While we may think of roller skating as being a relatively new trend, the earliest incarnations of the roller skate date back to the mid 18th century. Although there were variations of the roller skate in this era, it wasn’t until 1819 that the first patent was acquired for a roller skate design. These primitive skates resembled today’s inline skates, but it was exceedingly difficult to do anything but move in a straight line.
It wasn’t until 1863 that the quad roller skate became prominent. These skates featured a rubber cushion, which gave the user more freedom in turning. After the release of these skates, the hobby exploded in the US, and within a few years, the first skating rink was opened.
When I was growing up, I was what most people would consider an athletically-minded person. Not only did I play the classic American organized sports like baseball, football and basketball, but I also went to roller hockey and lacrosse camps. Needless to say, I was overly confident in my athletic abilities.
For my younger brother’s birthday one year, my parents took our family to the local roller skating rink. I forgot the inline skates that I used for roller hockey and was forced to rent an old-fashioned quad roller skate model. At first I didn’t think that the new design would impede on my skills, but I soon discovered how difficult it was to use them. I was thoroughly embarrassed when my mom was skating circles around me and I was left holding onto the railing.