I Learned to Skate Backwards on Roller Skates in 20 Minutes
The Lemons that Led to Freedom
I was terrified of skating backwards on my quad roller skates. I learned a simple drill called “lemons” or “swizzles.” I just stood still, pointed my toes together, and then pushed my heels out and pulled them back in, tracing the shape of a lemon on the ground. I then tried doing it while rolling backwards. This simple, repetitive motion is the core of backward skating. It took all the fear and complexity out of it, and within 20 minutes, I was confidently and smoothly skating backwards.
The “T-Stop”: The Easiest Way to Stop Safely
The Gentle Drag of the Back Foot
I needed a reliable way to stop on my roller skates besides just crashing into things. I learned the “T-stop.” While gliding forward, I just lift one foot, place it behind my other foot in the shape of a “T,” and then gently drag the wheels of my back foot on the ground. The friction brings me to a smooth, controlled, and predictable stop. It’s the first and most important stop that every beginner skater should master.
How to “Transition” From Forwards to Backwards Smoothly
The 180-Degree Step
I could skate forwards and I could skate backwards, but I couldn’t switch between them without stopping. I learned the simple “180 transition.” While skating forward, you just open up your hips and take a wide step, placing your one foot down so it’s facing the opposite direction. Your body naturally follows, and you are suddenly rolling backwards. It’s a simple, elegant, and fundamental move that unlocks a whole new world of fluid, dance-like skating.
I Did My First “Jump” at the Skate Park
The Bunny Hop to Glory
I was too scared to try and catch air at the skate park. I started with the simplest jump: the “bunny hop.” I just rolled at a comfortable speed, bent my knees, and did a small, simple jump, pulling my skates up under me. I only got a few inches of air, but the feeling of my wheels leaving the ground and then landing again was a huge rush of adrenaline and accomplishment. It was the first, crucial step that gave me the confidence to try bigger things.
The Difference Between Inline Skates and Quad Skates
The Speed vs. The Stability
I learned that inline skates (“rollerblades”) and quad skates are two completely different beasts. Inline skates, with their single line of large wheels, are built for speed and distance. They are like the road bikes of the skating world. Quad skates, with their two-by-two wheel setup, are much more stable and maneuverable. They are like the BMX bikes of the skating world, perfect for dancing, tricks, and the skate park.
How to Change Your Wheels and Bearings for a Faster Ride
The Axle is the Tool
My roller skates felt slow and sluggish. I learned that I could upgrade my wheels and bearings. The process was surprisingly simple. I used my skate tool to remove the nut on the axle. The coolest trick I learned was that you can use the axle of the skate’s truck as a lever to easily and safely pry the old bearings out of the wheel. I popped in some new, faster bearings, and my skates felt brand new again.
The Best (And Safest) Way to Skate Down a Hill
The Carve is Your Brake
I was terrified of hills. My instinct was to just go straight down, which was a recipe for a high-speed disaster. An experienced skater showed me the secret: you have to “carve.” By making a series of long, deep, S-shaped turns down the hill, you are controlling your speed by traveling a longer path and using the friction of the turns to scrub off speed. It’s a safe, controlled, and incredibly fun way to conquer any hill.
I Learned a “Jam Skating” Dance Move
The Downtown Groove
I wanted to try “jam skating,” the dance-focused style of roller skating. The first move I learned was the “Downtown.” It’s a simple, groovy, three-step move that you can do while rolling. It has a cool, relaxed vibe, and it’s the foundation for a lot of more complex dance moves. The feeling of finally syncing my steps to the beat of the music and grooving on my skates was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy.
The Most Common Mistake That Causes Skaters to Fall
Looking at Your Feet
When I was learning to skate, I would constantly stare down at my feet. And I would constantly be falling. The moment I forced myself to look up, at where I wanted to go, my balance improved dramatically. Your body follows your eyes. If you are looking down, you are telling your body to go down. By looking up and ahead, you maintain a better posture, you can see and avoid obstacles, and your sense of balance becomes much more intuitive.
I Built My Own “Skate Leash” for Under $2
The Yoga Strap Solution
I was tired of my roller skates clanking around when I carried them. I didn’t want to buy a special “skate leash.” I went to a thrift store and bought an old yoga mat strap for two dollars. The adjustable loops on the strap are the perfect size to slip over the front and back wheels of my skates, holding them together neatly. It’s a simple, cheap, and effective way to create a perfect, hands-free skate leash.