Getting your skates on and rolling outside is the perfect idea when the sun is shining! Rollerblading can be a great way to get some exercise outside.
However, it’s important to know the safety guidelines for rollerblading, so you don’t wind up in any trouble.
In my experience, rollerblading outside is great fun, but also quite different to blading inside.
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Here are some tips for you to get ready to rollerblade outdoor
1. Stay aware of your surroundings when rollerblading outdoor
Rollerblading is a great way to get around, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings when skating outdoors. There are many things that can go wrong if you’re not careful.
For example, you could trip on a crack in the sidewalk, run into someone walking on the street, or fall and skid on the pavement.
To stay safe while rollerblading outdoors, always be aware of your surroundings and watch out for potential hazards. Stay away from traffic and other obstacles, and be especially careful when skating near stairs or other drop-offs.
If you’re going to be skating in a busy area, make sure to use caution and keep your speed down.
2. Make sure you check your path first
I believe that knowing your route well, from a skater’s perspective, will be helpful later on. Try cycling or walking your route so you know what to expect. Some cycle paths don’t have skateable surfaces – I’ve found gravel tracks as far as the eye could see on some cycle paths.
There are also some rough grades of tarmac that make skating less enjoyable. Make sure you know where the hills are so you can take an alternate route.
At the very least, have a starting point and an end point in mind if you cannot check your path.
3. Dress appropriately while rollerblading outdoor
When rollerblading outside, dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
If it is a hot day, wear light clothing that allows you to move freely. If it is a cold day, wear heavier clothing and a jacket.
Make sure to wear sunscreen if it is a sunny day and a hat if it is a windy day.
4. Make an escape plan
When you’re not used to distance skating, you may run into unexpected obstacles – roadworks, a loose wheel nut, or worse, a fall – that prevent you from skating your planned route.
It is a good idea to skates somewhere near a bus route if you intend on taking the bus home. Don’t forget to bring your phone or money. Make sure you have your shoes! In case you get tired on your legs, you can squeeze the smallest pumps into your skate leash.
5. Make sure you know how to brake before you rollerblading outside
There’s a lot to think about when rollerblading outside. You need to know the right time of day to go, what route to take, and how to brake. One of the most important things, though, is making sure you’re familiar with how to brake before you go.
Brakeing is different on rollerblades than it is on bikes. On rollerblades, you’ll want to use your heel to brake. This will allow you to stop quickly and safely.
To start braking, simply apply pressure to your heel while keeping your toes pointed down. You can also use this method if you need to slow down while skating downhill.
Make sure you practice braking in a safe area before heading out into the real world. That way, you’ll be confident that you can stop quickly if needed.
6. Stay safe while skating
The amount of protective equipment you need depends on your kit, your confidence level, your experience, and your path. I love to grab my skates and go. But, If I’m doing a few miles, I’ll check my gear and put on my bounciest Moxi outdoor wheels.
However, not all paths are smooth… Whenever I am down a hill, I love going down it fast, but I only do it on hills that I know well. There should be no transition between smooth and rougher tarmac on the path.
Do you prefer roads or pavements? This depends greatly on the place you skate and your common sense. I’ve skated on both. On busy roads and pavements, I tend just to shuffle along on the pavement to minimize risk of being run over.
7. Take your time
Give yourself plenty of time, unless you are familiar with your outdoor route. Even a gentle hill you breeze up on your bike is entirely different on rollerblades! Though you’ll go down much faster than up!
8. Bring Water With You
Rollerblading is a great way to get some exercise, have some fun, and enjoy the outdoors. However, before you go, be sure to bring plenty of water with you.
Rollerblading can make you work up a sweat, and if you’re not careful, you could quickly become dehydrated. Bring along a full water bottle, and take regular breaks to drink some fluids. This will help keep you hydrated and safe while rollerblading.
9. Having an emergency kit
My bag always contains a skate tool and a spare axle nut. Moxi axle nut key rings are also lightweight and cheap. There’s nothing worse than having an axle nut shaken loose and then drop off!
There’s always a chance the nut will disappear, so instead of scrabbling around in the dirt or drain, just keep a couple spares in.
If possible, check your skates before leaving. The toe stops are tight, and the wheels spin freely. Make sure your skates are well maintained!
Additionally, I take a snack in case of emergency.
10. Stay away from hills in the beginning of rollerblade outdoor
In the beginning of rollerblading, it is best to stay away from hills. Hills can cause you to lose your balance and potentially fall. When you are first starting out, it is important to focus on mastering the basic skills needed for rollerblading before progressing to more difficult maneuvers.
Rollerblading on hills can be dangerous, especially if you are not experienced enough to handle them. Start by practicing in a safe area with little or no elevation changes until you feel comfortable and confident in your abilities.
11. Be kind
Whenever I’m pushing hard, I take up a lot of space on the path due to my extra height and wide stride. In particular, I make sure I give plenty of room to other path users, such as dog walkers.
Wishing you a wonderful skating experience!
You may be surprised to find people stopping and chatting about your skates no matter where you live or how many people live in the area.
Roller skates are popular among most people because they evoke nostalgia. If you don’t want to chat, simply wave and smile.
