BEFORE PUTTING ON YOUR ROLLERBLADE
- Always inspect your skating equipment before each use.
- Wiggle each wheel to check axle tightness.
- Check the screws/bolts that secure the wheels to make sure they are tight. If bolts
that secure the wheels are loose, tighten them with the Allen wrench included in the
box. This is especially important with recently changed or rotated wheels.
- Spin wheels to check that bearings are spinning freely.
- Examine the wheels for wear. Excessively worn wheels decrease overall performance
and control.
- Inspect brake pads for wear and tightness. Inspect all other brake components to
ensure that they are secure and in working order.
- Check for worn laces and loose buckles. Replace or have repaired if needed.
- Beware of loose laces while skating.
- Check for frame damage (e.g. cracks, breaks, bends) and that they are securely
mounted.
- Look for cracks in the shell and cuff. If cracks are detected, do not use your skates and
have them replaced or repaired by an authorized Rollerblade
- Checking for frame, shell, and cuff damage is especially important for Street &
Aggressive skates used for grinding and other high impact uses.
- Wear one pair of athletic socks. Rollerblade
too tight or uncomfortable.
- For optimal ankle support, make sure your ankle area is laced or buckled tightly when
first starting out.
- Wear ALL protective gear - helmet, wristguards, elbow and kneepads.
STARTING OUT
It is important to select an environment that equally matches your skill level. If you are
new to skating, you want to select a smooth, flat location (an empty parking lot is a good
place to begin) that is free from debris (e.g. pavement cracks, gravel, oil, sand, water,
etc.), hills and traffic (e.g. bikes, cars, other skaters and pedestrians, etc.) Regardless of
your skating environment, you should be able to perform the basic skating skills (moving,
stopping, turning) and be aware of local skating regulations.
Skating - Bend your knees slightly and gently push off the back foot as you glide forward
on the other skate. Then bring your back skate forward so it is even with your front skate
and repeat on the other side. Always remember to keep your knees slightly bent.
Braking - Lean forward slightly, bring your legs close together, shift the right leg forward
(assuming your brake is on your right skate) ahead of the left leg, gradually lift the toe
of the skate with the brake, put pressure on the rear part of the cuff and brake with
your heel. Apply more or less pressure according to the required braking force - Visual
instruction (1).
Turning - Glide and bring your knees together while leaning in the direction that you want
to go. Practice this motion to both the left and the right.
Adjusting your skates - If you have noticed movement of your feet within your skates
while flexing, you should adjust the closure system (e.g. laces or buckles). Because all
your direction and control comes from the heel, it is most important to eliminate any
movement in this area by adjusting the laces or buckles over your instep as necessary.
SKATES
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dealer.
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skates should fit securely without being
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