My Roller Skate World Blog

Labeda U7 Review

2012-01-22T13:39:00.003-05:00

Many have been asking us for a review of this new skate. Since it came out at the end of 2011, it has been difficult to get a good review. We have one now from a very satisfied customer.

Watch this video and see for yourself! You will find our prices the best on the internet. Visit our store and see the Labeda U7 Skates. Check out our link on the Labeda U7 Skates.

Labeda U7 Roller Skates

Vanilla Skates Are The Best!

2011-11-21T13:28:00.002-05:00

Vanilla Skates are some of the best made skates on the market today. They are not only made of some quality materials, but also have a unique and interesting look. They also come in different looks depending upon the style of skating that is desired. Let's look at some of the neat looking skates put out by Vanilla.

First of all, there is the Vanilla Freestyle. It comes in either black or white. The boot is very comfortable and the leather has been upgraded from earlier versions as have all the Vanilla skates. It now is scuff resistant. It runs true to size and is a little wider than normal. This upscale boot is great for general skating or jamming.

The Vanilla Curve is also 100% leather as are all the Vanilla skates. It has a different design that the Freestyle with a combination of black and white. Also it is a very comfortable boot great for general skating and jamming. When deciding between the Freestyle and the Curve, most skaters make their decision based upon the look and design of the skate because both cost about the same and are equally great skates.

The Vanilla Brass Knuckles Boot is the choice of many derby skaters. Besides the quality look, it has a B width in the heel to keep you locked in and a D width in the toe to give it breathing room! These skate boots are usually ordered by advanced derby skaters.

Vanilla Tony Zane Freestyle Boots are an upgrade to the Vanilla Freestyle Boots. Everything is the same except the color selection is different. They come in black/gold or white/gold. If you have a few extra bucks and would like the upgraded color choice, then this skate boot is for you. It is very popular with many skaters of all ages.

Vanilla Diamond Walker Pro Boots are quality at its best! This probably is the most comfortable boot ever, but that does not mean the other boots are not comfortable. It just means that this is at the very top of the class! The other difference between the Diamond Walker and the other boots is the boot colors. It comes in either in white/silver or white/red. These boots are great to use for jam, derby or just general skating on the rink.

As you can see, you can find a great selection of excellent boots put out by Vanilla. If you have been skating for any period of time and are looking for an upgrade, you do not need to look any farther than the Vanilla. They are the best!

Look at some of our skates on our site. Click these links.

Roller Skates

Speed Skates

Family Inline Skating

2011-11-07T09:41:00.000-05:00

I have people asking me on a regular basis questions about inline skating. They want to skate but realize that there are so many different kinds. Let's say that mom, dad and the kids made a decision to take this up as an activity for the family. If they go online they will find a large selection of great hockey skates. Unless they want to play hockey as a family, it is best to look at some other possibilities

One option that some pick is the fitness skate. If you want to take up this as a family, it might not be your best choice unless some or all of you are experienced and can afford their prices. A fitness skate normally is expensive (over $200). The wheels are usually larger for speed and they always have the top end bearings. Other skates can have a lower end bearing, but not the fitness. In fact, another name for this is a speed skate. Fitness or speed skaters are very comfortable at higher rates of speed.

Recreational or family skates are usually the best choice for a family wanting to get out of the house and do something together. What makes them different from others? It is the design.

Family or recreational skates have a soft boot with an exterior support system that gives ankle and foot support. As I already mentioned, the bearings are not always the best available. The bearings would be in a range from ABEC 3 to ABEC 9. As a beginner, you would probably not notice the difference on an ABEC 3 versus a ABEC 9. Also, you will find that the wheels are smaller. The larger the wheels the faster you go! It is easier to learn on a skate with smaller wheels. So if you want to ride on a sidewalk as a family and you are not interested in speeding, this kind of skate is just what you need.

Most online stores have a large selection of these kinds of skates. You can buy something real cheap or very expensive. I would recommend you pick something that does have some quality. That means staying away from the real cheap options. They won't last and you probably will not have a good experience. You don't have to spend a lot of money, but spend some money! For the kids, check out some of the adjustable inlines. There are some very good quality adjustable skates available at a decent price.

So mom, dad, and kids get out there and have fun! With the information I have provided I believe you can make the right decision on skates and will, as a result, have an enjoyable experience.

Take a look at some of our skates at the following links:

Roller Skate Wheels

Roller Hockey Skates

Outdoor Skating Dangers

2011-11-02T10:54:00.000-04:00

Outdoor roller or inline skating can be a lot of fun, but there are some concerns that need to be understood. Without that understanding the result could injure you and/or your skates. There are many great places to skate outside but even the best locations can bring some challenges. Here are some things to watch out for in skating outside.

Sand and debris

If you come across sand or other debris, be very careful. It can cause you to go into a skid. Also, sand is very bad for your bearings. So, my recommendation is to slow down or stop and step over the debris when you see this in front of you. If you slow down, look for the smallest part of the debris and skate over it maintaining a moderate speed. If you are too fast you will skid, too slow and you will get tripped up.

Rocks and other larger objects

Whether they are rocks or sticks, slow down. If the space between them is big enough, you may be able to make a path through them. If that is not possible, stop and step over them. Don't think that you can just speed skate through them. You could easily fall and be seriously injured.

Water

This is the most common danger that you can face skating outside, because rain and puddles are regular occurrences in most parts of the world. Don't ride your skates through the puddles. It will rust your frame and destroy your bearings. It also can cause you to go into a skid. However, you could get caught in the rain while skating. Try to get out of the weather as soon as possible and quickly dry off your skates with a towel. Take your wheels out and make sure that they are dry as well.

Inclines

Stay away from hills when you are first learning to skate. It is very easy to end up going a lot faster than you ever intended. Even if you are experienced, never skate down a hill with rough pavement or an intersection at the bottom. If you find yourself going faster than you want, and cannot slow down, try steering to the side (if the side is a grassy area or a safe place that will stop your momentum down the hill).

These are a few of the things to watch out for when you are skating outside. Most of this is just common sense. I would be negligent if I did not mention also to remember to wear at least a helmet while skating. No one plans to fall. It can happen to the best of skaters. Have fun!

Check our website for some great skate deals--
www.myrollerskateworld.com

Where Can I Go Skating?

2011-10-23T08:51:00.002-04:00

When you receive or purchase a set of skates, one of the first decisions you need to make is finding a place to use them. Now, that decision might have already been made if you bought a skate with wheels that can only be used indoors or outdoors. If you did that, you can always buy another set of wheels and change them when you want to be either outside or inside. Remember that soft wheels 89A and lower can be used outdoors. 90A and higher should only be used indoors. So let's look at different possible places to stake

The Rink The most obvious place to skate is a skating rink. They can be found in just about every city in the United States and even in small towns as well. Search the internet and you will see what is available in your community. If you live in a city, you probably have many to pick from. If you decide on a rink, you will have to pay a fee to skate. If you have your own pair of skates, your costs will be minimal. Check with the rink before you go, because the rink is not always open to the public. Ask when they have public skating. Usually the evenings and weekends are public skating times.

Parks If you are skating in a park, you probably will be able of find a trail. But before you venture onto the trail, make sure that they allow roller or inline skaters on the trail. Also, find out if the trail is paved all the way. You do not want to try skating on gravel or dirt!

Biking Trails More and more cities are providing biking trails. Check to see what is available in your city. If you can find a biking trail, this probably would be the best place to skate because you will probably have no problems with traffic. Just watch out for people on bikes and joggers.

Parking Lots On Sunday you probably would be able to find an empty parking lot and it could be a good place to get on your skates and have fun. But please make sure that you are allowed to do this on the property. If there are no trespassing signs, stay away even if it looks like a great place. Another caution would be cars. Since you are in a parking lot, watch for cars. Always skate in an area where you can see cars coming from a great distance. Finally, don't skate in a parking lot at night even if they have lights.

In conclusion, know your neighborhood and get on those skates. Every town and village will have a place where you can enjoy your sport. Have fun!

Guidelines for Skating Outside

2011-10-18T10:14:00.000-04:00

Many skaters decide that they'd rather skate outside rather than indoors. It gives them not only the opportunity of great exercise but also an abundance of fresh air! But there are rules that we need to follow if we are going to be skating outside. Just getting on your skates and taking off is not wise or safe. You need to know some of the simple and yes, common sense rules, before your start. When you learned to drive, you needed to know the rules before you got behind the steering wheel. The same applies here. It is for your safety and the people you encounter. Follow the rules and you will have an enjoyable experience!

If you are skating outside, you are probably skating on a sidewalk, bike path or in a park. Always be aware of other people, and avoid quick stops or last-minute turns. You could possible hurt yourself or somebody else!

When you see children or animals, you need to slow down. Children can be unpredictable and could quickly run right into your path causing both you and the child injury. If the animal is not leashed, it could start chasing you. If you are going very fast, this could be a problem. Don't think you can outrun the animal. Some dogs love to chase!

Skate like you are driving a car. Stay to the right and pass on the left. But before you pass, make sure that there is no one behind or in front approaching on the left. When you are passing someone, it is courteous to alert that person of your presence by saying in a friendly tone, "passing on the left".

I notice a lot of skaters decide to skate with headphones. This is very dangerous. It can block out sounds that can alert you to possible danger. I believe a lot of injuries could have been prevented if skaters would leave their headphones off when skating.

Finally, don't skate at night unless it is in a well lite area. You might be able to see where you are going, but someone else might not see you! For example, if you are on a bike path, a bicyclist will probably be going a lot faster than you are. And if they are riding in a dim lite area, they might not see you. Be very careful if you decide to skate at night.

Once you become a more experienced skater, you will find yourself going very fast. We need to remember to follow the common sense rules I have outlined and you will have a great time.

Check out some of our skates at www.myrollerskateworld.com or click on these links:

Roller Skate Wheels

Speed Skates

What You Need To Know About Inline Skate Wheels

2011-10-09T17:06:00.000-04:00

I love inline skating. It not only is a lot of fun but also gives me some great exercise. I have noticed over the years that new as well as experienced skaters do not know very much about the wheels. So I thought a short article about the wheels would be helpful.

The wheel is the most important part of any inline skate. There are a few questions you need to answer before you select the wheels. Where will you be doing your inline skating? If it is inside, you might like a harder wheel. How will you use your skates? Is it for recreation, roller hockey, racing? This will help determine the hardness as well as the size of the wheel. Also, you need to know that you can easily change the wheels of your skate. It takes just a few minutes.

You will want a softer wheel if you are using it outside. It absorbs the cracks, rocks, bumps,etc. But a harder wheel will go a lot faster and will last longer also. Hardness is measured on a durometer, with 0 being the softest and 100 being the hardest. Most of the inline skates come with a hardness of 78A to 82A. They can be used inside or outside. I would go with a 78A if you are going to use it mostly for outside skating. A beginning skater could go to a 70A and it would be ok. If you are skating inside, I would look for a 85A or higher wheel. But if you are new to skating, it is ok to stay with the 78A to 82A.

You also need to consider the size of the wheel. They come in sizes from 44mm to 110mm. I would recommend a beginning child skater to keep the size 70mm or smaller. If you are into racing, you should pick a wheel 90mm to 100mm. If you just want to enjoy recreational skating, a size 72-76mm would work. Roller hockey or aggressive skaters sometimes pick a slightly smaller wheel, but many still want them about 70mm.

I should say something also about the bearings. Every wheel needs a bearing. A higher quality bearing will make the skate roll a lot easier. You might find rankings like ABEC-1, ABEC-3 or ABEC-5. Unless you are an experienced skater, you won't feel much of a difference between a 1 and a 5. However, stay away from cheap skates that don't have a rating for the bearings!

I hope this helps you to be a little better informed when you go about picking your skates. I believe it will make the experience all the more enjoyable, but also it will help you to prevent buying something that would not accomplish your objective.

Look at some of our skates and accessories at www.myrollerksateworld.com

Roller Skate Wheels

Speed Skates

Inline Skates--Making Them Last!

2011-09-25T17:15:00.000-04:00

After you have been rollerblading for a while, you will realize that there is a need to take care of your skates. One option is to wear down the wheels and then just replace the skate and wheels. Very few people can afford doing that. The part of the inline skate that wears out more quickly is the wheels. Obviously, a cheap boot could fall apart. But in the article I am assuming you have bought a boot that has some quality. Since the wheels are the areas where wear is most often seen, there are a couple of things you can do to keep your skates (boots, etc.) for a long time.

