How to Adjust Inline Skates
The array of in-line skates available today includes models for beginners and advanced skaters, ramp skaters, in-line hockey players, and everything in between. But you don't have to buy a different type of skate for each use. The softness of the wheel type varies based on the coarseness of the surface you'll be skating on. Wheels and bearings can be changed, brakes can be removed and laces can be replaced to fit your needs.
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Things You'll Need
- In-line skates
- Three-sided in-line skate tool (allen wrench, bearing gripper, Phillips head screwdriver).
- Extra set of wheels, opposite in hardness from the wheels on the skate
- In-line skate-bearing lubricant
Instructions
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Get used to the skates you have
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1
Break in the skates with several skating sessions. Determine whether to wear light or heavy socks based on how your feet move inside the skate and whether you get blisters. Depending on the material, some skates will shape somewhat to the contour of your feet. For skates with bindings, get a feel for the appropriate tightness. If they feel too tight the first time you use them, you may eventually find that your foot adjusts to the level of tightness and depends on that level of support.
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2
Make alterations to the brakes and laces based on your level of skating, the type of skating you do and your preferred technique. Beginners are encouraged to use brakes on the back of the boot. Intermediate and advanced road skaters often remove the brakes, preferring alternative methods like the T-stop (feet perpendicular, like the letter T, to stop movement). or hockey stop. Hockey and track skates typically don't come with brakes. If you have laces instead of bindings, make sure the laces are long enough to go around your ankles a couple of times for additional ankle support.
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3
Change the wheels and bearings based on your preferred surfaces and ability. For smooth, slippery surfaces, such as an in-line hockey rink, use the softest wheels possible. For more coarse surfaces, such as a sidewalk or road, use harder wheels. Bearings, which typically range in speed by number (ABC 1-5, for example) can be removed and replaced by using the bearing gripper included on the three-sided in-line skate tool (an Allen wrench removes the wheel). Skate shops and sporting goods stores sell bearing lubricant.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Sanctioned in-line hockey leagues typically don't allow skates to have brakes.
Even though softer wheels allow you to stop more easily, they get torn up quickly on pavement and other course surfaces.
On some high-end skates, the wheels can be moved up or down to aid in sliding or to reduce friction on some maneuvers.
According to Inline Skating Resource Center (Reference 1, http://www.iisa.org/gear/sk8-step6.html) frames are made of plastic or metal, and can be loosened from the boot and aligned in a slightly different direction. That capability is a plus for a skater who has orthopedic problems.
Exercise caution when using the skate's brakes, which are on the back of the boot. Leaning back too fast can cause a fall, while braking in loose stones can cause you to slide.
Although wheels come in different hardness and sizes, not all skate frames can accommodate all wheel sizes.
