Making Your Roller Skating Journey Easier With These 9 Essential Beginner Tips

Hi Skaters
We've had lots of new subs over the holidays, so I'm thinking lots of people got skates as gifts. So we thought it would be a good idea to do an overview video for all the new skaters, our regulars will hopefully find a few new tips too.
Happy Rolling
Katie xx
0:00 - Intro
0:13 - Tip 1 - Check New Skates
0:38 - Tip 2 - Toe Stops
1:30 - Tip 3 - Wheels
2:38 - Tip 4 - Known Issues
3:25 - Tip 5 - Safety Gear
4:06 - Tip 6 - Where To Put Your Weight
4:33 - Tip 7 - Posture
5:24 - Tip 8 - Fear Of Falling
6:24 - Tip 9 - Skill Progression
7:24 - Bye Bye
7:48 - Outtakes
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[@Juliafalcao13]

really my favorite channel to watch and i haven't even started yet, just so so encouraging and heartwarming and teaching safety above all, thank you so much!

[@Skatie]

Thank you for such a lovely comment. Happy rolling 👍💕🛼

[@reetercat]

After not skating for 30 years, I am happy to say that I can still do backwards better than forward for some reason! You videos are great. The drills really do help. :)

[@Skatie]

Great to hear you’re back on your skates. Have fun 👍🛼💕

[@rhiannonmorrell5487]

I started skating today (I mean falling I done nothing but fall) I can’t even do bubbles ☹️ roller skating is so much easier than what it looks

[@Skatie]

You’ll get there. Just concentrate on finding your balance standing. Standing on carpet can help as it stops the wheels from rolling too much. Bend your knees, take it slow. Don’t forget your ⛑

[@henleynikas2277]

Binge watching your videos and waiting my skates to arrive! Your vids are perfect, short but detailed enough. First problem I'm probably facing is... That you make skating look so easy! Reality is going to hit me hard when I put my skates on for the first time 😅😁 Thank you for your videos, I'm gonna be watching these a lot!

[@Skatie]

That’s fantastic! It will feel really weird at first. Strapping wheels to your feet is a crazy idea but so much fun. xx 👍💕🛼

[@Lotuslvrs]

thank you so much! as someone with fear of everything yet with the determination to sake i love how you point out the things we do wrong that i feel like other people dont focus on. i really love this video 💓💓💓

[@Skatie]

Thank you xx. I’ve taught lots of beginners over the years and I think it helps to correct those common mistakes before they happen. Saves so much frustration. Enjoy your skating journey 💕

[@lalita5413]

I'm 30 years old. I'm starting to practice skating for 3 days. It's very difficult for me to only have 1 hour a day. But it's a lot of fun. Thanks for your skating guide. P.S. My English is still bad. But it will gradually improve.

[@matylda4169]

Good luck :)

[@Skatie]

You’re English is amazing. Have fun with your skating xx

[@leoparedesphotography1719]

Awesome video and very helpful. I've been using your videos to learn how to skate (best midlife crisis ever) and also using your tips to teach my kids. We love your style of teaching!

[@Skatie]

That’s fantastic! Thank you 👍💕🛼

[@KevinKlineisawesome]

Inspired by a Home Improvement episode, I’m considering saving up to get outdoor skates. These tips are helpful. So far, I only have skates for skating at my local rink.

[@Skatie]

If you already have skates just changing the wheels will enable you to skate outside in them. Look for big wheels (60-65mm) and soft (78a - 85a).

[@Karolsstudio]

It look so easy… but today I felt 4 times😅 I am hoping for a better day tomorrow… your videos are helping me. Thanks.

[@Skatie]

Falling means your learning and pushing yourself. Make sure you fall safety onto those softer fleshy bits and definitely avoid your tailbone. 🤕. Have fun 💕💕⭐️⭐️

[@rosebean1478]

I know how to skate but I haven’t checked any videos of tips how to skate because I just kinda taught myself if that makes sense. What this video really helped me figure out some new things that I didn’t know!

