Do you ever feel like you need to skate every day? It’s almost like those days for the children I work with and me. What do you do when it rains or is wet outside?
This article will give you tips to ensure your safety as well as the safety of your roller skates when skating on a rainy day.
So. Is it possible to roller skate in the rain?
Are there any dangers?
What should you do if you have been outside in a downpour and your skates are wet?
Continue reading to find out!
It’s best to skate when the weather is nice and sunny, with minimal debris. We can’t have these days every day. It’s best to avoid skating in rainy weather.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t do it. Although it is possible, but you should be careful.
Is it Possible to Roller Skate in the Rain?
The best answer to this question is “If there is no special reason,” you should avoid skating in the rain. Your skates can slip easily in wet conditions, as the ground is saturated with water. The possibility of your skates falling off can increase.
Roller Skating in the Rain Can Also Pose Dangers.
Let’s find out what they are.
1. Skates Damaged
Skates Damage Roller Skating in the rain can cause damage to your skates and will cost you a lot of money for repair and replacement.
You should consider this if you have to skate in the rain.
2. Slippery Surfaces
Roads will get muddy and wet after heavy rain. You will surely fall if you’re not careful. You will also be less visible if it rains.
Skating is very dangerous, especially if you are stuck in traffic.
3. Difficulty Turning and Stopping
Difficulty in Turning and Stopping It takes longer to slow down and stop when roller skating on a wet road. You will fall if you don’t pay attention to your turn.
4. Injure Others and Yourself
It is almost certain that if you slip, you will hurt yourself.
Even worse is if you also hit another person and bring them down with you!
If it’s not a serious accident, the consequences might not be that severe.
Imagine losing control and sliding away. Traffic may become stuck, and it could be very dangerous!
Roller skating in the rain is not something you should consider.
5. How to Roller Skate in Bad Weather Safely
In some cases, however, it is necessary to skate in the rain. Although it can be dangerous, if you’re careful enough, you can overcome all the dangers.
Do you suspect it?
These important tips for safe skating will help you get the answer. Let’s find out!
Be on the lookout for these 6 dangerous surfaces
- Rainwater fills the small imperfections and cracks in the pavement, smoothing it out the surface. This is because friction (the force which gives you grip) between the ground and your skates decreases. If you don’t get friction, your skates will slide rather than control the ground. This makes them more likely to slide sideways. These are the surfaces that you need to be aware of.
- No white painted lines on the street. They are a no-no. They can get so wet that they will steal your skates. You can’t have friction, so don’t push on them or try to roll over them. You’ll regret it later when you find yourself in a puddle.
- Grates and metal plates also need to be avoided. Avoid oily patches on the streets. These are more slippery than wet concrete, which is already slippery. You can also move to the sidewalk if they are less oily than the streets after the rain has washed them.
- Be very cautious when skating on cobblestones or marbled ground. You can roll gently and slowly if you have to cross these. Do not push to the side, and try to turn or brake. Do it gently. When rolling over bumps on the road, it is important to keep your body still and your spine centered.
- Autumn leaves are another tricky obstacle to navigate. They can be slippery if you are trying to skate on them. Keep your speed down if the road is covered with leaves when you need to cross them. Keep your feet on the ground and hunch down a bit. Your weight can be shifted slightly from the front to the back. If there is an object hidden beneath the leaves, this will help to maintain your balance.
- Roads can get dirty even when it isn’t raining. This is something to keep in mind. You might have seen it rain a few days ago, or even during the night. Even though it isn’t raining, the roads may still be slippery.
After You Have Skated in Rainy Day, Clean Your Bearings Immediately
Make sure to clean your bearings immediately after skating in bad weather.
After skating in the rain, your skates can collect water and dirt, which can cause damage to your bearings.
You must wash them immediately to prevent your skates’ rust within hours.
These are the steps to quickly wash your skates:
- Unscrew your skates parts
- To remove dirt and water, wash your skates with alcohol
- Re-lube immediately. Because alcohol can remove not only water but also the lube from the bearings, it is important to lubricate them once more to ensure they are working properly.
- Air-dry your skates a room temperature
Be sure to take your bearings out of the frames.
Otherwise, your bolts, nuts, and axles will freeze together. To prevent bearings from being exposed to air, you can use oil to submerge them. With these methods, you can keep your skates in good condition for a long time.
What Happens if You’re Short on Time?
Although it is not ideal, it can still be done by wiping the skates with a paper towel or a piece of paper to eliminate any water.
