Roller skating is the process of gliding over a surface with the help of roller skates. It can either be a recreation or be a mode of transportation. Roller skates are invented way back in 1760 by John Joseph Merlin. Roller skates are mainly of two type quad skates and inline skates. Quad skates are four wheeled skates in which wheel are arranged just like in an automobile, two upfront and two behind. Unlike quad skates inline skates have 2 or more wheels arranged inline. Some of the inline skates features break to slow down and have a heel top. The design of inline skate emerged from ice skates.
When it comes to skating we mainly have two options, we can either skate indoor or go outdoors to make it bit more adventures. Indoor skating is done over smooth surfaces built for skating purposes. Whereas outdoor skating is done over rough surfaces so the skates used for each purpose is different. Marine roller skates are used for outdoor skating purpose.
The main difference between an indoor and outdoor skate is in the wheels. Indoor skate wheels are harder when compared to outdoor ones. As said earlier indoor skating is done over smooth surfaces so it won’t have to absorb shocks. Whereas outdoor skating is done on the streets or sidewalks they should be able to absorb shocks. To serve this purpose outdoor skates are employed with softer wheels. Softer wheels can negotiate shocks and vibrations you might get by running over bumpy surfaces, thus ensure more smooth and comfortable riding. It will also help to provide better grip on the surface.
Outdoor skates have bigger wheels when compared to indoor ones. This helps the skate to run over small bumps and gutter on the pavement. They also have round edges to ensure that the wheel won’t get caught anywhere. Apart from the wheels there isn’t much difference between an indoor and outdoor skate. Both skates come in low cut and high cut boots. Indoor skates are built for speed whereas outdoor skates are designed to provide better control.
When it comes to outdoor roller skating skaters prefer inline skates than quad roller skates. Inline skates come with more soft and thin wheels and have up to five wheels aligned in a single line. They are also light weighted, thus provides better speed and comfort. Even though you can use quad skates for outdoor skating by replacing the wheels with a softer and thicker one. Inline skates can be used for both indoor and outdoor skating purposes. In comparison quad roller skates can be mastered easily as it won’t require as much balance as you need with inline skates.
Roller skating can be of some health benefits. It provides you a full-fledged aerobic workout. Experts says roller skating is equivalent to jogging and provides you with a complete body work out. These days outdoor roller skating has become much popular than it used to be. There are meet skates happening across the world every now and then. It has emerged as a social activity than an indoor sport.