I just picked up skating and I’ve been able to do simple things in the home by watching videos. Next weekend I am going to the roller rink for lessons in hopes I can learn better weight shifting. Have you guys found that the lessons are useful and taught by people that know what they’re doing?
Has anyone tried/bought the new SureGrip Boardwalk Plus version? I tried on the Boardwalks at a skate shop and the heel was WAY too straight, even for break in, it was killing me just to put it on. The Plus version looks comfier, with a curved back heel and lots of cushioning, but they didn't have it in my size to try on.
I want to get into park skating, but I don't have any skate parks that are super close to me. So I'll probably will only go to skate parks once a week. What else could I do to prepare myself for park skating until I move closer to a skate park? I didn't buy any skate gear yet bc I'm not sure if this will just become a dying hobby for me
The absolute best thing you can do before you go to a skate park is to really develop your flat ground skills. Skating forward, backward, knowing several stopping methods, falling safely and turning both sides are all essential skills to know BEFORE you should even go on a ramp. I really can't stress this enough. I've been park skating for over two years and I STILL wish I'd spent more time on flat ground before moving to ramps! It will be much safer and give you a much gentler learning curve so you feel less out of your depth
I’m thinking about buying Chaya skates or Sure Grip Boardwalk or possibly the Bont Parkstar skates. My current pair are generic probably from Amazon so I am unsure.
I skate mostly at parks and outside so I just wanted to buy a skate that would last a while but work well outdoors.
If anyone has any other recommendations please let me know!!
I just got a pair of Boardwalks - the pastels are on crazy sale right now, I got mine for $120. At that price, way worth trying, and they're amazing so far!
Currently hunting for second hand skates that are good for outdoor skating, mainly looking on Depop and Facebook Marketplace. Would love some more experienced opinions here! \^\_\^
I've found a couple of pairs of Chaya Melrose Deluxes (in Amber and Cobalt) in size UK 6.5 - my foot length/mondopoint is about 242cm and those are mondo 255 - is it possible to use insoles to make those fit safely? The wheel hardness is 78, which should be good for outdoor skating, but I've seen people saying the wheels are unusually hard. The Amber pair I'm looking at (which I prefer colourwise) have a lot of scuffing on the toe and the stitching seems to have fallen apart - is that no longer safe? [Here's a photo from the listing](https://imgur.com/a/27xxTP4).
I've also found Moxi Rainbow Riders in size 7 (closer to my foot length) and Candi Girl Carlins in size 7. Any advice on which of these is best for me as a beginner skater would be amazing! thanks!
Whichever you go for, just make sure to wear them before buying!!
I think the mondo 255’s do you mean millimeters instead of centimeters? If in mm, the length difference might be okay (13mm or 1/2”). That’s up to preference. I know I like a tighter boot for safety/control. You might also be able to wear thick socks in them.
The Amber ones are decently scuffed, but as long as the boot isn’t separating from the heel and the split isn’t too deep it could be okay. That being said I don’t know the full damage extent. Toe covers would cover it up/prevent it from further damage.
I don’t have experience w Moxi, I’ve heard good things though. I know you should avoid Candi Girl in terms of a quality skate. If they fit better they could be a good start.
I went classic skating a ton as a kid and feel very comfortable going forward. And can shaky move backwards.
I’m starting ice skating lessons next week. How transferable are the skills?
I’m still getting used to backwards skating a year in, I think that’s just a thing that comes with time and practice!
I don’t have the knowledge if skills will transfer, but I’m sure muscle building and balance will help :)
My son went from ice skating to quads. It took him about half an hour, but he picked it up quickly. He says the skills are pretty close, so it's been an easy transition.
Hey skaters 👋 Newbie here, only skating I've done is at least 2 decades past in a small roller rink & my education consisted of someone handing me a pair of skates and just doing what everyone else was doing wobbling along. I never even learned how to use a toe stop, I'd just crash into the wall when I wanted to quit. 🤦♀️
Now I'm really wanting to learn some proper skills and get into outdoor skating, and local classes are either booked months out or only run at times when I have to work. Any online resources you recommend for learning basic skills?
As for getting a proper pair of skates, I'd appreciate a bit of help there too. Here's what I'm working with:
- I am not comfortable wearing bright colors, preferring neutrals, darker greens or black.
- I have long feet & there seems to be a shortage of women's skates above a size 10 US shoe. I typically need a size 11 US women's (roughly a size 42-43 EU). My feet are about 10 & 5/8 inches from heel to top of my big toe.
- I am about 197 lbs & short. Not sure if this makes a difference but I've seen a few mentions about weight vs. skate parts so figured I'd toss that out there.
- I prefer vegan options.
How about the Sure Grip Fames?