First, you can rotate your wheels. If you are an adult, you know the value and importance of rotating your car tires. If you don't, you will have uneven wear and cause the tires to wear out sooner. The very same principle applies to the inline wheel. It is not difficult to rotate the wheels. All you need is an allen wrench and about five minutes later you are done. Take the wheels that are for your left foot and put them on the skate for your right foot. Do the same for the right foot. It is best to put the ones in the front in the back and the ones in the back in the front. The others can be just changed from the left foot skate to the right foot skate in the middle part of the skate wheels. In the process of changing the wheels, if you come across any dirt, make sure you clean that off your wheels with a dry cloth. Do not put things like WD40 on your skate wheels. It can damage your bearings.

Secondly, after you have rotated your wheels and got a lot more use out of your skates, it will eventually become necessary to replace the wheels. Just like car tires, they wear out! My recommendation is to go online and search for the wheels. You will find them for sale either individually or in packs of 8. Most inline skates will not need more than 4 wheels on each skate. Perhaps you would like to have a bigger wheel. If you look on the frame, there should be stamped or painted the maximum size you can have on your skate. With that information on hand, go check online and find what you are looking for!

Your roller blades can last for years if you follow the recommendations I have shared. Knowing these simple steps, you can save yourself a lot time and money. Enjoy!

Check out these great links:

Roller Skate Wheels

Speed Skates

Is an Adjustable Skate a Good Buy?

2011-09-19T11:34:00.000-04:00

I have people calling me on a regular basis asking whether they should buy adjustable inline skates. I usually tell them that it depends upon their circumstances. First of all, adjustable skates are for children (unless you have very small feet). Has your child ever done any inline skating previously? If not, then I would certainly recommend going with an adjustable skate.

It also depends upon your child. If your child is growing like a weed, you probably can't afford buying new skates every six months. An adjustable skate would solve that problem. But if your child has skated before and likes the sport and is not growing like a weed, I would recommend a higher quality skate. If your child is an experienced skater, he/she would know the difference right away from an adjustable to a more expensive skate.

What is an adjustable skate? It simply is a skate that can be adjusted to expand or contract in size depending upon the size of the foot of the child Many of them can be adjusted from like a 9 or 10 junior to up to size 3 or 4. Usually you can chose either a 9 or 10 junior to size 1 or size 1 to 3 or 4, depending upon the skate. So if you buy a skate for your child who is a size 10 junior, you can adjust it usually until they reach a size 1. The sizes go from let's say a 10, 11, 12, and 13 junior and size 1. Or it can go from size 1, 2,3 and 4. That means that the skate can last for a few years (if they don't wear it out before hand). You also would be able to pass the skate on to another child as well.

It is not complicated either to adjust the size. It is different with each skate and directions usually come with the skate. If not, you can go online to find the directions. Usually there is a little lever in the front side of the skate that lets you make the adjustment. In other words, this can be done very quickly and easily. Even the child would be able to make this adjustment after the parent shows them how to do it.

So in conclusion I would definitely recommend adjustable skates for most small children unless the child skates frequently and loves the sport. In that case I would recommend a more expensive skate that will give your child a more enjoyable experience.

A great place to buy skates is at our store www.myrollerskateworld.com

Look also at a couple of our links:

Roller Skate Wheels

Speed Skates

A Beginners Guide to Finding a Roller Skate Wheel

2011-09-11T15:10:00.000-04:00

You have decided to take up roller skating and went either to a skate store or online to look at the different kinds of wheels. Most people who begin roller skating think that they need to decide mostly what color wheel would be best, but fail to realize that a lot more detail is needed to get the right wheel. For an example, you can select a wheel with a beautiful color and want to use that wheel outside, but unfortunately with a 97A hardness it will make your experience anything but enjoyable.

Here are some basic guidelines to follow depending on the kind of skating you want to enjoy.

If you want to use your skates for speed skating, I would suggest a wheel that has a hardness of 94A and higher. Speed wheels are always harder wheels and because they are hard it enables the skater to travel at higher speeds with less physical effort. Most speed skaters pick a wheel that is not smaller than 62mm in diameter but also not much larger. They also typically like the width of the wheel to be about 40mm. Of course these wheels would be used indoors.

If you are not into speed skating, but regular skating on the rink, I would look for something that has a hardness of 90A or higher. Unless you are a very experienced skater I would stay with a wheel that is about 62mm in diameter and a width of 35 to 44mm. But if you are more experienced and into artistic skating a wheel 55 to 65mm is common. Also, you would want a narrower wheel to allow you to easily move around the skate floor. A 30 to 32mm wheel in width would work. Artistic skaters also like their wheels very hard. They typically like them to be somewhere between 97A and harder. But the big difference between the artistic skater and the regular skater is the smaller and narrower wheel they would pick.

If you plan to use your skate outside, you want a wheel that is a lot softer that will handle the pebbles and cracks in pavement that you will experience. In order to do that, you need to select a wheel that has an hardness under 90A. Most outdoor wheels range from 78A to 85A. I also would suggest a wheel size of anywhere from 60mm to 70mm. The larger the wheel the faster you will go. Also, the width could be anywhere from 32mm to up to 42mm.
Some like to get a wheel that would be good for both indoors and outdoors. There are a few wheels like the Atom Poison that might be workable but usually it is better to pick a wheel for outdoor use and another for indoor use and just change your wheels when you change surfaces. All you need is a skate wrench.

Check out these links for great skates and accessories:

Roller Skate Wheels

Speed Skates

Safety Rules for Beginning Skaters

2011-09-04T13:21:00.000-04:00

If you are a beginning skater, there are a few things that you need to know. If you are young, you probably think that you don't need to worry about safety because the worst thing that could happen to you would be that you fall. You need to read my comments below! If you are older, you probably realize that you need to be cautious at first, but still need to read some of my recommendations.

