Welcome to the World of Skating! Everything you need to know to buy your first pair of skates 🛼

Hey there, future skater! As the founder of Skate Hunnies and an avid inline skater, I'm stoked to help you navigate the wonderful world of skating equipment. Whether you're looking to cruise the beach, dance at the rink, or just get rolling, this guide will help you make informed choices about your first set of wheels.

Rollerblades vs. Roller Skates: What's Your Vibe?

Let's break down the main differences between these two awesome styles:

Roller Skates

• The queens of the roller rink - made for smooth, groovy movements

• Built for dance moves and rhythm-based skating

• More stable for side-to-side movement

• Super versatile - just swap to outdoor wheels for road skating

• Deep connection to music and dance culture

  
  

Inline Skates (Rollerblades)

• Perfect for those beach-side cruises, road skating, and long-distance adventures

• Great stability for forward and backward movement

• Excel at outdoor skating and handling various terrain

• Generally faster than traditional roller skates

More Info on Roller Skates: Finding Your Perfect Roller Skate Match 🎯

Different skates are designed for different activities - here's a quick guide to help you find your perfect match:

Park Skates

• Built super tough with reinforced ankle support and aluminum plates

• Wide trucks for better stability on ramps and transitions

• Adjustable toe stops for stalls and drops

• Perfect for: Bowl skating, ramps, jumps, and aggressive tricks

Derby Skates

• Low-cut boots for maximum ankle mobility and quick movements

• Lightweight but durable construction for high-impact skating

• Shorter wheelbase for tight turns and quick direction changes

• Perfect for: Roller derby, agility skating, and speed games

  
  

Indoor Skates

• High boot design with strong ankle support for precise control

• Harder wheels (95A-103A) for smooth rolling on rink floors

• Mounted toe stops for spins and dance moves

• Perfect for: Dance skating, artistic routines, rhythm skating

  
  

Outdoor Skates

• Weather-resistant materials with flexible ankle support

• Wider trucks for stability on various surfaces

• Softer wheels for shock absorption (more on this below!)

• Perfect for: Trail skating, cruising, beach boardwalks

Speed Skates

• Low-cut, minimalist design for reduced weight

• Longer wheelbase for stability at high speeds

• Precision bearings and specialized wheels

• Perfect for: Racing, distance skating, pace skating

If you’re planning to skate outdoors: All About Outdoor Wheels 🛞

Here's the scoop on outdoor wheels - they're a game-changer for street skating! Outdoor wheels are softer (usually 78A-85A durometer) and act like tiny shock absorbers for your skates. They'll eat up those sidewalk cracks and pebbles that would normally send you flying. If you're skating outside, these aren't optional - they're essential for a smooth, safe ride.

The Bottom Line: Real Talk About Your First Skates

If you're just starting out, I'd recommend either a quality outdoor skate or an indoor/artistic skate with two sets of wheels (indoor and outdoor). This gives you the flexibility to try different styles while you figure out what you love most. Remember:

• Don't go too cheap on your first pair - poorly made skates can be dangerous and frustrating to learn on

• Make sure your skate has an aluminum plate (avoid plastic plates!)

• Consider buying a skate that can grow with your skills

  
  

More Info for Inline Skates: Finding Your Style 😏

Just like roller skates, inline skates come in different styles for different types of skating. Here's a quick breakdown:

Urban/Freeride Skates

• Hard shell boot with superior ankle support

• Highly maneuverable with shorter frames

• Often have brake-removal options

• Perfect for: City skating, tricks, stair-bashing

  
  

Fitness/Recreation Skates

• Comfortable soft boot design

• Longer frames for stability and speed

• Usually come with a heel brake

• Perfect for: Beach cruising, fitness skating, casual rides not recommended

Speed Skates

• Low-cut, light weight carbon boot for maximum power transfer

• Extra long frames for stability at high speeds

• Bigger wheels (100-125mm) for efficiency

• Perfect for: Racing, marathon skating, distance training

Aggressive Skates

• Tough hard boot with heavy-duty soul plates

• Shorter frames with grind spaces

• Smaller wheels (58-62mm) for better control

• Perfect for: Skate parks, grinds, jumps, street tricks

  
  

