times (http://www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_8557645): Unprecedented collapse in fish population forces cancellation among West Coast states Early season salmon fishing off the coasts of California and most of Oregon was shut down Wednesday by federal regulators responding to an unprecedented collapse of salmon populations along the West Coast. The...... -
The Anatomy Of A Bicycle A bicycle is a two wheeled vehicle driven by human power using 2 pedals. The wheels are generally attached to a metal frame, one in front, and one in back. Sometimes the frame is made of carbon fiber, or hard plastics. The first bicycle was originally introduced in the 19th......
- Fast Growing Groundcovers & Vines Plants, Seeds & Bulbs Gardening & Plants Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living
- Fast Growing Groundcovers & Vines Plants, Seeds & Bulbs Gardening & Plants Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living Nursery
- K2 Inline Skates Skate Shop
- Girls Skates Ice Skating Winter Sports
- Figures By Type Dolls Dolls & Bears