Roller skating is a year round sport. You are not limited to a particular season which means you can go out and practice some new moves, etc. whenever you want. But roller skating is a potentially dangerous sport. It is dangerous if you have not developed the expertise with a particular move and throw caution to the wind and go for it! There have been a lot of accidents with roller skating, but they are avoidable if you follow some simple rules. Here they are:

If you are skating outside, be very careful skating downhill. This can be an exciting and challenging experience for a new skater, but if you have not developed the expertise in knowing how to stop or turn, etc., you could find yourself in a very dangerous situation. Develop the expertise and then go for it, but not before!
Learn how to stop. This not only applies to downhill skating, but just regular skating outdoors and indoors. Before learning how to go fast on your skates, learn how to stop. By learning how to stop, I don't mean learning how to run into the wall at the skate rink. Accidents happen on the rink to individuals who fail to learn how to stop. Make sure that you skate has a toe stop. Learn how to use it or ask someone to teach you how to use it.
Use protective gear. Many times a new skater does not want to invest in protective gear when they start roller skating. They think that they won't be going very fast and they won't get hurt. The fact is that many new skaters get hurt because they are not wearing protective gear. By protective gear I mean wearing a helmet (a must), knee pads, and elbow pads. By wearing these you will have protection when you fall or run into something. Don't fool yourself, because it will happen!

With these simple guidelines you can embark on your skating experience with confidence. Whether you are young or older, these rules are for your protection.

Follow these links for some great skate deals

Roller Skate Wheels

Speed Skates

Acquainting Yourself with Your Roller Skates

2011-08-28T14:42:00.003-04:00

When I started roller skating, I really didn't know anything about the roller skate. My focus was on learning how to roller skate, not figuring out the different components. After you have been roller skating for a while, you probably will want to know more about the different parts of the skate. Perhaps you bought a skate that was not too expensive and now you want to upgrade. It is always wise to not begin your skating experience in an expensive skate. You might determine down the road that you might have wanted a different kind of skate. But because you invested so much initially, it is difficult to transition. So let's look at the different parts of the roller skate.

Boot
There are two types of boots. First is the artistic and recreational boot which is also called "high top boots". As the name implies, this type of boot is good for general skating at the rink or for dancing, etc. The second kind of boot is called "low top boots" and can be used for many things. You can use this kind of boot for speed skating, jam skating or roller derby skating. Like the "high top boots", the skate boots come in all kinds of prices. A few of the real good names are Vanilla, Riedell, Sure Grip and Pacer.

Wheel
Anything over 90A hardness should be used for the rink. If you purchase a wheel lower than 90A, the wheel would be very appropriate for outdoors on sidewalks, bike tracks or just plain concrete. If the wheel is close to 90A, it probably could be used for both the rink and outdoors. But it is usually better to get a wheel for either outdoors or indoors. Or better yet, purchase a set of wheels for inside and well as outside. The wheels also come in different sizes. If you are into aggressive skating or roller derby skating, look for a wheel no larger than 59mm. A child learning to skate should be careful not to get too large a wheel. I would suggest something under 72mm would be good.

Frame
This supports the wheels and is attached to the boot. A good frame or "plate" as some call it is important to having a good skating experience. When looking for a frame, make sure that it is light weight. Today a lot of frames are made of aluminum or other materials that are lighter even than that! An experienced skater will make sure that the frame is top quality and will support the type of skating that they would like to do.

Bearings
Bearings are used for the wheels to rotate smoothly and freely. They come in either 7mm or 8mm. Most skaters will want the 8mm. This refers to the inner diameter of the bearing and the size of the axle it is going on.

Toe Stops or Breaks
The top stops are lifesavers for beginning skaters! The breaks or stop can be on the toe or the heel or under the toe. If you are a beginning skater, make sure that your skate has one of these stops and someone tells you how to use it!

Most important of all, make sure that all your questions are answered before you purchase your skates. Once you have them, enjoy the experience. I hope that you will enjoy it for many years to come!

Check out our great deals on roller skates at the following links:

Speed Skates

Roller Skates

The Health Benefits of Rollerblading

2011-08-22T10:06:00.000-04:00

If you live in the northern part of the United States, you must likely have to find your exercise indoors in the winter. Many go to the gym to get on a treadmill or exercise bike, etc. Or you might have purchased some kind of exercise equipment to use in your home. But what about engaging in some exercise outdoors on the sunny days when it still might be cool or in the good old summer days. Why not take up rollerblading (which is another way of saying inline skating). It can be a lot of fun and it is much better for you than being stuck inside trying to exercise. Most cities have nicely paved paths in parks or other appropriate locations near your home. As long as the paths are not covered in snow, you can inline skate any time of year. If you live in a city, please check the roller skating rinks. They many times will allow rollerblading on their rinks. If so, you will be able to skate all year-round regardless of the weather outside!

There are many great benefits from inline skating. It is much safer on the knees and back than jogging because your legs are not taking as much pounding against a hard surface. Compared to cycling, you don't have to travel as far to get maximum benefits. Rollerblading provides you with fantastic lower body workout by strengthening and toning your thighs, calves, and hamstrings. Additionally, you are getting a great cardiovascular workout!

I also would like to recommend that you combine skating with some strength training exercises with weights such as leg extensions, leg presses and calf raises. If you do this, you can be assured that your muscles and bones will remain strong and will help prevent any possible injuries from occurring. This is important not only for rollerblading, but also for any kind of exercise that involves the legs.

There is a debate whether you should engage in some stretching exercise before you begin exercising. I believe you should do what feels best for you. Also, the first few minutes should be done at a slower pace so that your muscles can appropriately warm up!

Rollerblading is very safe once you learn how to do it. Occasionally you will fall, but rarely by yourself. If you do, it is usually the result of something your skates hit on the pavement. It is always very wise to wear some protective equipment while skating. You might want to purchase some elbow, wrist and knee pads along with a good helmet.

I need to warn you that once you get on those skates and experience the joy of rollerblading, you are going to become addicted. My recommendation is not to fight this addiction, but enjoy it! Happy rollerblading!

Some great deals can be found at www.myrollerskateworld.com

Celebrating a Birthday at a Roller Skate Rink

2011-08-16T16:48:00.001-04:00

Every year parents must decide what they are going to do with their child on his/her birthday. Many parents want to invite several of their children's friends to attend. Having it at their home has at least two drawbacks. First, there probably is not enough room to accommodate all the children.

Secondly, kids like to do something exciting and having a birthday party at a home just doesn't do it. Besides trying the obvious places like Chuck E. Cheese, why not try a roller skate rink. It is a place that is a very healthy alternative and has a good possibly to inspire a child to take up this sport!

