An Introduction to Freestyle Slalom Skating

Freestyle slalom skating is a skating discipline which requires a skater to perform tricks, stunts and dance-like maneuvers around a straight line of equally spaced cones. It is a sport for skaters with a good sense of rhythm and fast, precise footwork.

Freestyle skating has four main elements:

• Freestyle Slalom
• Speed Slalom
• Free Jump
• High Jump

Freestyle slalom can be done with inline skates or quad skates, but today the inline executions are the most popular. Beginners can learn on recreational skates with the heel brake removed, but will eventually need slalom skates. Inline freestyle slalom skaters use skates with a full rockered wheel configuration and a short frame to allow maximum maneuverability. A tight fitting semi-hard shell boot and strong cuff provides the support needed for precision with a little freedom for ankle movement. These skates are designed for tight turns in small spaces at low speeds.

Inline skaters choose freestyle slalom as their sport for many reasons:

• Freestyle slalom skating is fun
• Freestyle slalom skating can be skated on a variety of surfaces
• Freestyle slalom skating has competitive opportunities
• Freestyle slalom skating can be an on-going non-competitive activity

Inline freestyle slalom skating is well known in Asia and Europe, but seldom seen in the United States.