Skate buying guide

Rock and Roll!

A Guide to Buying Roller SkatesBy Elle on Wheels

ecmoon@gmail.com

Elle on WheelsGear profile

Riedell 265 B/C skates Powell Bones 101s wheels (indoor)

Kryptonics 78s wheels (outdoor)Kneepads (187s)

Wrist guards (Triple8 Hired Hands) Elbow pads (ProTech)

Helmet (ProTech)

Why skate? • It’s FUN, • HEALTHY, • and it makes you

LAUGH!

Fitness• F

Luscious Legs, Classy Core• Skating is a great hybrid – Strength training – Cardio

• Here’s an off-skate workout DVD to build up your skate muscles:

http://www.rollerderbyworkout.com/

Types of Skates• Artistic

Recreation, roller dance

• SpeedFitness, roller derby

Artistic (Rink Skates)Tall boots with best ankle support

No paddingRaised heelLeather or synthetic

Release YourInner Diva

The Need for Speed…SkatesShort boots with forward-angled heels help the skater put her body in the greatest positionfor speed.

They are best for balance and work the body’s core, thigh and back muscles, incombination with the weight of the skatesand countermovement of the arms, for strength training and cardio.

Keys to Happy Feet• There’s a skate for every foot and budget– Most skates are sized for men, but not all– Some speed skates have a split last (B width at

heel, C at the ball of the foot)– There are low-tech ways to help fit along, but it’s

got to start with the right skate

How Much Should They Cost?• For entry level, $99-$199 (new)• You’re paying for a complete skate – Boot, wheels, plates, bearings, etc. – Less than $99: welcome to crutches

• SAFETY AND COMFORT– Both keep you skating happily

Boot Materials• The feet are the foundation to the grin!• Think of tapping your feet to a great beat

“Pot Kettle Black”

Notice how you just smiled?

Leather Boots• Higher quality, longer break-in time– Tall: Track Diva $155

http://www.rollergirl.ca/cadcart/track-diva-p-112.html

– Short: SureGrip Rebel $165 Riedell Rogue $169 Riedell Vixen $199

Synthetic Boots• Caveat emptor!– Think back to the quality of your Barbie skates– A fall may not support the ankle, causing the boot

to rip and cheap plastic or aluminum plates to break

– You usually get what you pay for, but…

Here Are a Couple of Nice Ideas:

Budget skates (synthetic)– Riedell R3 ($99-149)

– Sure Grip Boxers ($120)

Wheels• Durometer rating• Wheel measurement

for hardness, grip, speed and bounce

Smaller

Number

=

Softer

Wheel

• Range from 78-103• Soft wheels are best for– Absorbing the bumps of outdoor surfaces, but slow

indoors because they have lots of grip

• Hard wheels are best for– Speed on indoor rinks, but can slip on slick surfaces

Keep on Rolling• Safety is crucial

Cause of most injuries? Lack of muscle strength

Always wear Helmet and pads

CYA and Everything Else• Helmet– Multiple impact resistant

• Elbows, wrists• Coccyx (tailbone)

A Note About Knees• Elle on Wheels recommends:

– 187s• Maximum padding

• Feels like skating with pillows at first, but also • Feels like falling on pillows!

• Makes it easier to get up and try again

Who Should I Trust?• Skaters know skates• Skater/owners love the sport• It’s in their interest to keep you skating• They will work to get you the best deal• They’re selling customer service, not just product

Find Amazement Here: • Rollergirl www.rollergirl.ca

• Connie’s Skate Placewww.create-a-skate.com• Low Price Skates www.lowpriceskates.com

• The Bruised Boutique www.bruisedboutique.com

For More Information• Google “roller derby” for– Fitness and safety– Skates and protective gear

Inspiration!

WHOA, did you say

ROLLER DERBY???

Ellie Moon, age 9

You Should Know• The “Roller Derby Revival” (launched 2001 in Austin, TX)

celebrates female power and diversity – 143 leagues in the U.S. and counting– Teams skate for charities– Skate names and costumes showcase alter egos• Top professions for derby skaters are teachers, stay-at-

home moms, waitresses, and attorneys

Rollergirls

Are

Every

Size,

Age

and

Ability

• ADD AWESOME PICTURE HERE TOMORROW

The True Derby Ethic• Is about going beyond–What you think you can do–Who you think you can be–Helping other women and girls do the same– Showing the world how powerful it can be

So What if That Involves Fishnets?