Whether gliding or standing still, try to rest/finish on your outside edges. A 5-10deg supenation
is sufficient. Allows for a longer glide and greater stability at speed. Did I mention it promotes even
wheel wear? (inside/outside edge wear),
Work your posture: bend your knees. Your knee caps will be over your toes, and your nose
should be in line with your knee caps (nose, knees, toes). Take care not to round your back. And
speaking of which...
Keep your chest up and facing out, lead with your abdomen/belly button,
Adjust foot balance balance to between the 2nd and 3rd wheels (closer to 2 for backwards,
center for stroking, and at 3 for rough surfaces (like bricks, cobbles, etc)),
In finishing stroke, always plant underneath your body, near or just across your centerline.
An exercise is to tap arch to ankle before planting to the ground,
LOOK AROUND! Be aware of your surroundings. Practice using your peripheral vision.
And by all means, if you are going backwards, LOOK IN THE DIRECTION YOU ARE GOING. I,
the other skaters and the potholes will thank you,
WEAR BIG PADS! :D (with stickers...gotta love stickers.) Remember, $50-300 worth of padding
costs much less than any of the surgical equivalents. (Hmm, $125 kneepads or $5000+ knee surgery
and limited range of motion and activity for the rest of my life. Hmmm...)
And last but not least, consult a IISA certified instructor
if you have any questions about inline skating, or if you are having any skating difficulties. The IISA
has a directory of links that may help.
Or just pick up the phone and call and instructor, or send them an e-mail! We love sharing knowledge!
(and experience too.
Did I tell you about the time my knee pads saved me. What am I saying? Times plural!
Well, it all started.....)
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