Inline Speed Skating

Understanding Inline Speed Skating

Inline speed skating, also referred to as roller speed skating, is a skating discipline focused on achieving maximum speeds. This sport often revolves around competition, with skaters racing either solo or in teams, striving to register the fastest time.

Competitions in race skating can be held indoors or outdoors, and the sport features prominently in numerous international sporting events. To excel in inline speed skating, practice is essential, so it is advisable to familiarise yourself with other skating forms before attempting it. Race skaters typically use boots equipped with three or four wheels. Additionally, it should not be mistaken for speed skating, which is conducted on ice.

Potential Speeds in Inline Skating

Professional inline skaters commonly achieve speeds exceeding 40 mph (64.37 kph), with some instances of reaching over 70 mph when descending slopes.

The technique employed by an inline speed skater is distinct from other skating forms due to the larger wheels, necessitating more strength in each stride. To optimise power transfer, you will need to incorporate hip movement effectively. The strokes must be greater in depth and reach to produce adequate power, and it is generally considered more challenging to manoeuvre turns on speed skates. In its entirety, this technique makes inline speed skating an excellent cardiovascular exercise for the entire body.

Beginning Your Inline Speed Skating Journey

Before venturing into speed skating, it's crucial to feel at ease and secure with standard inline skating. Though recreational and freeskates can achieve good speeds, a pair of Speed Skates is essential for reaching peak speeds. Indoor speed skating is typically carried out on a wooden floor with a plastic coating, whereas outdoor skating occurs on a typical pavement or road surface.

While speed skating can be practiced individually, joining a local club could be beneficial for honing your technique and discovering prime locations for training.