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Roller Skates
Skating Team
Roller Skates
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Roller Skating can be classified into two styles, depending on the type of skate used. Quad skates have 4 wheels, which arranged 2 by 2. This is the original design of skates, and quad skates are frequently referred to as roller skates (though technically, the term refers to all skate types). They are rarely used outdoors now, having been replaced in popularity by inline skates.
Inline skating uses a type of skate with 4 or 5 wheels, which are arranged in a single line. This type of skating is performed on the same surfaces as skateboarding: On the road, sidewalk, various street furnishings like fences and steps, and on special tracks and arenas including skate parks and half-pipes.
In the early 2000s, skate event organisers began to promote inline skating marathons to adults, whose use of inline skating for fitness had remained strong. The largest inline racing event in the world is the marathon in Berlin, which had more than 9000 skating participants in 2003. The North Shore Inline Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota is the largest inline skating event in North America, with over 3000 skaters attending the September event.
In addition to speed/fitness skating, some skaters prefer "aggressive" skating. Aggressive skating is comprised of a variety of tricks, grinds, jumps and other advanced skating manoeuvres. It is sometimes referred to as "street skating", though there are subtle differences between the two. The skates are very rigid and heavy compared to speed and recreational skates. The wheels are small (about 56mm), and the overall speed of the skate is relatively slow.
Another skating category, free skating, allows many tricks such as jumps and slides, but is less suitable for other tricks such as grinds. The boots of skates suitable for free skating tend to be more rigid for better leg support (like the aggressive skate), while the wheels tend to be larger and faster like the recreational skate. This type of skating is also known as urban skating.
Competitive Roller Skating composes of a variety of events for inline skaters. Competitions are held in Roller Hockey, Speed Skating and Artistic Skating - where skaters compete in figures, team and solo dance, and free dance events. Inline dancing, especially at locations such in New York City's Central Park, can be especially popular during the summer months. There are competitions held throughout the world.
History
Roller Skating was invented in England in 1720, where the sport developed until the end of the 19th century. In 1863, an American, J. Plimpton, made design and construction improvements in the roller skates, facilitating changes in direction by exerting pressure on the wheels on one side. In 1924, the International Roller Skating Federation was formed.
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