Freeskating
Understanding Freestyle Inline Skating and Its Audience
Freeskating, often referred to as freestyle inline skating or urban skating, sits between fitness skating and aggressive skating in style. This form is predominantly performed in urban settings. The skates are characterised by hard boots for impact resistance and high-cuffs for enhanced ankle support, making freeskates popular among both seasoned skaters and novices venturing into skating.
Freeskating Varieties: Urban and Slalom
These skates are among the most adaptable inline skates available. They provide equivalent mobility and velocity as recreational skates and are also suitable for urban or slalom skating.
Urban skating
This style lets freestylers skate through cities either cruising from one locale to another or executing aggressive skating tricks. Urban skaters typically favour wheels measuring 90mm to 110mm, which aid in managing inline skates over rough surfaces commonly found in urban areas.
Slalom skating
Slalom skating is a precision-oriented style executed on smooth surfaces where skaters perform intricate turns and tricks between evenly spaced cones. Skilled slalom skaters often incorporate dance-like motions when navigating cones during sessions and contests. For this, riders use wheels of 76mm, 80mm, or 84mm on their skates to secure the manoeuvrability needed for tricks.
Could Freeskating Be Suitable for You?
Choosing to pursue freestyle skating and mastering urban skating techniques largely depends on your location. Despite their versatility, these skates are ideal for skaters residing in towns or cities featuring expansive flat roads. Suburban settings or extensive car parks also provide excellent venues for freestyle skating.
For fitness skaters who opt for extended excursions through rural areas, freeskates still offer a fantastic experience, particularly if you desire a sturdy pair with substantial power transfer and commendable acceleration.
Interested in learning more about inline skates? Check out our skates buying guide: Which Type of Skates Should I Choose?