How To Roller Skate Outside For Beginners (Tips Added)

Roller skating outdoors is a fun and enjoyable way to exercise. It’s also an excellent way to get out of the house, interact with people and nature, and explore the world around you.

Whether you’re an experienced roller skater or just getting started outdoors, there are a few tips and tricks to know before you get started successfully.

Keep reading to learn how to roller skate outside for beginners and pros, including safety, choosing the right equipment, finding suitable outdoor locations, and more.

How To Roller Skate Outside For Beginners

There are two types of skating: indoor and outdoor. The biggest difference between the two is that outdoor skating has more bumps, rocks, and other unpredictable terrains, which can cause falls, scrapes, and other injuries.

However, outdoor skating can also be the most enjoyable and rewarding form because you can explore nature and interact with other people. Also, you can commute with roller skates, go on excursions with friends and family, or just have fun in the sun.

Whereas indoor skating is more regulated and predictable, outdoor skating is more adventurous and less restricted. But before you start this journey of exploration, it’s important to take the right steps to ensure your safety and enjoyment. And though this guide exists to help you out. So let’s get started.

1. Safety: Choose the Right Protecting Gears

Safety should be your primary concern when roller skating outdoors. Start by investing in the right protective gear, such as a helmet, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, and mouthguard.

It’s also important to know your limits. Don’t try to do advanced tricks or stunts until you’ve mastered the basics and have become comfortable with outdoor skating.

The protective gear prevents injuries and gives you the confidence and assurance to take on new challenges.

2. Get Suited Roller Skates with Right Wheels

The type of skates you’ll need will depend on the type of outdoor skating you plan to do. For example, if you plan on excursions or cruising around, then a pair of all-purpose roller skates will work just fine.

But if you plan on going for speed or tricks, then perhaps you should look at roller skates with smaller wheels. The smaller the wheel, the faster it can spin.

You should also look for a skate size that fits you properly. If you need to learn how to pick the right size skates, you can search according to your age. Such as the best roller skates for 6 year old.

3. Location: Find Appropriate Outdoor Locations To Practice Roller Skating

Once you have the right gear and skates, the next step is to find an appropriate outdoor location. This could be a park, trails, ramps, sidewalk, parking area, or any other place with a flat surface.

It’s important to make sure the area is safe. Make sure the surface is free of debris and bumps and that you’re aware of your surroundings at all times.

If you’re new to outdoor skating, it’s best to start with a flat surface to practice basic skills and build your confidence. This includes parking areas with fewer cars. As your skill level increases, then you can start exploring more difficult terrains such as ramps and hills.

4. Master The Basics

Before you get started, it’s important to master basic skating skills. This includes learning to skate forward and backward, turn, stop, balance, and control your speed.

The easiest way to learn the basics is by practicing in an open area such as a parking lot or playground. Make sure it’s a safe and flat area where you can build your confidence without worrying about obstacles or traffic.

The best way to learn and master the basics is to practice, practice, and practice some more. As your skill level increases, then you can start exploring different terrains. You can also look online for tutorials, which can help you practice the basics and learn new skills.

However, make sure to practice in the right way. For this, you should have a step by step guide on how to balance on roller skates, how to stop on roller skates, and how to turn on roller skates which will help you master the basics of skating faster.

5. Learn to Fall Safely

No matter how experienced you are, falls are unavoidable when it comes to roller skating. It’s important to know how to fall safely to protect yourself from injury.

The best way to learn how to fall is by practicing falling on a soft surface such as grass or a mat. Make sure to tuck your arms in and roll to the side when you feel yourself falling.

This will help absorb the impact and prevent injuries.

It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when falling. Make sure to avoid obstacles such as rocks and curbs that can cause further injury.

6. Lace Up Skates Tightly

It’s important to make sure your skates are secure and tightly laced up before you start skating. Loose laces can be dangerous and can cause accidents.

Make sure to double check the laces before you start rolling. This will help prevent tripping or slipping while you’re skating. You can learn how to lace roller skates from our previous guide.

7. Your Riding Posture Or Form

The most important thing to remember when roller skating is your posture. Make sure to keep your back straight, knees bent, and feet shoulder width apart. This will help maintain your balance and remain steady as you skate.

It’s also important to keep your arms relaxed at your sides. This will help you stay balanced and maintain control of your speed.

8. Have Fun

Lastly, have fun with it! Roller skating is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. It can be intimidating at first, but with practice, you’ll build up confidence and have hours of fun.

Remember to keep safety in mind and practice the basics until you feel comfortable before exploring more advanced terrain. With the right attitude and some practice, you’ll be an outdoor roller skating pro in no time!

Best Place To Roller Skate Outside?

The best places to roller skate outdoors are parks, parking lots, free garages, and other flat open areas. Make sure to practice in a safe area that is free of obstacles and traffic.

How To Roller Skate Backwards Outside?

To learn how to roller skate backward outside, start by mastering basic skills such as turning, stopping, and controlling your speed on skates.

Once you’re comfortable with these, practice turning slowly while pushing off with the back foot. This will help build momentum and give you more control.

As you become more confident, you can start pushing off with the front foot and practice skating backward. You’ll soon be skating backward like a pro with enough practice and patience.

How To Get Good At Roller Skating Outside?

The best way to get good at roller skating outside is to practice the basics and build up your confidence. Start by mastering balance, turning, stopping, and controlling your speed.

Once you’re comfortable with these skills, try exploring different terrains and challenging yourself with more advanced maneuvers. You’ll soon become an outdoor roller skating pro with practice and patience!

Additioanl Tips For Beginenrs:

Be Aware of moisture: Make sure to check the ground you’re skating on for moisture or slippery patches. Avoid these areas if possible and wear appropriate shoes such as sneakers or skate shoes.

Get outdoor wheels and bearings: Outdoor skating requires a different type of wheel and bearing than indoor skating. Make sure to invest in the right wheels and bearings for outdoor skating to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

We found soft wheels like 78a-80a work best for outdoor skating and ABEC 7 or higher bearings.

Practice on different surfaces: Once you’ve mastered the basics of outdoor skating, try experimenting with different surfaces such as sidewalks, concrete, and dirt. This will help you gain confidence and control as you become more comfortable with your skating.

Wear the right clothes and accessories: If you’re passionate about outdoor skating, it’s important to invest in the right gear and accessories. Wear comfortable clothing such as leggings and t-shirts, elbow and knee pads, and a helmet. This will keep you safe and help you look stylish while skating!

Stay aware of your surroundings: When roller skating outdoors, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Ensure you’re familiar with your environment and watch for obstacles or potential hazards. Staying aware and alert can help you avoid accidents or injuries.

Increase difficulty gradually: Start with basic maneuvers and increase the difficulty level gradually. This will help you build up your confidence and skills, allowing you to enjoy a safe and fun skating experience.

Roller skate with friends: Skating outdoors can be more enjoyable when you do it with friends or family. Having someone to practice with, encourage and motivate you is a great way to have fun while you learn.

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the ride! Roller skating is a great form of exercise and a fun way to spend time outdoors. So go out and have some fun! With these tips and enough practice, you’ll be an outdoor roller skating pro in no time.

FAQs

Q. Can you roller skate outside?

Answer: Yes, you can use roller skate outside as long as you practice in a safe area that is free of obstacles and traffic. Make sure to wear the proper safety gear, such as helmets and knee pads, to ensure your safety.

Q. How do I practice roller skating outside?

Answer: Start by mastering the basics of outdoor roller skating, such as balance, turning, stopping, and controlling your speed. Then practice different maneuvers on different surfaces such as sidewalks, concrete, and dirt. Doing this daily will help you gain confidence and control as you become more comfortable with your skating.

Q. Why is it harder to skate outside?

Answer: Outdoor roller skating is more difficult than indoor skating because the surfaces are often uneven and can be slippery. However, if you know the basics and wear the right gear, you can have a safe and enjoyable time skating outdoors.

Q. How do you roller skate on a sidewalk?

Answer: To roller skate on a sidewalk, you need to be aware of your surroundings and maintain control of your speed. Also, give enough space for pedestrians around you.

Q. Can you practice roller skating on grass?

Answer: Yes, you can use roller skate on grass, but it is more difficult than other surfaces. You can’t go faster as the grass can be slippery and uneven. The grass is good for beginner skaters to practice the basics, such as balance and turning.

Q. Is it easier to roller skate indoor or outdoor?

Answer: It is generally easier to roller skate indoors because the surface is smoother, and you don’t have to worry about obstacles or unevenness. However, outdoor roller skating is more fun and allows skaters to explore their environment. It takes some practice, but with the right gear and safety precautions, you can certainly enjoy outdoor roller skating.

If you’re a beginner, you can also look can you roller skate inside your house.

Conclusion

Roller skating outdoors can be enjoyable as long as you take the necessary safety precautions. Wear the right gear, stay aware of your surroundings, increase the difficulty level gradually, and practice with friends.

With this guide on how to roller skate outside for beginners, you’ll be ready to hit the pavement and show off your skills. Have fun, and stay safe!

Additional Questions

What should I practice on roller skating for beginners?

As someone new to roller skating, it’s crucial to focus on developing your basic skating skills. **Mastering your stride, balance, and how to stop** are key aspects to focus on. Begin by practicing how to balance on your roller skates, slowly rolling forward, then graduate to taking small strides. Remember, balance is the cornerstone of good skating so don’t rush this aspect. Also, learning how to stop safely and confidently is another critical skill. This can be achieved through the plow stop or the turnaround toe stop techniques. Everyone learns at their own pace, so it’s important to not compare your progress with others, but rather focus on your personal development. The journey of learning to roller skate might be filled with lots of falls, but in time, you’ll see your improvement.

How do you roller skate on the street?

Roller skating in the street demands you to be more alert and strategic compared to an enclosed skating rink. Always ensure that your **skates are in good condition and wear protective gear**, including a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards. It’s imperative to always stick to sidewalks and designated biking lanes as much as possible for safety reasons. Be wary of the street conditions—a smooth, well-maintained asphalt works best. Remember to pay attention to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. It’s advisable to practice stopping and steering techniques before hitting the street to be better prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.

How do you stop roller skates outside?

A proper stopping technique is a vital skill in roller skating, especially while roller skating in outdoor spaces. You can use **two common techniques to stop your roller skates outside: the plow stop and the turnaround toe stop**. The plow stop entails pointing your toes towards each other while bending your knees and pushing outwards. The latter involves spinning around quickly and dragging the back of your skate along the ground to slow down. Remember, always practice these in a safe, traffic-free area until you’re comfortable and can perform them instinctively.

How do you roller skate on rough ground?

Roller skating on rough terrain requires more skill and finesse and could be tougher than smooth surfaces. Ideally, you’ll want to **use outdoor wheels which are softer and bigger** to absorb the shock from the bumpy ground. When on rough surfaces, try to distribute your weight evenly and keep your knees slightly bent to maintain balance. It’s also advisable to lean slightly forward and take smaller strides. If the ground is uneven, it’s best to skate in a zigzag pattern – this also helps avoid direct hits from any potential obstacles. Always remember that safety should be your utmost priority. Equip yourself with protective gear at all times to minimize any chances of injuries.