This detailed guide will show you how to roller skate outside. This guide contains all the tips and tricks you need to enjoy a safe and enjoyable outdoor skating experience.
Roller skating outside is much more fun than indoors. There are many external factors and unknowns that you need to consider.
There will be many obstacles to overcome, including bumps and hills.
Although it might seem daunting at first, anyone can learn to roller skate outdoors regardless of their level.
You will feel confident as you practice and will be gliding around blocks in no time. It’s amazing how liberating it feels to just glide away once you learn the basics.
Continue reading to learn more about how to skate outdoors and improve your outdoor skating experience as a beginner.
What Gear do You Need for Outdoor Roller Skating?
Safety first! You will need wrist guards, knee pads, and a helmet as your first gear.
Many new skaters underestimate the dangers of outdoor skating, even though it seems obvious.
Safety gear is not enough. You must also be aware of what’s around you.
Being cautious can help you avoid injury.
You don’t have to buy expensive roller skates yet. You just need a pair of sturdy skates that can support your feet and be suitable for outdoor use as a beginner.
It is recommended that your wheels have a durometer rating (measurement of durability, shock absorption, and grip) between 75A and 105A.
A lower durometer wheel absorbs shock and is more suitable for bumpier roads.
Also, consider the width and diameter of your wheels. The wheels with a smaller diameter are more efficient, and the narrower wheels allow for greater control.
If your wheels vibrate when you skate outside, it is most likely that your wheel is too hard.
As you begin to learn roller skating, choosing a more stable set of wheels is better.
I started with 78As, but now I have harder wheels. Because now I prefer speed and skating on smooth concrete surfaces.
Learn How to Fall Safely on Skates
Before we get into the details of roller skating techniques, I want to first acknowledge how amazing it is that you are embarking on this new journey. Learning how to skate outdoors takes guts. Give yourself a pat on the back.
This mindset will be key to conquering your first obstacle, the fear of falling.
Every new skater will naturally be preoccupied with the possibility of falling. Make sure you think about the worst possible outcome before putting on your skates.
This will help you to feel less anxious and allow you to focus on your skills.
You should also practice proper falling. You should have learned this when you first started to skate.
However, if you are a beginner, it is more important to practice your fall correctly. Here’s how it works:
- Always ensure you have all your safety gear, such as helmets, wrist guards, and knee pads.
- Firmen your core. Doing this will help you control your movements.
- Relax your knees by bending them closer to the ground. This makes falling less frightening and ensures that you’re not too far from the ground when you fall.
- To avoid falling forwards, drop onto your knees and slide forwards. Make sure to have knee pads.
- If you feel like falling backward (if you don’t have knee protection), then squat, bend down to your knees, and fall to your side.
- To absorb the fall, you can also purchase padded clothing such as padded shorts
- Do not fall directly on your bum, as this can cause serious injury to your tailbone.
- Try not to land on your hands, as this can cause injury to your wrist.
Practice until you are comfortable.
How to Roller Skate Outside for Beginners
When you first stand in your skates, you will feel unsteady.
This is normal. Just Begin by taking baby steps, literally.
You need to become comfortable with the feel of the skates on the feet and the surface on which they are placed. Bend your knees to maintain balance. You will feel more stable and less fearful if you are closer to the ground.
The next important thing you can do is practice your stops. These will save you in many situations, especially outdoors. Toe stops and turns around toe stops are common among skaters.
You will be able to speed up if you start slowly and increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
The most challenging aspect of outdoor skating is the varying terrain.
Unless you’re on a smooth surface, you’ll be faced with uneven roads, bumps, and hills. Don’t worry. You can skate past these obstacles with ease if you have the right technique.
I also stand with one foot in front of the other when I skate outdoors in case there is a pebble on the road that might throw me off my balance. However, I can quickly return to my original balance using the other foot.
This makes it less likely that I’ll trip and fall.
Below are some examples you might encounter and how I suggest you deal with them.
Cracks on the sidewalk
You might begin roller skating on the sidewalk right in front of your home.
It may appear smooth, but it can look very different from what you see. You want to be fast when you’re skating across the cracks. You could trip if your wheels get stuck on the tracks.
They can be stepped on uneven sidewalks or while you’re skating.
