How to feel more comfortable in inline skates?
I used to like skating when I was a teen. I felt comfortable in my skates, and although I hadn't learned much about skating, I remember having fun building up as much speed as possible while skating back and forth on a long back porch/patio. I hadn't learned how to stop back then, and I think I'd gotten bored with only skating in areas where I could slam into a wall to stop.
After around twenty years, I thought I would buy a new set of skates, with the idea of skating around my neighborhood (nothing fancy, just thought I would be more inclined to go jogging if it didn't involve jogging). (Oh, and, of course, I also did an online search for different methods of stopping, haha.)
But I don't feel as stable in skates as I remember being. I can get somewhat comfortable on the glossy, level hardwood floor inside my house, although I always seem to feel just slightly off-balance; but each time I've set skate outside (only in my backyard so far, which has a lot of concrete), I start feeling shaky. The roughness of the concrete makes me feel more off-balance, even if I'm not moving. Plus, one part of the sidewalk goes very slightly downhill, and while on it, I can't seem to control my skates at all, I just keep accelerating until I can grab ahold of something.
At first I thought my legs might be getting jittery because the skates I'd ordered were too big, but when I ordered a smaller size that fits better, I still get that way. Like my legs have to work overtime to keep my balance. Is it just from a lack of confidence? How do you get more confident in skates, or transition from inside to outside? I'd wanted to skate around my neighborhood some, but when I need some kind of railing always within arm's reach, it's not looking possible so far.
Comments
Wheels may have negligible differences in most aspects, but they will affect the overall performance once you make the wrong choice. As a rule, narrower wheels are better because of the acceleration these rollers create. Round-lipped wheels are a top choice. This type of wheel also has the least grip among other street rollers, which means you can play more with it.