Buying inline skates or skating gear for an accomplished skater can be risky business, unless the skater has given you a very specific shopping list including sizes, models and foot tracings. But, there are some electronic accessories, software and gifts that almost any of your loved ones who live to inline skate or does inline skating to live will appreciate. These wonderful gadgets are useful and appropriate presents for almost any holiday or special occasion. And you won't run the risk of a poor fit.
Sony S2 Sports Armband Walkman
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When you're inline skating or running alone, a radio can be a great companion. The Sony S2 Armband features a slim digital tuner, you can get TV and weather stations, and it has 30 station presets. It comes with an armband and a belt clip to keep your hands free, and it has a built-in stop watch/split and pitch timer.
Sony S2 Sports Headphone Walkman
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The Sony S2 Sports Radio Walkman is good for inline skating adventures. It is water resistant and features a rear reflector and hands-free functionality. This headphone AM/FM stereo analog tuner has a Mega Bass sound system and an FM local/distance (DX) switch for optimal reception.
Garmin Forerunner GPS Training System
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The Forerunner Training System is a GPS for your wrist and more. It lets you compete against your own inline skating workouts by comparing your current pace to past performances over the same run. Multiple sports functions let you train and store information for an inline marathon, running, biking and more at the same time. Customize the data screens to get instant feedback on your workout, or store them in memory to review and analyze the data and see how you’ve improved over time. The system also works with several online training systems.
Garmin Foretrex GPS System
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This wrist-mounted navigator is lighter than some watches, runs on batteries and is great for inline skating or activities that requires hands to be free. You’ll never worry about getting lost, because it keeps track of your skating path and displays it as a dotted trail on the screen. The TracBack feature lets you re-trace your path and save up to 500 locations in memory. The trip computer can connect to your PC. For competitions, the timer can count down a race start and sound an alarm when a specific time has passed. It’s tough, waterproof and easy to use with few operating buttons.
Tech 4 O B1H Inline Skate Speedometer
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This wristwatch-style speedometer was designed for professional inline skaters, but any skater will enjoy the only product on the market that accurately measures the speed and distance of an inline skater. The replacement of one inline skate wheel with the provided wheel and puck is all that is needed to transmit the speed and distance information to the digital receiver watch. The long-lasting, durable wheel is available in five sizes.
GoPro Digital Hero 3 Sports Wrist Camera
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GoPro Digital Sports Wrist Camera is a 3 megapixel that is great for inline skating. This waterproof wrist camera can also be attached to skates, kayak paddles, handlebars, roll bars, and more. It can be worn over a jacket and used with protective gear or gloves on. And surprise! It can also shoot up to 54 minutes of TV resolution 640X480 resolution video (with sound) on a 2GB SD card (not included).
20/20 Helmet Camera
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Twenty20 has partnered with OmniVisionTM to produce this action sports helmet camera. This little camera can attach to your own inline skating helmet and allow you to capture, edit and share your skating adventures from your point of view with live video. Just plug into any compatable camcorder with an A/V input and start capturing live video.
Apple iPod MP3 Player
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These popular Apple iPod MP3 music players are available in a range of prices, and many will also allow your favorite inine skater to take a break on the trail to enjoy movies, TV shows, and more on the small display screen.
Microsoft Zune Media Player
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The Microsoft Zune lets you share selected full-length sample tracks, playlists, pictures or home-grown tracks directly from Zune to Zune and listen to them up to 3 times with the option to purchase the next time you sync up. Watch your favorite inline skating videos or browse pictures of family and friends. There's 30GB of media storage and a built-in FM tuner for access to local FM radio broadcasts. This gives you plenty to listen to while skating and something to look at when you take a break.
Sony Mini DV Digital Camcorder
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Sony offers mini digital video cameras with advanced features for the novice as well as the knowledgeable and demanding videographer. They are easy to use and deliver high quality images of your skater in action. Videos are a useful learning tool for a beginner or advanced skater.
Canon Mini DV Digital Camcorder
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Canon Mini DV Digital Camcorders also offer advanced features for any level of video shooting. They are easy to use and deliver high quality images of your skater in motion. Beginning and advanced skaters find that videos are a useful training tool.
TrailRunner Software
TrailRunner graphics ©Berbie Software
TrailRunner software will help you plan your inline skating route, and allow you to put it on your iPod with maps, distances, and even arrival time goals. If you find yourself wondering how long your favorite inline skating trails are or can't decide which route to take for a social skate or mini-tour, TrailRunner can be your personal training partner. TrailRunner is freeware but accepts any donations.
