Rollerblades

Rollerblades are a brand of inline skates responsible for the surge in inline skate popularity. They were so well known that the term rollerblades is often used interchangeably with inline skates and rollerblading refers to the inline skating sport. History: The inline skate has been around for centuries. It was first invented in the mid 18th century by a Belgian Joseph Merlin. He created an inline skate by attaching wooden spools to his shoes, though the idea did not catch on. After the invention of the roller skate in 1963 and until the mid 1980s the quad roller skate was the more popular choice. In 1980, brothers Scott and Brennen Olsen began to work on an inline skate that could be used to play. In 1983 they founded the Rollerblade company. After selling the company in 1984 the popularity surged, overtaking roller skates in sales. Parts: Inline skates are made of two parts: the frame and the uppers. The uppers are composed of a hard plastic shell for support and protection and a padded boot made of a breathable material. The uppers also have laces and two to five buckles to fasten snuggly. The frame consists of two to four wheels arranged in a row. The wheels have bearings in the center for smooth motion. Most inline skates have a rubber brake usually located at the heel of the skate. Wheels, bearings, and brakes can be replaced when they wear down. Brakes often feature a wear line to indicate when it needs to be replaced. Types: Recreational is the most common type. These skates are made for comfort and durability. This is usually the type to choose for beginners or for people interested in skating for leisure.

Fitness skates are similar to recreational, but they are more expensive and are made of more durable material. This skate is a good choice for people who skate often.

Speed skates are made for speed. They are lighter, built with five large wheels and no braking system.

Aggressive skates are intended for stunts like grinds, jumps, and half pipes. They are more durable, with tougher uppers and smaller harder wheels. The smaller wheels are good for maneuverability. They also have features such as a grind plate, a curved space on the frame to aid in balance when grinding.

Hockey inline skates are similar in structure to hockey ice skates. They are built with leather uppers that lace all the way up and have significantly more padding. They have smaller wheels for maneuverability and lack a braking system. Fast Facts:

1. Price Range: $20 - $600
2. Caution: Always wear protective gear when skating
3. Snug fit for comfort and optimum performance
4. Size usually matches shoe size
5. May be smaller for some brands
6. Women-specific styles available
7. Start on a flat smooth surface
8. Learn to brake first
9. Inline skating develops muscles used in skiing
10. Low impact exercise
11. Can burn 450 calories in half an hour
12. Avoid wet surfaces, sand, and areas with small debris

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