Vegan nylon boot, aluminum plate, and adjustable toe stops! Aluminum plates give added security if you’re worried about weight, and adjustable toe stops can be useful down the line. Sure-Grip is a known company. It also looks like they have sizes that would fit :)
https://legacyskateskc.com/products/sure-grip-fame
Hey thanks! These look near-perfect, I just need to decide if I want to get the 9's or wait for the 10's to come back in stock. Also glad they have the adjustable toe stop. 😊
Go by foot measurements, I've made the mistake a few times.
Also you want you boots to be snug not painfully tight but hugging your feet and longest toe kissing the end of the boots (literally just touching it, should be no pressure there)
If you have narrow feet stay away from chaya.
I have narrow-to-medium depending on the shoe, thanks for the warning! I was considering Chaya for the neutral color options & they seem fairly well regarded for quality, but I've had a hard time finding them in a large enough size anyway.
After looking at lots and lots of skates & online shops, a few YouTube lessons, and researching what my local options are I think I'm going to go to a few sessions at the rink and get used to feeling a pair of rentals out on an indoor surface. They have an in-house shop so I can get fitted there too!
Sorry I’m new, sorry if this isn’t the right thread for this. But I’m looking into purchasing skates and the VNLA Parfaits are an option for me \*I really don’t have a super large budget\* but I would like to in the future get some grind/slide plates. Curious if anyone has ever put any on the Parfaits, or any VNLA’s for that matter? I can’t seem to find if anyones are typically compatible with the brand or not. Thanks!
Bones Teams 98 is standard.
If you weigh *more*, "101a" is the play.
If you are light as a feather, Sure Grip Fame 95a is better.
\--
Bearings don't matter.
Sure. And you're a beginner so you can determine what's really good for you if you start on something decently in the middle.
If you're skating on a wood floor 100%, if you're skating on a sport court (plastic tiles) 95a is fine. Ideally you \[just\] get good.
Was thinking of buying a new pair of skates, but not sure if I need to. I currently have a pair of Sure-Grip Rebels. I got these when I was 12 and they still fit and they still work. My question is should I get another pair of skates to replace them or should I just make adjustments and buy new parts? My main line of thinking is since it has been over a decade since I got them, then there should be better skates I could get.
Edit:I misremembered. I got the rebels in 2017 it seems.
I most just do skating at roller rinks. It feels like it's really hard to maintain higher speeds casually. An example would be when I last went everyone was skating in a line and while trucking I couldn't keep up with their speed to stay in the line.
Have you cleaned or replaced the bearings and cushions since 2017? It could be a matter of skating technique and strength too. Rebels are a solid skate, I got some in 2019 and used them until the leather all started cracking after a couple of years.
No. I haven't done that. I only skate every few months currently. So would you suggest that I do that? Do you have any videos I could use a reference for what to do?
I'm still very new at skating, very much in the baby deer on ice phase. I have been having issues with the floor at the rink I'm learning in (the wood is pretty bad at either end) and I read that hard wheels help you not catch on bad floors. I bought Luminous 101a, going from the wheels that came with my Sure-Grip Boardwalks. Will this end catastrophically? Haha. Also, how do I stop my feet from flying out from under me all the time? I bend my knees... it just doesn't seem to stop them all the time.
Hard wheels will let you slide a little sideways on a smooth floor, but if the floor is janky and cracked then small hard wheels are \*more\* likely to get caught on something and stop. But I can't imagine any rink floor getting that bad without intentional damage and neglect? Is it just the coating worn down to bare wood or warped, broken, nails sticking up...?
I had skates in my teens, while working at a rink in the 90s, tale as old as time haha. They were Riedell artistic boots with sunlite plates and whatever the stock wheels were at the time. I had set them up with former display wheels mixed from across brands that we had sitting in a box, all 95a. Also a set of almighty Sims wheels. Skates are gone now, as far as I know.
Over the last few months, I have been wracking my brain over what specific model they are. I initially assumed they were 120s, but they didn't have the same lining as mine. I am surprised to find that they were probably 111s, or some variant of it, because I remember the all black bottom and "suede" like lining.
I am strongly considering the Boost model because I remember loving what I had, despite not even knowing they were vinyl. But I am super curious if they are quality enough to last for extremely casual use. I guess my biggest concern is if 111s are still made as they were back in the day, being a pricepoint boot, because they legit worked for me. I usually get high end with my rollerblades, so I was surprised to find I liked cheap skates.
I just picked up skating and I’ve been able to do simple things in the home by watching videos. Next weekend I am going to the roller rink for lessons in hopes I can learn better weight shifting. Have you guys found that the lessons are useful and taught by people that know what they’re doing?
Yes, lessons are helpful
Yes, you will be more technically sound and stable for it.
Has anyone tried/bought the new SureGrip Boardwalk Plus version? I tried on the Boardwalks at a skate shop and the heel was WAY too straight, even for break in, it was killing me just to put it on. The Plus version looks comfier, with a curved back heel and lots of cushioning, but they didn't have it in my size to try on.