If you live in a city, there probably is at least one if not many rinks available. Contact them and find out their rates, availability, and options they provide for a birthday party. Also, ask some of your friends if they have taken their children to a skating rink. Perhaps they can tell you which of the rinks in your city would provide the best experience.

There are a number of benefits by having a party at a rink. First, there are no limits set on the number of children that can attend a skating party. The rink will have one or two rooms which are decorated with fun scenes, and festive colors that are sure to put children in a great mood from the moment their arrive to the time they leave. The rooms are usually equipped with ample seating to accommodate the largest party crowds imaginable.

You can call the rink several weeks before the birthday to reserve the room. Even when you wait to the very last few days, sometimes they might find an opening, if you can be flexible. After a parents confirms the color scheme of the room, they can pick out balloons, etc and take them to the rink. Many rinks provide certain amenities for birthday parties. For example, some provide plates with matching cups for all the guests to use and plastic silverware will be placed at each place setting.

Some skating rinks have personalized birthday boxes at the front door so guest can place their gifts in them. Many times the rink workers or parents of the child bring the box into the birthday room either at the start of the party or at a planned time. Doing this helps to raise the excitement of the child. When the party is over, the guest know that there will be hours of skating ahead of them. This makes the party seem more joyful to the parents and kids.

Check out our website for great deals on skates at www.myrollerskateworld.com

Visiting a Roller Skate Rink for the First Time

2011-08-08T07:42:00.001-04:00

When children go to a roller skate rink for the very first time, they can easily be overwhelmed by their first experience. As they walk through the door of the rink, they probably can hear sounds coming for the rink inside. Additionally, in the lobby and on the rink they can hear laughter of children and families enjoying themselves. Parents need to be prepared for loud music and probably it would be a very good idea to wear a pair of ear plugs!
If you are entering a roller skate rink for the first time, you are beginning a fantastic experience whether you are an adult or child. You will be exposed to things that you have never seen before in your lifetime. If you did not bring your own roller skates, the first task you will have is to select a pair of skates that will fit your feet. Sometimes it might be necessary to try on a couple of pair before you find a skate that feels comfortable. Next you need to find a locker where you and your family will store you street shoes and personal valuables.

The odor of the lockers and the facility can sometimes be offensive in some rinks. Don't let that discourage you. Many families bring scented sprays with them so they can rid themselves of the smell of sweaty feet. Make sure that all the family members bring socks with them. The socks should be at least ankle length. If they are too short, they can easily cause blisters to form before your skating time is over. Also, bring with you some elastic toe bandages. Many experienced skaters won't skate without them!

When you get onto the skate floor, there are a few simple guidelines to follow. Experienced skates know how to push past the beginning skates that are slow on the rink. But there is an etiquette that is followed on a rink that is similar to the rules of driving in the fast lane. Slower skates are expected to skate near the wall of the rink which is always on the right side. Anything towards the center of the rink is reserved for skates who are experienced. Some of them can go very, very fast.

There are other types of enjoyment to be found at the rink. Teenagers (and children) love going to the snack bar or eating pizza with their friends. It is also a very good place for teens to take someone on a date. The lights on the rink floor are lowered throughout the night and couples have many changes to enjoy some dancing maneuvers while wearing their roller skates.
If you are a new skater, you probably will find an experienced skater who would be very willing to share with you some of their techniques. Usually at the rink you will find a lot of kind, helpful people. Some young people might spend very little time on their skates because of their interest in the video games and pinball machines that are usually located in a game room next to the rink.

If for some reason you did not like the rink you visited, try another one. Usually there are at least a couple of rinks in a small city. But by all means make this an experience that will be great for the entire family!

My Roller Skate World provides some great quality skates at low prices. Check out these links:

www.myrollerskateworld.com/roller-skate-wheels.html.

www.myrollerskateworld.com/roller-skates.html

Roller Skating--A Fun Activity for the Entire Family

2011-08-01T08:16:00.000-04:00

Life today is so busy and complicated. Over the last few decades the family life has deteriorated to the point that family togetherness is not a common occurrence. Families need to be encouraged to find activities that they can do together and have fun! I would like to suggest roller skating as a family and fun activity. All you need is a pair of roller skates and a place to skate and you are ready for a fun activity.

If you happen to live in a cul-de-sac or a very quiet street, the pavement could be used as a skating rink. Just make sure that the children do not venture away from the cul-de-sac or street to a place where they could be in danger. If you are skating on a quiet street, make sure that your children know what to do if a car approaches. If you don't have a quiet place to skate outside your home, what about skating indoors! If you have laminated, wood or concrete flooring in a room that is fairly large, you can easily use that room by pushing all the furniture to the walls or removing the furniture. Sometimes the basement is a great place for this activity. If you don't have a place to skate at your home, you can always go to the rink. Check their schedule and many times you can find very good prices on some of their specials.

As far as finding skates are concerned, go online and search for some used skates. You sometimes can get a good deal of used skates at some of the auction or trade sites on the internet. You could also try visiting the Salvation Army or other used thrift shops. You can even try relatives and friends. They might have some used roller skates in the attic. The difficulty will be finding a pair that is the size that you need. Also, if you are skating outside, make sure the wheel is soft enough for that use. If indoors, there is a little bit more leeway in the hardness or the softness of the wheel. But if you are skating outdoors, make sure the hardness is well under 90A. If you don't know, ask a professional at a skate rink. However, if you want new skates, shop the online stores. But don't buy too cheap a skate. Anything under $50 is usually a skate that will not last. If you want your family to have a good experience, please invest enough into the skates so that they will have a good experience

Finally, make sure that everyone's skates fit well. If the skates fit too tight or too loose, pick another size. Even if the skates were given to you, don't let a family member skate with improper fitting boots. Skates should never rub or make blisters on your feet.

With this bit of advice under your belt, you and your family are ready for an activity you can enjoy together. It can be something your kids will remember the rest of their lives.

My Roller Skate World provides some great quality skates at low prices. Check out these links:
Speed Skates
Roller Skate Wheels

The Beginners Guide to Inline Skating

2011-07-25T11:12:00.002-04:00

So you have decided that you want to learn to inline skate. Perhaps you have never been on an inline skate before, but you have decided to venture out and try this great sport. There are so many different kinds of inline skates. Where do you begin and what do you look for? Here are a few simple guidelines to follow in selecting a good inline skate.

