Buying inline skates for children is just as important as purchasing equipment for an adult skater. So, if you’re planning on making this a family adventure, please be fair to the kids. They may have more energy than you but are considerably smaller, and skating is hard work. Don’t purchase better new or used inline skate for yourself than you get for them. Check all family members' skates for similar features, especially if you plan on rolling together, so that everyone is using the same amount of effort to cover the distance, do the activity or skate in a class. An overworked and poorly-fitted small skater is never a happy skater. Many family skating outings have deteriorated from quality time to quitting time, when the little ones use inline skates that are merely toys that offer no support to little ankles or feet and with wheels that slip on indoor surfaces, ride rough on outdoor surfaces and don’t roll freely on any surface.
Look for these features when buying skates for kids:
- Use the same care in checking for worn, broken or missing parts.
- Wheels should spin freely. just like adult skates. If there is a need to slow the rotation of inline wheels for a very young skater, tighten the wheel a bit to restrict movement.
- Small feet deserve a comfortable skate lining and need a good fit, too.
- Consider adjustable inline skates which will allow a child to grow through a few sizes while still providing support.
- Remember to get new protective gear (helmet, wrist guards, knee pads).
