To the untrained eye it may seem like all roller skates are created equal, but a few alterations in the design can affect a skate’s primary usage. For example, some skates are specifically designed for use in indoor facilities. They typically have softer wheels and less protection, as there are far fewer hazards in the confined location.
Street roller skates, on the other hand, have incredibly hard wheels so they can stand up to the pavement, rocks, glass and other debris. Due to the manifold risks and hazards inherent in outdoor skating, most of these skates will have extra protection to ensure your feet and ankles are safe. You can use indoor skates outside and vice-versa, of course, but you’ll get the best results if you use a skate designed for your specific style of skating.
Every summer when I was little, my family would take a summer vacation to a different city on the West Coast. Sometimes we would visit a buzzing metropolis like Los Angeles or Portland, but more often than not, we would end up in a quaint town that rarely experienced tourism. Odd as it may seem, it was these remote locations that I often enjoyed the most.
Instead of fighting our way through long lines or shuttling around the city to take in a few of the main attractions, each day we would explore some aspect of the city, which was usually a lake, forest or park. Not only did this give us an opportunity to meet local people and enjoy the exquisite nature and scenery of the Pacific Coast, but it was also cost-effective. Taking a jaunt on my skate buds around a city park is certainly less expensive than a day at Disneyland or Six Flags.
Getting your kids off of the couch can be a challenge for any parent in this day and age. From DVR to video games, there always is some stimulating form of entertainment at a kid’s fingertips. One of the secrets to getting your kids motivated to play outside and stay active is by cultivating an athletic mindset at an early age.
The best way to do this is by making active play fun and treating it as a reward instead of a punishment. Many parents take away video games and other electronics to curb bad behavior, but this only makes your child want those things that much more. I make a point of buying my kids entertaining and engaging toys, like Street Glider skate shoes and sports equipment, which encourages them to get outside.