1. Decide your purpose. Do you want to use your skates on the sidewalks near your home? Or do you wish to use them in a rink? Are the skates going to be used often or just occasionally? Inline skates can be used for hockey, freestyle skating, racing, fitness training, recreation, aggressive skating and cross-training for sports such as skiing. Determine what best describes your use and focus then on that kind of skate.

2. Decide what you can spend. You can find skates between $35 and $1000. If you can only spend $35, look for another sport. You will not be satisfied and probably will quickly drop the sport because of the poor performing skate. Spend at least $200 on your skates. If you spend less, your feet will probably be so uncomfortable you won't enjoy skating at all. If you can afford to spend more than $200, your feet will definitely notice the difference. It's almost always true, that fitness and recreational skates rated highest for comfort cost between $300 and $400.

3. Decide on a boot. The boot's purpose is to support your foot and ankle. When you try on the boot, it should fit comfortably. If not, do not buy the boot. You will be disappointed. Some people prefer the hard boots for their skates because they feel like they provide the best ankle support. Others find the softer, more flexible boats more appealing.

4. Decide on the wheels and bearings. Inline wheels come in different sizes and hardness. Most recreational skates come in 72mm to 76mm. If you are an aggressive skater, you might want to try something smaller. Inline wheels are made of urethane and come in different harnesses'. Most recreational skates are equipped with 78A or 82A wheels, with 78A considered to be on the softer side. If the skates are primarily used inside, I would suggest something like a 85A which is a harder wheel. If used mostly outside, use a softer wheel, like a 75A. As far as bearings are concerned, they are usually rated according to the precision with which they are made. Typically, higher priced skates will use bearings designated as "precision" and are rated ABEC-1, ABEC-3, or ABEC-5. If you are buying a $100 or more expensive skate, I would make sure you are getting at least an ABEC-3 or higher bearings.

Once you have made these decisions, you are ready for a great experience. Perhaps you will decide that this will be a life-long sport. Enjoy!

My Roller Skate World has a large selection of inline and roller skates. Check out these links.

Roller Skate Wheels

Roller Derby Skates

How to Maintain Your Roller Skates

2011-07-20T07:55:00.002-04:00

When you spend good money for a pair of skates, you want them to last. Just like anything else of value the skates need good care. If they are not properly taken care of, they will not only not last, but also possibly create a safety issue. I would like to share with you the following guide that will help you keep your skates in excellent condition.

Cleaning the skates
Use a damp cloth to clean the dirt that might have accumulated on the boot, plate, wheels and bearings. Gently remove any dirt that you might find. It is good to do this every time you skate, especially if it is outside.

Adjust the plates
Some plates are adjustable. If you are a freestyle, artistic or dancing skater, this can be especially useful. If you are doing a lot of tight turns and spins use a narrower setting. Most recreational skaters will want the plate to be in a wider setting and this is usually the setting for most new skates. If you are not sure, do some experimenting. You can always change the setting. You adjust them by loosening the locking nut on the back of the truck with a wrench. After you are done that, you adjust the spacing by moving the whole assembly on its track. After you have completed the adjustment, make sure that you have properly tightened the nut.

Adjust the trucks
If you are in need of more flexibility and control, you might want to adjust the trucks. The looser they are the more flexible they become, but you can have a problem with control if they are too loose. If the plates are tighter, flexibility is reduced and control is easier. Everyone is different so experiment to see what you like best. Inverted kingpins are tightened with a wrench and do not have a locking nut. A standard kingpin has a locking nut which must be loosened with a wrench. The king pin is then turned to adjust the tension. After finishing the adjustment, make sure that the locking nut is re-tightened.

Replace the wheels
Examine the wheels for wear and replace them when the inside edges have a shaved off look or if you can read the writing on the sides of the wheels.

Adjust the wheel nuts
Every few months check the wheel nuts. If you skate very frequently, obviously do it more often. Tighten enough so that you don't have any play but not so tight that the wheels would be prevented from rolling.

Adjust the toe stoppers
There are two types of stoppers, adjustable and non-adjustable. The non-adjustable stoppers need to be checked very often because they can easily work lose. If they are loose, use a screwdriver to tighten them.

Replace the bearings
Bearings wear out and need to be replaced. If you skate a lot, the bearings need to be changed every six months to a year. It will become obvious to you that they need changing. The bearings will start making a noise and your skating is no longer smooth. Bearings insure that the skating is smooth. On each wheel a casing hold the ball bearings and they are damaged by dirt, sand or when the ground is wet. The standard size is 8mm but some come in 7mm so check the size of your skates before you purchase. There are several diagrams available on the internet that will show how to change the bearings.

Your skating will be trouble-free by providing the proper maintenance of your skates. Taking these steps will also make it possible to keep your skates for a long time.

My Roller Skate World provides some great quality skates at low prices. Check out these links:

Roller Skate Wheels

Roller Derby Skates

Roller Skating--Avoiding Blisters!

2011-07-10T19:36:00.000-04:00

I can remember the very first time I put on a pair of roller skates. I was so excited and quickly learned how to skate. However, once I could start moving with ease around the rink, I realized I had a big problem. My feet started to hurt and when I finally got off my skates I realized that I had a blister. If I would have known then what I know now, I would not have had that problem. Hopefully, a few suggestions will help you to prevent developing blisters whether you are a new skater or experienced.

Do not wear your old socks. Even though you might love them, they can be a prime candidate for causing blisters as you are using skates. The reason for this is because they no longer can provide support where you most need it.
If you are skating for a long period of time, take an extra pair of socks with you and change into them if you feel moisture developing in your boot. Also, you can buy foot powder or cornstarch to put in your socks to help soak up the moisture and will keep your feet dry.
If you have a very sensitive area of your feet, it could become very susceptible to developing blisters. You can purchase Band Aid Blister Blocks, Mole Skins or Second Skin and put over the area of concern.
Chose the right pair of socks. The socks should fit your feet and not be too tight or loose. A study was done at the University of Missouri on the composition of socks and preventing blisters. Lia Huhman from the University shares their interesting conclusions. "I would not want a sock that was overall cotton. I might look for a sock that had some of those synthetic materials that were proven to be better." A good suggestion also is to look for a pair of socks that have different compositions of materials in different parts of the sock.
Finally I would suggest finding socks that do not have a seam. There are some socks that have extra padding on the heel and toe areas. This can be worse if the seam sticks out. It can cause you blisters as it rubs against your foot. Try wearing double layer socks or two pairs depending on what you like best. Double layer socks can help in the prevention of developing blisters.