[@Skatie]

That’s fantastic. ⭐️💕🛼😀 Glad it helped.

[@vivienneelliot6587]

I'm 53! I've not skated since I was a teenager & just bought skates (&the safety gear)as a way of (fun)exercising 🙈 I think I need to swop to soft wheels..I'm nowhere near ready to go outside lol I'm waiting to hear back for some classes at the local skate place. Thanks for your videos, they are so informative 😊💫

[@Skatie]

Have fun. Have you had a look at the wheels video? That might help you. What wheels do you have currently. If you’re planning on taking lessons I’d maybe hold off purchasing any equipment as they may have some really good recommendations at your classes.

[@biggi-biggi]

Love this video, thank you so much for your work ❤

[@Skatie]

Have fun on your skating journey 🛼⭐️💕

[@arianempd]

Thank you so much for these tips, katie!

[@Skatie]

💕🤩⭐️

[@alanna4148]

Great video with tips i haven't heard on before on other channels! Thank you 😊 I love the bloopers at the end by the way!! 😁 Just subscribed!!

[@Skatie]

Thank you 💕👍🛼

[@desireebrusman1747]

Great tips! I love the way that you explain everything. I can’t wait for my skates to get here now!!

[@Skatie]

Have lots of fun ⭐️⭐️🛼🛼

[@cindyc8218]

You're gold! thanks a lot for all this information, some friends and I started to learn skating and you videos have been so helpful!

[@Skatie]

Oh that’s fantastic. Plus it’s great to have skate friends. 👍⭐️💕🛼

[@roberthayter157]

A beautifully produced video. You are a great presenter, you make it so interesting.

[@Skatie]

Thank you. That’s really kind. I’ll pass your lovely comment on to my husband who’s the cameraman, editor……. (he does everything else other than the skating). 💕👍

[@aira_maee]

Thanks❤️ this really helps me alot❤️

[@Skatie]

I'm so glad!

[@moonboundpress]

I'm just starting out, and these are so helpful!

[@Skatie]

Glad they’re helping. Have fun 🛼😎⭐️

[@bettythefrootloop5705]

Thanks a lot for this! I found your channel when looking for how to stop and thanks to this vid I checked my new skates - the wheels were all different levels of tight, you helped me adjust them just right! Plus I felt validated for getting that safety gear earlier.

[@Skatie]

So glad it helped x 🛼⭐️💕

[@literal-legend19]

Very informative, cant wait to start skating! Also, love the pink hair! :)

[@Skatie]

Thank you x 💕🛼

[@lunaclaro111]

Thanks a Lot!🙏

[@Skatie]

👍🛼💕

[@edwinaking9255]

Hi! thank you so much, I am still waiting for my skates to come in. I am so excited for them to come, snd these tips are so amazing and safe, I have never been more excited to get something than I have with my roller skates. Thank you!

[@Skatie]

New roller skates are the best. Enjoy your happy mail and your new hobby x 😎💕⭐️🤩

[@Rose-qk3mb]

Your white skates with the metal plates you wear in your videos look so nice, what type of skates and plates are you using? Do they have good ankle support?

[@Skatie]

Thank you xx I wear a Risport boot on a roll-line plate. They are figure skates so very stiff with lots of support for landing and leaning on edges etc.

[@tomowakutsu6257]

Hey Katie, I love your videos because of you I know know how to rollerskate love you❤️✨🥰

[@Skatie]

Awww thank you. That’s fantastic!! Happy rolling. 🛼💕👍

[@PlayaProhibida]

Thank you🙂

[@Skatie]

😎🤩🛼⭐️

[@sophiebell4758]

I did inline skating as a child, but never really good (i went from hugging one pole to rolling to and hugging the next, no stopping, no turning no nothing) And i multiple times thought about getting skates, because they looked so much Lighter and easier to manouver, than the heavy bulky inliner. I got a pair of skates last week (didnt sended me the size ordered), sended them back, and got a new pair beginning that week. The first day i fell sooo many times, like a dozen Times in one hour. But at the end i was able to do bubbles, to get up pretty easily and to turn/role a circle! Today was my second attempt that got sadly stopped by rain xD. But i am alteady so much better with the skates than with the inliners, and i am very happy that i finally made the effort to get a pair :)

