Inline skating is good exercise and an excellent off-season training program for hockey and skiing. To stay safe while inline skating, follow these tips.

What Safety Gear Do Inline Skaters Need?

Inline skaters should always use safety gear, including:

• A helmet. Use a helmet designed specifically for inline skating or skateboarding. These come down lower in the back, toward the base of the skull, for better protection in the event of a backward fall. It should fit properly, and skaters should keep the chin strap fastened and tightened so it stays in place.
• Skates. They should be comfortable, with good ankle support. To check if skates offer enough support, feel the plastic of the boot. If you can squeeze it, the material isn't strong enough. Always buckle up the skates.
• Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. These help prevent scrapes and cushion the bones in case of a fall.
• Light gloves. These can keep fingers safe.
• A mouth guard. This will help protect the teeth and mouth in case of a crash or fall.

Should We Take Inline Skating Lessons?

It can be tempting to buckle up and go. But to help prevent injuries, beginning inline skaters should consider taking lessons from a trained instructor or experienced skater.

When first learning, new skaters should start in an open space. This could be an empty parking lot, an unused tennis court, or an area of smooth pavement with grass next to it. (The grass is a soft place to fall while learning to skate.)

Knowing how to fall is part of learning to inline skate. So beginners should wear the proper safety gear and:

• Practice falling on a soft surface or on grass.
• Crouch down as they fall so they won't have as far to tumble.
• Use their knee pads and wrist guards to glide to a stop.
• Relax while falling instead of going stiff.

When their skills have advanced a little, they can try an indoor or outdoor skating rink. When they're comfortable at a skating rink, they can try a skate park or trail. Inline skaters should never try to take on a ramp or bowl until they've mastered the skills to do so safely.

How Can Inline Skaters Stay Safe Outdoors?

Skaters should stay alert and aware of their surroundings while skating outdoors. They should carry a few essentials too, such as a form of identification, a cellphone, and a whistle to blow to attract attention if they're hurt or in an unsafe situation.

Other safety tips:

• Always warm up and stretch before skating.
• Skate during daylight hours and, if possible, with a friend.
• Try to use bike paths or trails. Avoid sidewalks and roads as much as possible. If you must use roadways, never skate in traffic.
• Never get towed behind a car, bike, or other vehicle. This can lead to serious injuries.
• Stay to the right when skating on sidewalks, bike paths, and trails. To pass another person, do so on the left and call out "On your left!" to let them know you're coming.
• Watch out for cracks, rocks, or debris. Pay close attention to avoid surprises.
• On hot days, bring extra water.
• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when skating outdoors.
• Never skate when it's raining or snowing, as this will make surfaces slippery and injuries more likely.
• Know the symptoms of a concussion, like headache, dizziness or confusion. A skater who hits their head or doesn’t feel well should stop and tell a coach (if there is one) or parent right away.

What Else Should I Know?

Skaters should maintain their skates. The more they skate, the faster the wheels will break down. Check them for cracks or rough spots and rotate or change the wheels regularly. Keep the brakes in good condition too. Carrying a small skate tool can help skaters be ready to make repairs anytime.