With all this info in hand, you are in a much better position to prevent the developing of blisters. Skating can be very enjoyable, but when a blister starts to develop on your foot, the joy quickly disappears. With this information I hope that your skating experience will be always enjoyable

Check out our website for great deals on skates and supplies.

www.myrollerskateworld.com

The Durability of Skating Helmets

2011-06-27T20:10:00.000-04:00

I can remember years ago when I went to the skating rink that I did not wear a helmet. I not only did not wear a helmet skating, but neither did I wear one riding a bike. Times have changed! Today we recognize the danger of not protecting the head from injuries. Perhaps we were a little bit naive thinking that nothing would happen to us or perhaps if it did, nothing serious would happen. Today you cannot skate at a rink without a helmet and shame on you if you ride a bike without one!
So we need a helmet. Where can we get one and how much do they cost? They are available at many large department stores, bicycle shops, online stores, etc. You can find a good quality helmet between $35 to $60. You do not need to spend more money to get a helmet that will adequately protect your head.

If you already have a helmet, should you keep it or replace it? There are a few factors to keep in mind before making that decision.

1. If you have crashed with your helmet, please replace it. The foam in the helmet is not meant to take more than one hit. I know that it might look fine but that does not mean that it can do the job next time. If you had a minor crash, look to see if you can see any marks on the shell or assess any foam crush. If so, please replace the helmet! There are a few manufacturers that will actually be willing to inspect your crashed helmet to see if replacement is needed. Check the internet for addresses and phone numbers of manufacturers.

2. If you have an old helmet, replace it. Many of the older helmets dating back to the 70's and 80's do not have the protection that today's helmets provide. Also, the old helmets will age even if you are not using them. Don't take the chance on using old equipment even though it worked well for you or your parents many years ago.

3. Even if you have a newer helmet and have never crashed with it, you might find it necessary to replace it. There are factors to help you make this decision.
a. Usage. If you use your helmet on a regular basis, you should probably change your helmet about every five years. In fact, helmets change every few years and are always improving.
b. Care and abuse. If you don't take good care of your helmet, you need to replace it. How soon it should be replaced is determined by the amount of abuse. Please do not throw your helmet onto any hard surface. It will damage the helmet and would make it necessary to be replaced.
Helmets today are available in all sizes and shapes. Take good care of your helmet and it can last several years

We have a great selection of helmets and many other skating need. Check out these links:

Roller Skate Wheels

Roller Derby Skates

Am I Too Old to Roller Skate?

2011-06-20T14:51:00.000-04:00

When are you too old to take up roller skating? Is there a magic age when you should shut it down? If you are considering taking up this sport, there are a couple of things that you need to consider.
1. Level of fitness
If you are more than thirty pounds overweight, you probably should spend some time in the gym before you begin. If you go to the gym twice a week, continue getting good exercise for at least a couple of months. This is important so that your muscles, tendons and ligaments will be strong enough to withstand the impact of falling and having a lower chance of injury. If you really want to tone up the muscles and have better results, find a personal trainer who will get you started safely with a program of weight lifting and cardiovascular training. Also, the preparation in the gym will likely cause you to lose some weight before you changeover to roller skating. By the way, roller skating is a great way to stay fit and also lose some weight!
2. The health of your bones
If you are a post menopausal women, I would recommend that you see your doctor before beginning this sport. The doctor can do a bone density assessment and can let you know if your bones are healthy enough to skate. Because this is a weight-bearing activity, skating can build bone density to a certain extent. Of course, men can have brittle bones as well. It would be wise for a man over the age of 50 to also have a bone density assessment. If you have a good assessment, the rink can be your playground. Now that does not mean that you won't have an injury. It can happen to anyone at any age. But the risk of injury is a lot higher when you hit the floor or pavement with brittle bones.
Perhaps you are looking for an age limit. There are people in their 80's and 90's at the rink skating. However, there are people in their 50's and 60's who are in such poor physical health that it would not be wise for them to take up this sport until they are in better shape. Now you can put on some protective equipment like a helmet and pads if you are not in good shape, but it is not wise to engage in this sport until you follow the two recommendations above. In conclusion, keep yourself in good physical condition and you can enjoy this sport well into your golden years.

Follow these links to some great skate deals
www.myrollerskateworld.com
www.myrollerskateworld.com/roller-skate-wheels.html

Overcoming the Fear of Roller Skating

2011-06-13T10:25:00.000-04:00

Learning to roller skate can be intimidating at first. If you are a child, it probably will be the first few minutes that will be the most difficult. After that, the fear is managed and the child gradually becomes more confident on the skates. As an adult, the experience is usually more daunting. The fear usually goes beyond the first few minutes because it takes an adult a little bit longer to feel comfortable on the skates.

There are two big fears, mostly with adults, when it comes to skating. The first is fear of falling (which will happen) and secondly is the fear of not being able to stop. That fear can be managed when a skater realizes that they can plow into the rink walls. But practice and more practice and a good instructor (anyone who knows how to skate) and some good padding can get you on the road to become a skater. If you are just starting, please don't be embarrassed at the rink. Even though there are many great skaters around you, they remember their own first attempts. Most will be very supportive and helpful to you. I would strongly urge you to begin your learning to roller skate at a rink and not outdoors.

However, if there is not a rink nearby or you only want to skate outside, there are a couple of points that you need to know.

1. Wear a helmet and protective gear. Although you might be using skates intended for outdoors, there is a much greater chance for you to fall. Things like cracks in the cement, rocks, etc. can easily send a novice skater to the ground. Some department stores and online stores provide some excellent choices for protective gear. Your risk of being injured on roller skates can be lowered by wearing a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards. Whether you are an adult or child, wearing protective equipment when you are outside is essential. A helmet will reduce the risk for serious injury by 85%.

2. If you have an abnormal fear of falling, you can help eliminate this fear by wearing some padded undergarments that are worn by hockey players and roller derby players. If you are learning on a rink, you can rent a "skate mate". It is a safe, durable, economical and effective teaching tools to help beginning skaters of all ages to learn how to roller skate. The "skate mate" stabilizes the skater so that they can quickly develop balance and self-confidence. The "skate mate" can be used outside but it will be more effective if used indoors on a rink.