[@Skatie]

Oh that’s wonderful news. Have lots of fun on your skating journey 🛼⭐️⭐️⭐️💕

[@sophiebell4758]

@@Skatie thank you a Lot :) it really is a Lot of fun, though i have bruises all over my Body xD Even my Butt ^^` but it feels great trying to make a circle left way (turning right is sooo much easier than left) , and after Like half an hour finally getting it :) Its nice that i can See improvements so fast. Your Videos are a Big Help

[@msericaplease]

Quality video!!!

[@Skatie]

Thank you 💕👍🛼

[@needsmorewisdom]

hey skatie! thank u for the video i noticed how smooth the editing and filming is, very cool. i’ve got a question about washers on skates: do i need washers on roller skate wheels? i keep getting conflicting info on the topic and recently i replaced my old wheels with outdoor wheels and they didn’t come with washers. are they necessary?

[@Skatie]

Thank you. I shall pass your kind comments on to my husband (camera man and editor). You only need a washer if the skate wheel moves up and down the axel even once the nut is fully tightened. Then you’d need a washer to take up the extra length of the axel. Does that help?

[@needsmorewisdom]

@@Skatie yes! thank u sm!

[@turner7928]

Washers can also preserve your bearings by providing a uniform surface contact for both the truck axle housing and nut… over tightening can distort the bearing races and shorten their life

[@arijsbai5301]

You are amazing 👏 ❤

[@Skatie]

Thank you x

[@VidhyaRaghav]

Hi.. i find your video so helpful, as we just got our daughter roller skates as she wanted to learn it. But we have zero knowledge about it. It would be great if you can let us know how to train her right from balancing

[@Skatie]

I have a video on how to train children which might help and also a balancing video. Have lots of fun!

[@manwol8718]

This is helpful skatie. I wonder why my legs always part so much that it gets hard for me to make “bubble”?. Im a beginner and i am really terrible at even trying to make the skates move. Hope you can create more video on muscle movement! Would really appreciate it!

[@Skatie]

I have a video on how to do the perfect bubble. I talk about pulling your knee together etc. that may really help you.

[@biff5856]

I'm starting out as well. I've been an ice skater since preschool. I'm having a hard time trying to bubble as well

[@stormydaye]

I think I know what I’m doing wrong. I’m trying to put all my weight on all 4 wheels which makes me fall backwards. I need to put the weight in the ball of my feet. Thank you!!!

[@Skatie]

Yes! You got it. Keep that weight to the front of the foot and you’ll feel much more stable. Have fun practicing xx 💕⭐️🛼

[@picklerick4777]

Hi Katie old boy skater returning to skating it funny my head noes what to do but my body like nahbya not hahah but it is fun xx

[@Skatie]

I absolutely know what you mean. I’m the same with the bigger artistic jumps. My body refuses!! 😆

[@skye387]

Omg my skate wheels are 78 and that's supposed to be making it harder and slower indoors?! :0 It feels like it already goes really fast for me. Probably my age, lol. Btw I'm curious, does the bend knees just for starting or it's a must everytime? Because when I watch videos it doesn't always look like they bend their knees. Sorry, I forgot to ask this also. Do you have a guide for skate protectors? I got confused about the sizings to buy (since I can only buy online). I searched with google but even the biggest size for adult seems like it's way too small for me(it said the number is in cm) but it seems unlikely since I'm not even that big.

[@Skatie]

If you’re happy in your 78’s stick with them. You may be skating on a slippery rink. Rink surface makes a huge difference. The bent knee is super important especially for a beginner. When skaters get more experience they tend to straighten up a little and have instead what I call a soft knee, almost like a shock absorber. Pads can be a bit of a nightmare. Go by the measurement. Moxi do some larger pads which are a better size for adults. Triple 8 is also a good brand for pads especially the triple 8 RD wrist guards.

