Many Different Types Of Inline Skating

Recreational Recreational skaters represent the vast majority of inline participants. Recreational skaters frequently share pathways with joggers or bicyclists, so skating under control & observing the Rules of the Road are particularly important. The IISA works to open & protect inline skating access. Skaters are asked to do their part by wearing protective gear & respecting others while skating. After skating for some time, many recreational skaters move on to more specialized facets of the sport.

Inline Hockey With new leagues, clubs & teams forming around the world, it is no surprise that inline hockey is one of the fastest-growing segments of inline skating. What is surprising is many inline hockey players have never played on ice, but that is because, unlike ice hockey, inline hockey is played everywhere from parking lots to professional arenas. Most communities now offer organized amateur inline hockey leagues which offer non-contact, recreational play for a variety of ages & skill levels.

Fitness/Cross Training Modern inline skating developed as cross-training for ice hockey players. Since then, skaters have been skating for fitness in a variety of ways. Interval training, long distance, sprints, skate-to-ski & even hill climbing are all part of a good cardiovascular inline fitness program. Recent studies have shown that inline skating can burn as many calories as running. In addition, as a low-impact activity inline skating is easier on the joints.

Aggressive Aggressive skating, with its gravity-defying flips & challenging stunts, may be the most diverse & individualistic aspect of inline skating. Skates, wheels & protective gear must be extra heavy-duty to withstand the rigors of aggressive skating, whether it is practiced on streets, ramps, or half-pipes. Some street skaters specifically modify their equipment for rail sliding, grinding or ramp skating. Because it is very often spectacular, aggressive skating has received much media attention & impacted fashion & music trends among its teen practitioners.

Racing Inline racers usually skate on five-wheel skates with high grade wheels & precision bearings for maximum speed. As in cycling or ice speed skating, advanced racers work in teams & implement cunning race strategies which require a high degree of proficiency.