So why not give roller skating a try! Perhaps you will find a hobby that will give you great satisfaction as well as great exercise. If you are a parent, please give your child a good opportunity to learn how to skate. If you do, your child might begin a sport that will carry throughout their life.

Look at our store for a great selection of roller skates. Check out these links:

Roller Skates

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How to Select the Right Roller Skate Wheel

2011-06-06T09:10:00.000-04:00

The beginning roller skater just wants a pair of skates. The main question to ask is whether they will be used indoors or outdoors. If outdoors, they should want a soft wheel; conversely, if you want to skate indoors, you need a harder wheel. But if a person starts on a regular basis, there are a lot of other possibilities to consider. Let me share the many different kinds of skate wheels that are now available.

Speed wheels
As the name implies, this enables the skater to go faster with a little less of an effort. This is also probably the most popular of the wheels. These wheels are used mostly for indoor use. Many of the following skate wheels are also speed wheels but are used for a particular purpose.

Derby wheels
Roller Derby is an American invented contact skating sport. The individuals race around an oval rink competitively usually one team against another. Derby wheels are usually used by more experienced skaters. In fact there are many avid derby fans in the United States.

Jam wheels
A Jam skater can do a combination of skating, dancing and gymnastics. So someone who buys jam wheels will want to learn how to use their roller skates doing the above. A real jam skater that is an accomplished user will be using these different forms.

Rhythm wheels
As the name implies, it is skating to a rhythm or beat. It consists of dance moves, shuffling, and slides. As a skater gains confidence, this is a fun activity at a rink.

Artistic wheels
Artistic skating is a sport where individuals, groups, or mixed couples perform jumps, spins, and other moves usually to music. Although artistic ice skating is more popular, doing it on roller skates can also be a fun sport. An artistic skater usually wears high top boots with their artistic wheels.

Outdoor wheels
This type of wheel is very obvious. It is used outside the rink. There are a few wheels that can be used either indoors or outdoors but it is best to find a soft wheel for outdoor use. Outdoor skaters usually use their skates in parks, sidewalks, or bicycle paths.

Roller skating can be a lot of fun. If you are new to this sport, you might think that this involves going around a rink on skates. Unfortunately, many have this misconception and decide that the sport is not something they would undertake. As a beginner, first learn to skate at a rink. As you become use to the skates, then determine if there is a kind of skating you would enjoy and then pick your boots and wheels accordingly.

You can find a great selection of roller skate wheels on our website at www.myrollerskateworld.com/roller-skate-wheels.html

A Beginner's Guide to Roller Skates

2011-05-30T10:07:00.001-04:00

If you are new to roller skating or have not taken it up for a number of years, you might be a bit confused today when you decide to buy a pair of skates. As a beginning skater, where do you go to find information about skates?

One option is to go to the large department stores; however they have a very limited supply of roller skates. The reason why they don't is because they would need to carry a very large inventory for every skate that they sell. They also tend to carry just the cheaper skates. Another option is visiting a skating rink store. They also have a limited supply but you can be assured that you will get some professional advice. This can be important if you don't know much about skates. The final option is online stores. Because they are online, they probably have a large inventory since they have most of their skates dropped shipped from their wholesaler. They also can give professional advice but it is not the same as talking face to face to a person.

So you are new to roller skating. What kind of skate should you buy? Every situation is different, but there are a few general rules that should apply to everyone.

1. Go to a skating rink first before you buy any roller skates. Try using a low top boot one time and then another time try the high top boots. This way you can find out what makes you more comfortable. The high top boots are mostly used for recreational or artistic skating at a rink while the low top boots are for speed skating, roller derby or jamming.

2. Once you have decided on either a low top or a high top skate you need to determine how much you can spend. If you really want to take up roller skating, do not buy the cheapest pair you can find. Conversely, you shouldn't buy the most expensive pair of skates. There are so many combinations consisting of the boots, plates, wheels and bearings that it would be best to be a little cautious at first. I recommend that you find a pair of skates between the $50 to $150 range. There are many great skates in that price range. If you go cheaper, you might not have a very good experience. After you have used your skates for a year or two, you might want to venture into a more expensive skate, but you would then have a better idea of what combinations you would like to have in your skate.

3. Finally, ask the professionals their opinion. What would be the best skate that they would recommend in the price range mentioned above. Once you have decided on a skate, start doing your research to find the best deal available.

A great place to buy roller skates is right in our store with great prices at http://www.myrollerskateworld.com/

Roller Skating--A Great All Round Sport For Children

2011-05-22T17:00:00.000-04:00

This is a great sport for any age but especially children. Unlike other sports that puts extra pressure on your joints and muscles like cycling or running, roller skating gives you the exercise without the stress on your body. Also, it is very good aerobically to increase your fitness and make you more mentally alert.

Let's look at some of the reasons why roller skating should be part of the physical development of your child.

1. Fitness
Maybe your child might be spending a lot of time in front of the T.V. or more likely on the computer playing video games. Getting on skates either at the rink or outside will give your child a fun way to move around and strengthen the legs and heart.

2. Balance
Teaching your child to roller skate, instills into your child a sense of balance. As a child gets older, there are a lot of sports that require balance. Bicycling, skate boarding, etc will be learned a lot easier if they have first learned to skate. But most importantly learning to skate early in the life of a child helps the child to increase their confidence and opens the possibilities for them to experiment with other sports and activities they might never have tried.

3. Inexpensive
You can buy a very good pair of skates for under $100. If you get your child skates that can be used outside, there is no additional cost. Of course, if you use a rink you will have to pay a fee. But most rinks are very reasonably priced and can be a great family activity.

4. Solo activity
Skating does not require a crowd. A child who wants to roller skate and has wheels that can be used outside can simply put on his skates and go outside and have fun. Of course, this depends upon where you live. If your child does not have brothers or sisters near their age or does not have many friends in the neighborhood, skating can be a great outlet for this child.

5. Quick to learn
The best place to learn to roller skate is at a rink. Usually most children are able to be confident on their skates after just a couple of hours of practice. We would recommend, however, that the child have elbow, knee pads and a helmet to protect against falls (because there will be several of them when they are learning).