Getting Inline For Some Fun Popularity Of Inline Skating Has Grown Dramatically In Recent Years

Learning how to fall is not a priority for most people. But it can become one when you venture out on inline skates.

Robin DeRuwe, owner of Fitness Fanatics in the Spokane Valley, which offers beginner classes, said it’s important to teach new skaters how to fall properly.

“We teach them how to stand up (and) how to fall down in full protective gear,” said DeRuwe.

She does this to show the skaters that as long as they fall on their protective gear, it doesn’t hurt as much.

DeRuwe has seen a tremendous growth in recreational skating, especially from women and families. There’s now more activities and more variety in skating that attract them to the sport.

“You can choose to do a little short skate, or you can do 10-1/2 miles or 21 miles,” she said.

The average age of skaters, even 5 years ago, would have been under 25 and most would have been males, she said. “Now, 60 percent are women and we have all ages, from little tiny kids to people in their 70s. We see a lot of women, and a lot of them are over the age of 40. The average is definitely much higher now.

“I think it has to do with the fact that it is a sport they can do at just about any age,” she said.

Rollerblading doesn’t put as much stress on the knees and it’s not impacting their bodies like running or jogging can, she said.

“They want something fun they can do outside. … Skating is easy on the body, and yet it is still a form of exercise where they can get a cardiovascular workout,” she said. “Skating is a total body workout.”

A recent improvement for skaters is a new braking technology introduced by Rollerblade, the largest manufacturer of inline skates. Known as ABT (Active Brake Technology), it give skaters more control and is much easier to learn, DeRuwe said. With the skates from a couple years ago, beginners had to spend hours learning the proper stopping technique. The brake is situated at the heel of either the right or left foot and the skater would have to lift their toes, press down on the brake and slide the other foot forward, simultaneously.

The new technology is a cuff-activated braking system that allows all four wheels to be down.

“You will slide your right (or left) foot forward, keeping all the wheels on the ground, putting a little pressure on the cuff of your skate and the brake will go down and slow you,” said DeRuwe.

Someone can now learn to stop effectively in about an hour, whereas with the old brakes it would take from 5 to 10 hours of practice time to learn, she said.

Rossignol is also coming out with a new boot system next summer that will again revolutionize the industry, she noted. It will allow the skater to step out of the wheel frame for easier walking capability.

“So pretty soon you’ll be able to take your frames, put them in your backpack, walk into the store, do your shopping, get your frames out and get back into them and take off. It’s more of a transportation than recreational skating,” DeRuwe said.

For recreation skaters, the most convenient area in the Inland Northwest is the Centennial Trail, she noted. Skaters don’t have to fight with cars for the road - just the occasional stray dog.

“Without it, skating (in this area) wouldn’t have grown to the level it has,” DeRuwe said.

Low maintenance of the equipment is also a factor in the sport’s growth, DeRuwe said.

“It’s a great thing for families to do together. You have a one-time expense of getting everybody’s equipment … and you can skate lots of different places.”

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MEMO: For more information on recreational inline skating, contact DeRuwe at (509) 922-6080 or Spokane Parks Dept. at (509) 625-6200. For information on competitive inline hockey, contact Kerry Blair at Bladin’ Inc., Eagles Ice-A-Rena, (509) 484-3141.

This sidebar appeared with the story: SAFETY FIRST Helmet: This is the piece of equipment most likely to save your life. Helmets that meet safety standards from one of three certifying groups Snell, ANSI (American National Safety Institute) or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) cost $30-$50 at skate shops. But a certified bike helmet, costing as little as $10 will do. Wrist guards: The wrist is the one part of the body most likely to be injured while inline skating. Wrist guards do not eliminate the risk of wrist injuries and fractures, but they significantly reduce the possibility. Wrist guards start at about $15, with most selling in the $25 to $40 range. Elbow and knee guards: Although not as critical to inline skating safety as helmets and wrist guards, these two pieces of equipment prevent many bruises, scrapes and even broken bones. They start at about $15, with most selling in the $20 to $25 range. Some manufacturers package them, which can save you $5 or $10. -The Orlando Sentinel