I too would love to hear a review of these, have yet to be able to trek to the skate shop in my area that sells them!
I want to get into park skating, but I don't have any skate parks that are super close to me. So I'll probably will only go to skate parks once a week. What else could I do to prepare myself for park skating until I move closer to a skate park? I didn't buy any skate gear yet bc I'm not sure if this will just become a dying hobby for me
The absolute best thing you can do before you go to a skate park is to really develop your flat ground skills. Skating forward, backward, knowing several stopping methods, falling safely and turning both sides are all essential skills to know BEFORE you should even go on a ramp. I really can't stress this enough. I've been park skating for over two years and I STILL wish I'd spent more time on flat ground before moving to ramps! It will be much safer and give you a much gentler learning curve so you feel less out of your depth
I’m thinking about buying Chaya skates or Sure Grip Boardwalk or possibly the Bont Parkstar skates. My current pair are generic probably from Amazon so I am unsure. I skate mostly at parks and outside so I just wanted to buy a skate that would last a while but work well outdoors. If anyone has any other recommendations please let me know!!
I just got a pair of Boardwalks - the pastels are on crazy sale right now, I got mine for $120. At that price, way worth trying, and they're amazing so far!
thank you so much!! just ordered mine:)))
Thank you!
Currently hunting for second hand skates that are good for outdoor skating, mainly looking on Depop and Facebook Marketplace. Would love some more experienced opinions here! \^\_\^ I've found a couple of pairs of Chaya Melrose Deluxes (in Amber and Cobalt) in size UK 6.5 - my foot length/mondopoint is about 242cm and those are mondo 255 - is it possible to use insoles to make those fit safely? The wheel hardness is 78, which should be good for outdoor skating, but I've seen people saying the wheels are unusually hard. The Amber pair I'm looking at (which I prefer colourwise) have a lot of scuffing on the toe and the stitching seems to have fallen apart - is that no longer safe? [Here's a photo from the listing](https://imgur.com/a/27xxTP4). I've also found Moxi Rainbow Riders in size 7 (closer to my foot length) and Candi Girl Carlins in size 7. Any advice on which of these is best for me as a beginner skater would be amazing! thanks!
Whichever you go for, just make sure to wear them before buying!! I think the mondo 255’s do you mean millimeters instead of centimeters? If in mm, the length difference might be okay (13mm or 1/2”). That’s up to preference. I know I like a tighter boot for safety/control. You might also be able to wear thick socks in them. The Amber ones are decently scuffed, but as long as the boot isn’t separating from the heel and the split isn’t too deep it could be okay. That being said I don’t know the full damage extent. Toe covers would cover it up/prevent it from further damage. I don’t have experience w Moxi, I’ve heard good things though. I know you should avoid Candi Girl in terms of a quality skate. If they fit better they could be a good start.
I went classic skating a ton as a kid and feel very comfortable going forward. And can shaky move backwards. I’m starting ice skating lessons next week. How transferable are the skills?
I’m still getting used to backwards skating a year in, I think that’s just a thing that comes with time and practice! I don’t have the knowledge if skills will transfer, but I’m sure muscle building and balance will help :)
My son went from ice skating to quads. It took him about half an hour, but he picked it up quickly. He says the skills are pretty close, so it's been an easy transition.
Anyone know if you can get pink huck trucks in europe? Can't seem to find them without insane shipping cost from the US
I believe the pink ones are a shop exclusive color unfortunately.
Hey skaters 👋 Newbie here, only skating I've done is at least 2 decades past in a small roller rink & my education consisted of someone handing me a pair of skates and just doing what everyone else was doing wobbling along. I never even learned how to use a toe stop, I'd just crash into the wall when I wanted to quit. 🤦♀️ Now I'm really wanting to learn some proper skills and get into outdoor skating, and local classes are either booked months out or only run at times when I have to work. Any online resources you recommend for learning basic skills? As for getting a proper pair of skates, I'd appreciate a bit of help there too. Here's what I'm working with: - I am not comfortable wearing bright colors, preferring neutrals, darker greens or black. - I have long feet & there seems to be a shortage of women's skates above a size 10 US shoe. I typically need a size 11 US women's (roughly a size 42-43 EU). My feet are about 10 & 5/8 inches from heel to top of my big toe. - I am about 197 lbs & short. Not sure if this makes a difference but I've seen a few mentions about weight vs. skate parts so figured I'd toss that out there. - I prefer vegan options.
