 NOTE: Statistics reflect most current data available. In-line skating is the fastest growing form of recreational exercise. In fact, Minnesota has one of the highest participation rates. In-line skates are used for in-line hockey, cross training for other sports and transportation.  Before You Begin | |
 Choose your equipment carefully. Your skates should fit well. If the skates are too large they will not adequately support the ankle and are difficult to control. The boot of the skate should not be flexible; if you can squeeze it, there is not enough ankle support. If the boot is uncomfortable in the store, it will be intolerable while you're skating. Wearing a pair of thin sock liners under athletic socks will help to absorb moisture and prevent blisters. | |
| Make sure your equipment is in proper working order. Check wheels, making sure they are free from dirt and are attached tightly. Replace any defective or worn parts. Rotate the wheels of your skates periodically to ensure a secure ride. A skater is more susceptible to falling if the skates have unevenly-worn wheels. | |
| Always wear protective gear while skating. This includes a helmet bearing the SNELL or ASTM certification and approval from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, elbow and knee pads, wrist guards and gloves. The wrist area is particularly vulnerable to injury because skaters tend to fall on an outstretched arm. Wrist guards are designed to protect this area from sudden, forceful wrist extension and direct contact with a hard surface. Don't wear anything that restricts your vision or hearing, including portable stereos and headphones. | |
| If you're new to the sport, begin to feel comfortable on your skates by practicing indoors. It's a good idea to take a class to help you learn the basic skills needed to skate safely. The most important lesson is how to stop. You can find a certified teacher through your in-line skating retailer. | |
| Rules of the Road | |
| In-line skates, like cars or bicycles, are considered transportation and must follow the rules of the road. This means skating in the same direction as traffic. If you are skating on sidewalks or trails, skate on the right and pass on the left. Always yield to pedestrians. | |
| Skate on smooth, paved surfaces. Avoid skating in high traffic areas or driveways. Be especially careful on surfaces that may be covered with water, oil or leaves. Avoid them if possible because moisture can increase your chances of slipping. Sand, gravel or dirt can impede the performance of your skates' wheels, causing them to seize and you to fall. | |
| Avoid skating at night. It is very difficult for others, especially motorists, to see you and avoid hitting you. If you must skate at night, always wear retro-reflective clothing. | |
| Skating requires skill and concentration. Don't combine activities, such as walking the dog while you're skating. It can be dangerous to both you and your pet. | |
| Think Safety | |
| Experienced skaters can achieve speeds up to 30 mph. Musculoskeletal injuries are the most frequent types of injuries, two-thirds of which are fractures of the wrist. | |
| After the wrist, the most common injuries are to the elbow, face and ankle. Novice skaters not wearing protective gear comprise a large percentage (two-thirds according to Consumer Product Safety Commission data) of injuries seen by physicians. In 2007, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 24,000 people were injured severely enough to be treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to in-line skating. | |
| The highest number of reported injuries are to novice skaters who have not mastered controlled skating and stopping techniques. These skaters were also found to not be wearing protective equipment. | |
| In-line skating is fun and a great way to get cardiovascular exercise. By using care and common sense you can keep the wheels rolling. | |
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Acknowledgments: | |
| Safe Kids Worldwide | |
| U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |