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The Beginner's Page - If you or your child is just starting out in Roller Skating.

Stephen Oginsky executes a loop figure at Nationals

Beginners, this is for you!

If you are just starting out in skating, things can look pretty bewildering.  The best place to start is in one of the many beginner classes offered by the clubs.  Every skater you see doing spins and jumps and fancy dances, or racing at breakneck speed around the rink got their start in a beginner class - even Olympic Champion, Tara Lipinski!  At first it will seem like it is impossible to do what the "good skaters" do, but, with some class lessons, a little practice, and persistence you will soon find yourself or your child becoming comfortable with basic skating.

At that point, it will be time for you to consult with your class coach on the possibility of taking private or semi-private lessons.  Your class coach can help you determine the types of lessons and the private coach best suited to you at this time. 

One of the things mentioned earlier was persistence.  You can learn to skate fairly quickly, but, becoming really proficient at it, learning the correct way to execute various strokes, spins, jumps, and speed moves, takes a bit more time.  Don't expect too much of yourself or your child.  At first it will seem that you or they are learning quickly and easily and making big jumps in progress.  At a point, however, they will seem to slow down and feel that they just can't get something.  This is normal.  Sometimes it takes a long time just to perfect one particular move and it will be up to you to keep encouraging your daughter or son.  You will see that at a certain point they will make a "jump" in their skating.  As they keep practicing, the "jumps" will get tougher, but, your encouragement in their day to day practice will be very important to them.

The type of equipment you will need becomes more important as you get better and better in your skating.  When you first start, rental or department store type skates are typically are what the first time skater uses.  After you have taken a few classes, you will want to purchase your own "good" skates.  If, by this time you are interested in competition or serious skating, you have a number of choices of skating boots and plates, wheels, bearings, etc.  Assuming you are reading this and are a beginner, an explanation of terms is in order.  In purchasing "good" skates, you buy the pieces separately, depending on your individual needs and uses.  Boots come in various styles and stiffness, depending on the type of skating, and, of course price.  Plates are the piece of metal that fastens to the boot and holds the wheels and the steering mechanism, called the truck.  Most plates, when bought new, come pre-built with everything but the wheels and bearings.  Wheels are selected depending on the type of skating you are expecting to do.  The people in the Skate Shop at your rink can help you, but, also, your coach will work with you to determine the best set-up for your particular needs and pocketbook.  Also, sometimes, used sets of skates are available from skaters who have outgrown their old skates.  These can save money, but, be sure the skates fit the skater and the type of skating they are doing.  Skates that don't fit can ruin an otherwise wonderful skating experience, so, make sure your equipment is well chosen.  Cheap or improperly fitted boots or skates can do more to prevent a skater from achieving desired results than almost anything else.  Make sure your coach helps you pick out the right equipment for your skating satisfaction.

Check out the RSWEB Regional Website (link on the sidebar) for more tips and help on your skating.

"Skates" Photo by Janet Higgins