rollerblades/rollerskates and my stupidity...
 

As you can tell by the name of this thread, I've gone and done something dumb. But there is a point here, if you'll just stick with me while I tell my story as ya'll know I like to do...

Two days ago my friend and I decided we were gonna be the cool girls here in Gainesville and roller SKATE, like old school, 1980s style skates. Additionally, I was afraid to try rollerblades because they just look scary and I'm really bad with ice skating, so I assumed they would be equally as bad. At any rate, we finally found our skates (after many people at WalMart and KMart laughed at us) and tried them out for the first time last night. So I'm skating away fully amusing everyone who passed us (they were pointing as they drove by :D ) which is partly what we wanted anyway. So I hit some bumps in the road, SPEED UP somehow, my left skate rolls out from under me at an amazing speed, my left arse cheek hits the ground and skids, and I hit my wrist and heard a pop. So I'm laughing because I looked like an even bigger fool laying in the bike lane but I couldn't get up since it hurt so bad. My wrist is currently killing me (they said it's just a bad sprain at the clinic, but I'm not so convinced) and I have bruises and scrapes all over my leg/butt.

SO THE BIG QUESTION...

Is rollerblading easier than rollerskating??? And does anyone have any tips on how to not bust my ass next time?

Oh, and by the way, skating isn't like riding a bike. If you don't do it in a while, you lose your touch!

Tara
I have a Phi Mu castle...

YES - Rollerblading is easier than rollerskating.

The longer wheelbase (front-to-back) actually gives you more balance, even though they appear to be much 'thinner' - trust me on that.

Try to get a decent pair to start with, though - you'll need the ankle support. PM me if you have any questions dude.

Rollerblading is TOTALLY easier than rollerskating. Trust me, I am no athletic she-woman, but rollerblading is much easier because on skates if you lean forward or back a little too much you're scarred (literally). You have much more leeway with rollerblades.

Way not to bust your ass: learn how to brake at lower speeds, by turning your whole body or at least one leg to the side a bit, sort of like how you would stop if you were skiing (and no, I do not know how to ski, but the move looks similar enough). Or go rollerblading with someone who has perfect balance and won't kill you if you grab their arm. ;) Well, I think the proper way to brake is to use the front or back brakes but for some reason I can't handle that.

Please tell me you weren't on the bike lane by like 13th Ave, where it's in the middle of the road...either way, scary stuff and hope you feel better.

And kudos for trying to bring back skates!

ROllerblading WAY easier.

And you should always wear wrist guards.

:)

Rollerblading is easier but only if you know how to stop and turn correctly. Unfortunately, I did not realize this about two years ago and ended up breaking my elbow. That was very painful.

I agree 110%! I love rollerblading, but have never quite gotten the hang of stopping while going downhill. Because of this, I always end up using somebody's lawn like one of those runaway truck roads that they build up in the mountains. :D I guess I got too used to rollerskating with the toe stops when I was younger and am having a hard time learning a new method. Maybe one of these days... LOL :cool:

I agree with everyone who said that rollerblading is easier. Wow, you all have definitely brought back some good memories...I used to go rollerblading ALL the time. I have no idea where my rollerblades are today. Before rollerblades I would rollerskate too, but never got the hang of using the toe stops. I was definitely one of those people who would skate onto my lawn or any grass that was nearby in order to make myself stop. :)

I have never rollerbladed and haven't rollerskated since the 1980's because I too suffered an injury. I was at a rollerskating rink, fell, hit my head, and spent the night in the emergency room. Fortunately, I didn't fracture my skull. Unfortunately, I did suffer a severe concussion and head injury and needed a follow up CAT scan a few days later and was bed ridden for a week. :( I was in tremendous pain and need pain killers. Moral of the story: Wear a helmet and protective gear. Feel better!:)

Yes! Actually you should wear a helmet, wrist guards and knee pads. You might look dorky, but getting hurt sucks even more!

Also, I took roller blading lessons one summer and I am really glad that I did! I took them through the community center!

Rollarblading is 10X as easier as rollarskating.

Ok, so I'm just an idiot! I cannot rollerblade. I've tried and tried, nothing works. It sucks because that's all anyone ever does and I can't go!!! Did the lessons actually help?

Ok, so I find the consensus to be I need rollerblades and lots of protective gear! I should have known when I did use the grass as a stopping lane and still ran into a truck to fully stop before I fell! Oh well. You live and learn, right. I will keep you posted on any new success!

Tara :)