From Ice Skating to Inline Skating: Making the Transition

Hello Hello. Stephen @whataspoon here. Nowadays, I’m on my inline skates every single day, but as a teenage boy, I spent most Saturdays at my local ice rink. I started inline skating in 2004, so I had experience with skates on my feet, and I’m certain I must have been ice skating around that time too, though my memories are a bit blurry. My mother, a former figure skater, was thrilled to see me interested in these two sports, and she eagerly took me to skateparks and ice rinks during my younger years.

When I reached my teenage years, I began to travel independently. Living in Scotland, where it often rains, meant that indoor activities were essential. Ice skating every Saturday afternoon with friends became a great option. Ice skating was more popular than inline skating, and the rink was always full of teenagers my age. I quickly made new friends from different areas, including some inline skaters I hadn’t met before.

During this period, I found myself improving rapidly at ice skating. I became adept at skating fast, going backwards, and doing jumps. While I hadn’t quite mastered the skill of spraying ice on people like some of my friends, I was definitely skilled enough to enjoy my time on the ice every weekend.

Returning to my inline skates on dry days, I noticed significant improvements due to my constant practice on the ice. So I hope, with all my experience of doing both sports, that I can help you understand the transition from ice skating to inline skating by highlighting the differences between the two sports, identifying transferable skills, and offering training tips for a smooth and successful transition.

Key Differences Between Inline and Ice Skating

Surface and Environment
Ice skating is performed on ice rinks or frozen bodies of water, where the blades cut into the ice to provide traction. Inline skating, however, takes place on pavements, paths, skateparks or specially designed indoor rinks, using wheels that roll over the surface.

Equipment
Ice skates feature a boot with a single metal blade underneath, designed to cut into the ice. Inline skates, on the other hand, have a boot with a frame that holds 2,3 or 5 wheels in a single line. This difference affects balance, movement, and the overall skating experience.

To find out which inline skates would be best for what you would like to do check out our inline skates buying advice page. Don't waste your money buying the wrong type of skates.

Balance and Movement
Balancing on inline skates differs from balancing on ice skates. Ice skates require precise balance on thin blades, while inline skates provide a wider base of support with their aligned wheels. Additionally, stopping techniques differ: ice skaters use the flat edge of the blade to slide/stop whereas an inline skater would use the inside edge to slide/stop. This is because the inline skate wheels would not slide if your skate is not angled close to the ground on the inside edge. With ice blades, they would be too sharp on the ice when you go onto your inside edge causing most skaters to fall. There will definitely be examples of stops where ice skaters use the inside edge but this would be a more advanced skill.

Skills That Transfer from Ice to Inline Skating

Balance and Coordination
Ice skaters already have a strong sense of body control and spatial awareness, which will help them adjust to the different dynamics of inline skates.

Leg Strength and Endurance
Ice skating develops significant leg strength and endurance, crucial for inline skating. The muscle groups used in both sports are similar, and strong legs are essential for maintaining control and speed on inline skates.

Edge Control
Ice skaters are accustomed to using the edges of their blades for turns and stops. This skill translates well to inline skating, where edge control is also important, particularly when making tight turns or stopping quickly. As mentioned before, the techniques may differ but having the awareness of edges will set you way ahead of someone learning how to inline skate with no ice skating experience.

Training Tips for the Transition to Inline Skating

Start with the Basics
Begin your transition by mastering the basics of inline skating. Spend time getting comfortable with the feel of the wheels on pavement. Practice simple movements such as gliding, turning, and stopping to build confidence and familiarity with the new equipment.

Take Lessons
Consider taking inline skating lessons from a qualified instructor. Lessons can provide personalized guidance and help you adapt your ice skating skills to the new context of inline skating. An instructor can also help you develop proper technique and avoid bad habits.

Lessons in London
In our expansive city, a multitude of inline skating groups provide lessons and group skate experiences. One notable option in close proximity is London Skate Life, a club offering a range of services including 1-to-1 private lessons, group classes, free meetups, and street routes throughout central London. To immerse yourself in their community, consider booking their complimentary first group class upon signing up, granting access to valuable information and community WhatsApp groups. Visit their website for more details.

Practice Edge Work
Work on your edge control by practicing on different types of terrain and surfaces. Focus on using the inside and outside edges of your wheels for better maneuverability and stability. This practice will enhance your overall control and agility.

Strength and Conditioning
Continue with your leg strength and conditioning exercises. Exercises like squats, lunges, and calf raises will maintain the muscle strength needed for effective inline skating. Additionally, include balance and core workouts to improve overall stability. I inline skate every day but if I ride a bike for a few hours then my legs get tired really quickly and this is because I'm using muscles that I wouldn't normally use. If I go ice skating, the muscle groups being used are extremely similar so I don't get very tired at all. I'm able to ice skate for hours with no difficulty.

Be Patient
Transitioning from ice skating to inline skating takes time and patience. I remember not being able to stop as well on the ice as I could with my wheels and it was frustrating. We have to remember to be kind to ourselves and enjoy the learning process. Each practice session brings you closer to mastering the new skills required for inline skating.