Eliminate Things that Scare You About Inline Skating

There are many good reasons to inline skate, but sometimes new skaters put too much emphasis on the things that scare them. A little fear will help a new inline skater respect the equipment and take heed of safety issues, but a lot of fear will slow down the learning process for skating considerably.

The most common things that scare new inline skaters are injury, lack of control of equipment, unexpected falls and other embarrassing situations. Good instruction will help all of these situations, but there are things you can do to help yourself, too.

The Possibility of Injury While Inline Skating

Don't be too proud to protect your body while skating. Wear protective clothing in addition to traditional helmet, wrist guards and knee and elbow pads, if it helps you feel safer. Start by wearing long sleeves and pants with legs instead of shorts while you skate. There are special padded inserts and under garments designed for figure skaters, and hockey gear works great, too.

Out-of Control Inline Skating Equipment

Learn as much as you can about your skates and all of your inline skating equipment so you can control them instead of worrying that they might control you. Begin to take control your skates by checking them regularly for loose or missing parts, keeping wheels and bearings clean and making sure that all buckles and laces are secure.

Unexpected Falls On Inline Skates

An unexpected fall is never welcome. A well-protected body, knowing how to fall properly and equipment that is in good repair is the best security you can have for falls. The scariest thing about a fall, expected or unexpected, is the inability to get up. Learn to start, stop, get up from a fall and reduce the chances of falling.

Embarrassing Situations Can Happen While Skating

Most new inline skaters think there will be embarrassing situations associated with learning to skate. The reality is that the more proficient skaters will experience the most embarrassing moments, because their errors and omissions will be relative to more dynamic maneuvers. Learn to laugh with others and at yourself. Laughter is the best medicine for inline skating injuries to the ego.