This is far better than leaving them to rust. However, This method will not remove all the dirt and mud.
If you have the money, you could also consider buying a second pair of skates for rainy days.
This will ensure that your skates aren’t damaged, and you have them ready for sunny days.
How to Roller Skate Under Rain
As you can see, roller skating in the rain is quite different from skating in the sun.
When you’re skating in the rain, you need to think about friction. It is important to maximize friction and make it your friend. Your feet can slip off each other when you move on slippery or wet surfaces, increasing your chance of falling.
But This can be prevented by keeping your feet close together.
Pushing is a Bit Different
You will also need to push your roller skates differently in the rain.
You should press down more instead of pushing forward as you would in good weather. This will help keep your feet in the ground and not slide them off your center of mass.
Also, Don’t go long strides, as your feet will be pushed too far away.
You should opt for shorter and faster strides. Strides should feel smooth.
Keep Your Feet On The Ground
It doesn’t mean you must change everything to ride in the rain. You can keep your balance by keeping your weight more centered than your non-stroking skating skate.
This will make it easier to balance if your pushing skate slips.
Take it slow when you go around corners. Do not drift around the bends as if you are racing!
Cornering
It’s not about taking corners. You don’t want your speed to be too slow. That’s a good speed. It’s much better to go slowly and get through the corner than be too confident and fall halfway through. It doesn’t look very cool. Because I have been through too many curves in my own life.
Your center of gravity should be low as you take turns. You can bend your knees, but they should be flexible.
You can also place your hands on your knees to increase stability. A half-step is a technique that can be useful. This involves keeping the inside roller skate on the ground for the entire turn and pushing the outside skate through the turn.
This is the takeaway point: Don’t turn too quickly or sharply.
Skates and Braking in the Rain
No matter what braking system you choose, rain makes them less effective. You’ll have a harder time stopping in the rain.
This is the biggest danger to skating in the rain. Your back wheel could aquaplane, which is when water forms between two surfaces.
This happens when your wheel contacts the ground, which causes friction loss. Instead of gripping the ground, you slide on the water.
Moving Uphill
It is important to keep your strides short, just like before. It is not a good idea to take wider strides.
With light, fast steps, aim to maintain good contact with the ground.
Moving Downhill
This is the place you’d like to fly down the street. But, it’s not what you’re looking for.
You should slow down and check your braking abilities at the top of the hill to ensure you don’t go too fast. You can always use the staircase to descend if the hill becomes too steep or you feel things are getting out of control. You can walk down the slope on skis. Take a step at a time, so you don’t lose your grip.
Then, You’ll be able to safely descend even though it takes some time.
Get Your Skates Ready Before You go Out in the Rain
Get your skates ready before you go out in the rain. It’s all about the wheels. Make sure to check your bearings before you go out in the rain.
This will ensure that your wheel spins smoothly. Hard wheels (upgraded to 85A) should not be used in wet conditions because they are made of polyurethane rubber, which can harden in cold temperatures.
You should consider getting wheels in the 70A range for the best rain skating. It may not be the best for speed, but it is great for roller skating in the rain.
You can find brands specializing in rain wheels, such as Labeda and MPC.
Take Notes
While the tips are helpful to prevent you from skating in danger under the rain, you should still be aware of these important points.
- Don’t skate in the rain if you don’t have a serious reason to do so.
- While cleaning your skates promptly can help prevent rusting and ruining them, you will still need to maintain and replace your skates if they are used frequently.
- Completely geared up with protective accessories for skating, including wrist pads, elbow, wrist pads, and helmet. This will help you avoid injury if you fall off the ground!
- Water can reduce your ability to push. To avoid sliding on wet surfaces, push down and not push out.
Even the most skilled skaters can fall in harsh conditions. So take it slow and consider whether you need to skate in the rain. Accidents can cause injury to yourself and others.
It is unlikely that you would want it to happen. It is not worth the risk unless you’re skilled and prepared to skate in the rain.
Conclusion
Riding your skates is extremely dangerous on a rainy day. If you don’t feel like this activity is necessary, skip it. It is best to wait until the weather is dry to enjoy skating.
If you do end up on a slippery road, make sure to follow the tips. You should slow down, avoid sudden movements, turn quickly, and pay attention to oily and painted roads.
You will reduce the chance of injury during your ride. After a rainy ride, don’t forget to take good care of your skates. You will need them soon as the sun comes out.