Curbs
When we see a curb, our first instinct is to walk over it. While this is fine if you are walking normally, it is dangerous when you go roller skating.
Instead, skate parallel with the curb and bend your knees. Then carefully place your closest foot on the curb.
Slowly transfer your weight to the foot at the curb, and then lift the lower foot onto the upper surface.
Driveways or curb cuts
It is easier to step up onto curb cuts or driveways than it is curbed.
If there are any edges or lips, you can skate towards it and step up onto it. You can simply skate towards curb cuts or driveways by bending your knees and skating toward them.
The rest will be easy.
Always Keep an Emergency Kit With You.
Always have a spare axle nut and a skate tool in your bag. The T-tool is light and inexpensive, while the Moxi axle nuts keyrings are smaller.
It is not fun if your axle nut loosens and then falls off. So, if you don’t want to spend time digging in the dirt or draining, make sure to have a few spares.
It is a good idea to check your skates before leaving. Make sure your toes are not twisted and that the wheels spin freely.
Roller Skate maintenance is very important!
Outdoor Skate Checklist
You have your skates, and now you want to ensure they are outdoor-ready. This checklist will help ensure that your skates are safe for outdoor use.
- The boot material is in good condition and has not cracked, broken, or bends easily. The laces are strong and can be tightened around the foot.
- They are still in good condition. They aren’t cracked or broken. They are fairly soft and give when you press them hard. Dirty wheels can be fine. Wheels without any branding or labeling are fine. Hard wheels can be very difficult to control and extremely bumpy outdoors.
- The bearings spin freely and are relatively clean. It is okay to have a little dirt. Bearings that have become clogged with grease and dirt should be replaced. Bearings that make noise or don’t turn freely should be replaced.
- Toe Stops are semi-soft and supple for quads. Toe Stops that are as hard as rocks and brittle need to be replaced.
That’s it! You can now go outside and skate!
Wheels for Outdoor Quad Skates
The wheels are what make outdoor roller skates different from indoor ones. Using wider, softer wheels is best if you plan to skate outside.
Soft wheels offer a smoother ride on uneven terrain and surfaces. Soft wheels are better for outdoor skating because they absorb shock more effectively.
What are the Best Places to Roller Skate Outside?
Start by looking for public areas in your locality with large, flat, and smooth surfaces. Many outdoor skating rinks are available in parking lots.
You can also use the sidewalk to skate if you don’t find a suitable place.
You can skate on the streets, depending on your level of skill. But you have to follow the same rules that bikers do.
If you’re just beginning, I recommend sticking to the same path for a while.
This is because it’s easier to predict what you should expect regarding surface type, traffic, and so forth and will help you quickly adjust. This will increase your confidence.
Wet areas are another important consideration.
Avoid surfaces that can expose your skates’ to moisture. This could lead to the metal bearings of your skates rusting and affecting your wheels’ spin.
You should dry your skates as soon as possible if you run them through the water. Even if it was raining outside, roller skating could be saved for another day so everything dries out.
When you skate outdoors, your bearings will wear out faster.
They will get dirty, rusty, and wet. If you’re using the same pair of skates but switching wheels, I recommend having two sets of bearings. Each set should have its own bearings. You can also use the older bearings outdoors because they are more rugged.
I clean them as soon as I remove them with an old toothbrush. To prevent rusting, I dry them with a piece of cloth.
Skateboard bearings can be used if you wish to, as they are more durable. You can either fit them yourself or have them fitted in a retail store.
Is it Hard to Roller Skate Outside?
Outdoor roller skating has its own set of unique challenges.
You have been exposed to all the environmental elements, unlike indoor rinks. There are many people, obstacles, and unanticipated situations when you’re outside.
The tips and tricks I shared above will help you navigate the outdoors and unpredictable situations.
Although this may seem daunting at first, it’s all about your mindset. You will find outdoor roller skating easier as you practice.
Conclusion
While outdoor roller skating can initially seem daunting, it’s incredibly enjoyable and rewarding once you get the hang of it.
Outdoor roller skating beginners must consider many factors before they start. I have covered everything you need to know about beginner skating, including gear.
I believe you will be able to begin your journey with the most useful knowledge.
You will soon be a pro at outdoor roller skating!
