Monday, August 3, 2009

Quad skates versus inline for a beginner; which is better for learning?

I want to buy my 8 year old daughter roller skates for Christmas. She is just a beginner, and can't skate. I had planned on buying her a pair of the old style quad skates thinking those would be better for learning. However, when I was shopping, I saw a lot of inline skates for her shoe size, and now I don't know what to buy. Which is better for learning? Or are they pretty much the same? I would like to hear from other parents whose kids recently learned to roller skate.

Quad skates versus inline for a beginner; which is better for learning?
I have to agree with the post by "askme." As a skating coach, I feel that quads are better for youngsters, since many do not yet have the strength in their ankles to handle inlines. There are different techniques for inlines than for quads. In addition, quads are easier to fit children with. I see many kids in the rink with inlines that are too big (turning their ankles in, which can cause injuries, obviously).





As for the learning process, you can always tighten the wheels so they don't roll freely, which will give the child a little advantage. Every time she skates, you can loosen the wheels a little bit.





GOOD LUCK!
Reply:Get inline skates. they are easy to learn and much better for control once she gets a little better at it. plus she will feel more comfortable skating with what the majority of other kids are using and can learn from watching them too. If she has skates a lot different from the others, she won't be able to have the other kids help teach her as effectively
Reply:I think inline skates are MUCH easier. They have a longer "wheelbase" and are more stable. Also if you look around you'll see many many kids with inline and hardly any with quad skates (outside of roller derby), so she'll be more in style.





Don't forget helmet, as well as knee and elbow pads, specially at first! If she gets a bad whack on the knee it may take years to recover.otherwise.
Reply:I'm a mom. I also skate for a roller derby league. My kid learned to skate on inlines. She recently learned to skate on quads. It's really a personal choice.





Quads and inlines are different. Learning to skate on one does not mean you will be able to skate on the other.





As far as learning and getting the feel for the movement, quads provide more stability for balancing.





If she starts on quads, moving to inlines will be a new experience, but she will already have a feel for rolling.





Something to keep in mind when buying skates, sizes will vary according to type of skate. Ask a sales person about sizing. In most cases, you will need to get a size smaller than her regular shoe size. If she wears a size 8 shoe, she would need a size 7 skate. It depends on the type of skate.





Also, be sure to purchase protective gear: knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, and a helmet.





Happy skating!
Reply:Quads for the very first pair. She wont need major strength in her ankles. Once she has found her "centre" move her onto inlines if desired.





Quads are dead cool though.



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