inlineskating

Inline skating, commonly known as rollerblading, is the activity of traveling on inline skates—boots with a single line of wheels attached to a frame. Movement relies on a push-off against the ground and a glide, with steering achieved through weight shifts and edge control. Modern inline skates were popularized for recreational use in the 1980s and have since spawned a range of styles and levels of competition.

Equipment and setup: Inline skates consist of a boot, frame, and wheels arranged in a row. Wheel sizes typically range from 72 to 100 millimeters, with higher numbers offering greater speed and stability. Bearings affect roll smoothness, and frames determine agility. Many recreational skates include a heel brake on one skate; performance models may use advanced stopping methods. Helmets, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads are recommended, particularly for beginners.

Disciplines and technique: Common disciplines include fitness/recreational skating, speed skating on track or road, artistic/figure inline skating, and aggressive skating in parks or urban courses. Core skills include a stable stance, forward stride, crossovers for carving, stops, and, in specialized disciplines, jumps and spins. Surfaces matter: smooth pavement or dedicated skate paths improve safety and performance.

Governance and culture: World Skate is the international governing body for roller sports, including inline skating, and coordinates world championships and events. The activity has a global community organized around clubs, events, and equipment vendors, with safety and skill development emphasized in training programs.