1. Choosing the Right Rollerblades
Inline skates (with 4 wheels in a straight line) are the best option for the purpose of our classes.
Key Features to Look For:
- Adjustable Size: Adjustable rollerblades can expand across 2-4 sizes, making them last longer. They get bigger along with your child's foot.
- Wheel Size: The ideal wheel size is around 70mm - 90mm. Smaller wheels (60mm - 70 mm) are for better balance and lower speed (however harder to use on rough surfaces) and larger wheels (90mm - 110mm) have more speed but are harder for beginners to balance and control. Most beginner skates come with medium sized wheels.
- Brakes: Ensure the skates come with a rear brake to help beginners stop easily. Most beginner skates come with brakes.
- Price Range: The standard price range is $30 - $70 for beginners skates. Top brands like Rollerblade and K2 tend to run on the pricier side, but also have higher performance. No brand requirements for this class, as long as the skates fit your child well and they are comfortable wearing them.
Try to order from Amazon or some other place where you can return the skates in the scenario that your child does not find the skates comfortable/ the skates do not fit properly.
2. Essential Safety Gear
Safety gear is crucial to prevent injuries and build confidence while learning. All the equipment mentioned below is required for your child's participation. Here's what you'll need:
- Helmet: A biking helmet works perfectly fine.
- Knee Pads: Protect the knees from scrapes and impact during falls.
- Elbow Pads: Prevent injuries to the elbows when falling forward or sideways.
- Wrist Guards: Essential for protecting the wrists, which are highly susceptible to injury during falls.
3. Sample Links
Please note that the following are examples to guide you and have not been personally tested. There are many options available, so feel free to explore other choices: