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TrySkating's Top Ten Tips for Beginner skaters!
1: SKATES
Lets start with equipment. If you don't own a pair of inline skates please speak to Don first before buying, it is the only major outlay you have to make. Buy the very best you can afford. Please take advice before taking the plunge. Have a look at our SKATE ADVICE page for some ideas.
2: KIDS
It is very tempting to buy the cheapest skates possible for children "just to see if they like skating." We never see this approach when adults take up a new sport themselves. If you are worried about buying a proper child's skate, just try before you buy with our range of hire skates.
3: LESSONS
Lessons are the easy safer way to start skating with the quickest results. Learning properly from the very beginning with a certified instructor will avoid bad habits that will prevent your skating from progressing. Skate lessons are not costly and are the safest introduction to skating.
5: PLANNING
Do not go for a 10 mile run/cycle just before your lesson. If you prefer to have a lesson in the evening don't arrange it on the day the boss has asked you to work a double shift. An hour's intensive concentration in a rushed skate lesson, after a day's work can be over demanding.
4: PREPARATION (arrive 15 minutes early)
Never book a lesson and then turn up 10 minutes late. It takes another 10 minutes to fit skates and put on pads, so before you know it half the lesson is gone and you haven't even begun. Get there early. Comfortable layered leisure clothing is best, but bring a rainproof jacket just in case.
6: PRACTICE
Skating is such a sociable activity, it's easy to meet new people, and finding someone to practice with makes the learning process so much easier. Starting lessons also costs less if you book them together, and joining one of our social skate groups will see you flying in no time.
7: BALANCE
Of course, everybody has it. You could not function in your daily life without balance. If you are older it may, or may not, take that little bit longer to learn how to skate. Be patient progress takes time and commitment. Take heart from Don, if he can skate anybody can skate!
8: FALLING
I'm scared I might fall! Skating like skiing, snowboarding, cycling, etc., is a balancing activity, so falls can happen. One of the reasons why you take lessons is to minimise the risks in a safe environment. Skating safely makes sense while you are learning and helps confidence.
9: TIME
Time, or the lack of, is the enemy of modern day living. We all seem to be time poor these days, but to make progress you really must practice in between the lessons, so make time to skate. If you have a busy life, nothing works better to treat your body and clear the mind than skating.
10: LOCATION
Where to skate is a big issue in Scotland. Skaters need a flat smooth surface to process quickly and they are not always easy to find. Parks, cycle paths, promenades, even empty car parks can be great. You'll find some on our WHERE TO SKATE page, and we always welcome new suggestions.
NEVER TOO OLD TO SKATE
Skating is a great activity and just as much fun for the adults as it is for the kids. The vast majority of our students are older adults either returning to the sport, or realising a lifelong dream to skate. Your only regret will be the delay in getting started!