How to Edge on In-line Speed Skates
Check the bottoms of your in-line skates if you've been using them for a while. Notice how parts of the wheels have been worn down. Depending on your skating style, you may notice the inner portion of the wheel is worn, or perhaps the outer portion is. The wear and tear of your wheels is caused by edging, one of the fundamental parts of in-line skating. Edging can best be defined as the use of one portion of your wheels. There are three wedges to your wheels, the inside, outside and center.
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Instructions
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Stand on a flat surface wearing your skates. Slightly bend your ankles so your weight is being placed on the outside of your wheels. This is known as outside edging.
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Bend your ankles inward and redistribute your weight onto the inside portion of your wheels. This is the basis for inside edging
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Return your ankles to an unbent position. Your weight is placed directly on the bottom of your wheels, creating the start of center edging.
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Skate forward and as you begin to build momentum, push forward with your skate while also tilting your ankle to emphasize the inside edge. The inside edge should always be used on the skate that is being brought forward.
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Turn a corner on your skates. When you begin the turn, edge your outside foot toward the inside edging while turning your inside foot toward the outside edge. Your entire body will shift into the turn during this edging move.
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Stop your skates by performing the edges you used in the turn, but sharply bend your ankles. Your skates will become perpendicular to the direction you are moving, and you will stop in place.
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Coast forward by staying on the center edge of your skates. Note that any movement aside from coasting will rely on edging to one side of your skate in order to build momentum
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Tips & Warnings
Balance is key when edging. Practice moving your body up and down while edging. As you become more balanced, you'll be able to pull off more-complex moves.
Always wear protective gear when learning any new in-line skating moves or tricks. This will prevent injury from falls.
