Inline Skating

Inline skating is a cool way to skate. The wheels are lined up in a straight row instead of a square. Many people call these skates 'Rollerblades', which is a popular brand name. Inline skating feels a lot like ice skating. It is a great sport for having fun, racing, or doing tricks.

How It Works

Inline skates have three to five wheels in a single line. Skaters push off with one foot and glide on the other. A brake is usually on the back of one skate to help stop. Most people start slow and learn to balance first. With practice, skaters can go very fast or jump over things.

Different Styles

There are many ways to enjoy inline skating. Fitness skaters go for long rides to get exercise. Aggressive skaters do tricks at skate parks with ramps and rails. Speed skaters race in pro events. There is even inline hockey, which is like ice hockey but played on pavement.

Fun Facts

• Modern inline skates were invented by hockey players in Minnesota in 1980.
• The fastest inline skaters can go more than 60 miles per hour downhill.
• Inline skating uses many of the same muscles as ice skating.

Did You Know?

Inline skating was once hoped to become an Olympic sport. So far, it has not made it into the Summer Olympic Games.