101 Critical Days of Summer: Week 9

  • Published
  • By Compiled from staff reports
  • 354th Fighter Wing Safety Office
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Inline skating (also known as rollerblading) is a fun pastime and excellent form of physical activity.

Because these activities involve speed, balance and coordination, and are practiced on hard surfaces, there is potential for injury to occur. Listed below are some helpful safety tips to ensure your ride is a good one.
Always wear full protective gear. This includes: a Snell certified helmet designed specifically for inline skating along with knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, and safety gloves. This is important for all age groups! If children see their parents wearing safety gear, they will be more likely to wear it themselves.
Have a trained professional give you a lesson on how to properly use your skates or for the first time. Ask the store you purchased your equipment from to provide you with some basic instructions on skating safety.
First time skaters should practice on a soft lawn or gym matt. From there, move to a flat surface that won't have a lot of people or traffic on it. An empty parking lot is a great place for beginners to practice. Try to master a few basic moves such as braking, turning, being able to control your speed, and being able to avoid pedestrians and other obstacles.
Skate on the right side of sidewalks, trails, and pathways. Pass on the left as cars do, giving some kind of warning to the person you are passing so as not to startle them. It is a good idea to just yell "passing on the left" before you go by.
Rollerblades are not an approved method of conveyance on roads or highways so be smart and stay off.
Skaters should choose good quality skates that fit their feet properly. Rollerblades should be snug - but not uncomfortably tight. Like figure skates, rollerblades should be laced or buckled up tight enough to provide adequate ankle support.
Check your skates regularly to make sure they are in good condition. All screws should be tightly in place and the wheels should be secure. Replace wheels that have become worn. It is a good idea to rotate your wheels on a regular basis, as the front wheels will wear out faster than the rear ones. Worn brakes on Rollerblades should also be replaced.
Warm up before skating and cool down afterwards with a few stretches and some walking. This will help you to avoid injury and will help prevent you from feeling stiff and sore the next day.