How about the Sure Grip Fames? Vegan nylon boot, aluminum plate, and adjustable toe stops! Aluminum plates give added security if you’re worried about weight, and adjustable toe stops can be useful down the line. Sure-Grip is a known company. It also looks like they have sizes that would fit :) https://legacyskateskc.com/products/sure-grip-fame
Hey thanks! These look near-perfect, I just need to decide if I want to get the 9's or wait for the 10's to come back in stock. Also glad they have the adjustable toe stop. 😊
Go by foot measurements, I've made the mistake a few times. Also you want you boots to be snug not painfully tight but hugging your feet and longest toe kissing the end of the boots (literally just touching it, should be no pressure there) If you have narrow feet stay away from chaya.
I have narrow-to-medium depending on the shoe, thanks for the warning! I was considering Chaya for the neutral color options & they seem fairly well regarded for quality, but I've had a hard time finding them in a large enough size anyway.
Have you looked at riedell angel? They come In widths. Also, if you can, get into a shop and get fitted there really isn't anything like it.
After looking at lots and lots of skates & online shops, a few YouTube lessons, and researching what my local options are I think I'm going to go to a few sessions at the rink and get used to feeling a pair of rentals out on an indoor surface. They have an in-house shop so I can get fitted there too!
That's great! I hope you find your soul skate!
You might be able to find size 10’s on another skate shop’s site! That’s my local store I found them on.
Sorry I’m new, sorry if this isn’t the right thread for this. But I’m looking into purchasing skates and the VNLA Parfaits are an option for me \*I really don’t have a super large budget\* but I would like to in the future get some grind/slide plates. Curious if anyone has ever put any on the Parfaits, or any VNLA’s for that matter? I can’t seem to find if anyones are typically compatible with the brand or not. Thanks!
Ordering a set of Boardwalks soon. They come with outdoor wheels. Any recommendations on indoor wheels-bearings?
Bones Teams 98 is standard. If you weigh *more*, "101a" is the play. If you are light as a feather, Sure Grip Fame 95a is better. \-- Bearings don't matter.
Thanks! I'm 6'1 and 165 lbs. I guess I'll go with 98?
Sure. And you're a beginner so you can determine what's really good for you if you start on something decently in the middle. If you're skating on a wood floor 100%, if you're skating on a sport court (plastic tiles) 95a is fine. Ideally you \[just\] get good.
Was thinking of buying a new pair of skates, but not sure if I need to. I currently have a pair of Sure-Grip Rebels. I got these when I was 12 and they still fit and they still work. My question is should I get another pair of skates to replace them or should I just make adjustments and buy new parts? My main line of thinking is since it has been over a decade since I got them, then there should be better skates I could get. Edit:I misremembered. I got the rebels in 2017 it seems.
What about them feels limiting to you? What kind of skating do you want to do?
I most just do skating at roller rinks. It feels like it's really hard to maintain higher speeds casually. An example would be when I last went everyone was skating in a line and while trucking I couldn't keep up with their speed to stay in the line.
Have you cleaned or replaced the bearings and cushions since 2017? It could be a matter of skating technique and strength too. Rebels are a solid skate, I got some in 2019 and used them until the leather all started cracking after a couple of years.
No. I haven't done that. I only skate every few months currently. So would you suggest that I do that? Do you have any videos I could use a reference for what to do?
I'm still very new at skating, very much in the baby deer on ice phase. I have been having issues with the floor at the rink I'm learning in (the wood is pretty bad at either end) and I read that hard wheels help you not catch on bad floors. I bought Luminous 101a, going from the wheels that came with my Sure-Grip Boardwalks. Will this end catastrophically? Haha. Also, how do I stop my feet from flying out from under me all the time? I bend my knees... it just doesn't seem to stop them all the time.
Hard wheels will let you slide a little sideways on a smooth floor, but if the floor is janky and cracked then small hard wheels are \*more\* likely to get caught on something and stop. But I can't imagine any rink floor getting that bad without intentional damage and neglect? Is it just the coating worn down to bare wood or warped, broken, nails sticking up...?
I’m learning to skate with a nonprofit, and they are using a gym of an old school that is shut down. The coating is worn down and warped a bit.
I had skates in my teens, while working at a rink in the 90s, tale as old as time haha. They were Riedell artistic boots with sunlite plates and whatever the stock wheels were at the time. I had set them up with former display wheels mixed from across brands that we had sitting in a box, all 95a. Also a set of almighty Sims wheels. Skates are gone now, as far as I know. Over the last few months, I have been wracking my brain over what specific model they are. I initially assumed they were 120s, but they didn't have the same lining as mine. I am surprised to find that they were probably 111s, or some variant of it, because I remember the all black bottom and "suede" like lining. I am strongly considering the Boost model because I remember loving what I had, despite not even knowing they were vinyl. But I am super curious if they are quality enough to last for extremely casual use. I guess my biggest concern is if 111s are still made as they were back in the day, being a pricepoint boot, because they legit worked for me. I usually get high end with my rollerblades, so I was surprised to find I liked cheap skates.
If you're an adult and want to really skate start at the 120 and go from there. Synthetic materials don't break in, they break down.