Slalom Skates

• Precise fit with heat-moldable shells

• Rockerable frames for tight maneuvers

• Medium-sized wheels (76-80mm)

• Perfect for: Technical skating, cones, dance moves

A note about Hard boots vs Soft boots:

If you're going the inline skate route, here's a pro tip: go for a hard boot over a soft boot! Here's why:

• Your ankles will thank you - they provide superior support and protection

• They're basically the Honda of skates - they'll last forever

• Perfect for progression - when you're ready to try jumps or advanced moves, your boots will be too

  
  

Want to Learn More?

Looking for more info about the different types of inline skates? Here’s a great article comparing options on metrics like affordability, quality, and use case.

Where to Shop

Local tip alert! 🚨 If you're in the LA area, there's this amazing skate shop in Santa Monica run by Mick, a true skating legend who's dedicated his life to the sport. Trying on skates before buying them is super helpful, and Mick's expertise is invaluable.

🛍 Intuition Skate Shop

📍 303 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, California

📞 (661)-323-6293

🔔 Make sure to check the shop hours before going!

If you can’t make it in to a physical shop, Inline Warehouse is the go-to online option.

Safety First: Protective Gear Recommendations🪖

Listen up, because this is super important! Whether you're a beginner or a pro, protective gear isn't optional - it's essential. We recommend getting a helmet and pad set (knee, wrist & elbow pads) that you love. Let's talk about what you need and why quality matters:

Recommended Brands

When it comes to protection, Triple 8 and 187 Killer Pads are top-tier choices. Both brands are trusted by pros and have years of experience keeping skaters safe. Here's what you need:

• Helmet (certified for skating)

• Knee pads (we don’t recommend soft pads)

• Wrist guards (very important!)

• Elbow pads (these usually come in a set with wrist guards and knee pads, and although less likely to get bumped, still worth protecting!)

Pro tip: Don't skimp on protective gear! The money you "save" on cheaper pads isn't worth the bills from a bad fall. Both Triple 8 and 187 make gear that'll last you ages and actually protect you when you need it.

Types of Knee Pads (And Why They're Not All Created Equal)

Real talk: Those soft, sleeve-style knee pads you might see at general sports stores? They're not gonna cut it for skating. Here's the breakdown:

• Soft Knee Pads (Not recommended)⛔

  • These are basically just fabric with light padding

  • Offer minimal impact protection

  • Will not protect you from real falls

• Recreational Knee Pads ⚠️

  • Basic hard-shell protection

  • Good for casual cruising

  • Might need replacing sooner

  • Okay for beginners on smooth surfaces

• Park/Pro Knee Pads ✅

  • Heavy-duty protection with thick padding

  • Durable hard shells that can take repeated impacts

  • Perfect for learning new skills (you will fall!)

  • Worth the investment for any serious skater

    
    

My Personal Setup

Photo by David Tuman

I rock the FR2 80 skates from FR Skates, and I'm obsessed with their versatility! The coolest feature? The rockerable frame lets me switch between a stable flat setup and a more playful rockered position (think banana-shaped wheel profile). This gives me the best of both worlds - I can cruise efficiently but also bust out some dance moves like I'm on roller skates!

Questions? Let's Chat!

Still got questions? I'm here to help! Shoot me an email at hello@laskatehunnies.com - I love connecting with future skaters and helping you find your perfect ride.

Remember, every skater started as a beginner, so don't be afraid to ask questions and take your time finding the right setup. See you on the streets (or at the rink)! 🛼✨

Hope to see you out there 🛼

Jen Yonda

Founder of the Skate Hunnies