[@skye387]

@@Skatie ah! slippery, that makes sense. I was confused at how you can go slow in the video for us to see the movement but I can't do the same, so that's why.

[@MsAdreaL]

Would you mind sharing you wrist, knee, and elbow pads? Pretty pleeease?? 🌸🌷🌸

[@Skatie]

Hi. These are the ones I wear a lot. amzn.to/43fkngo

[@Reenameganathan]

Hi Skatie, This is my first comment on a KZbin channel. You teach great. I have started skating but just a terrified person. Do you train people? Where are you in UK?

[@Skatie]

Oh thank you. x. We’re based in the south east. We don’t offer in person classes unfortunately but we are planning on launching a comprehensive online course this year.

[@giftedone2day725]

We have a few concrete rinks here in New York. We have a few with rubber mats on because there I've rinks. Then a few wood rinks. Should I just buy two pairs?

[@Skatie]

You may just need to change wheels between surfaces

[@biff5856]

I have loosened the trucks 3 notches from stock setting. Still can't bubble. I weigh 108lbs, (49.9 kg.) The wheels 60.328 mm. They seem rock hard. My weight doesn't seems have any affect on them as far as bubbles go. I go to the Y (gym) several days a week and do ballet type exercises at home. I'm not flabby.

[@Skatie]

What skates do you have?

[@biff5856]

@@Skatie Riedell Epic. They have Varsity USA wheels. I don't know the hardness number but they're 60.325mm. I would say however they are like a rock. I'll try again by loosening the trucks another another. (That 4x from the stock setting)

[@biff5856]

@@Skatie O.k. I've loosened the trucks 4 notches from stock. I can't I this point tell the difference. Today went better with the help of Sir Elton. "Nikita" is what I liked to figure skate to. It has a nice tempo. Slightly Latin. Music is a big help as it was on the ice.

[@edgemaster5205]

What kind of skate is good for outside skating

[@Skatie]

Really most skates are ok outside as long as they’re metal / nylon plates and metal trucks it’s mainly the wheels that make the difference. Have you seen the wheels video, that really explains the differences?

[@satansaiddance7763]

Спасибо за ваши видео. Хоть я и не владею языком, но все равно все очень наглядно ❤

[@Skatie]

🤩😎💕⭐️🛼🛼

[@user-bp5ys6px5f]

❤

[@Skatie]

⭐️💕

[@alexxoxo710]

@Skatie. @Skatie I have a question I hope you can answer I have a pair of Impala skates I’m a total beginner never skated before learned my lesson about pads however my skates themselves are a bit lose I was told size up and idk if that is affecting my trying to skate or if there is anything I can do to make them more snug thanks for the tips

[@Skatie]

You could add an insole. It’s always best to measure your feet in mm and then compare to the size chart. Skate sizes and street shoe sizes don’t usually correlate.

[@Lonelyenglishgirl]

This might be a silly question but are the guards just for fashion or do they actually protect your foot? The ones I’ve seen just seem to be fabric

[@Skatie]

I’ve never worn guards however lots of skaters do. They are mainly to stop the front of the skate from getting too scratched and scuffed. The fabric ones do get ruined quite easily but they do offer some protection to the boot.

[@trishasmith2303]

Hi Katie I have a question about how far about my feet need to be? Sometimes I feel like my feet are too far apart but I know better than to put them too close together! 😅 instant face plant!

[@Skatie]

Yes! Those face plants. 🤕. I’d say hip width is a good starting point until you feel more confident to get your feet closer.

[@biff5856]

I'm wondering if if it's simpler to start from scratch, than transition from ice to roller. If it's easier to start new I'm screwed. I'm sort of leery about the change. I'm used to a stiff pair of Harlicks. I don't know what sort of boot to start with. What's the least expensive custom? I have to have custom because I have odd feet. I'm a senior so my feet are real sensitive.

[@Skatie]

If you’ve ice skated it will definitely help with balance. Just be sure to keep the weight on the ball of the foot. I know with ice it’s good to put the back of the blade in first don’t do that on quads. 🤕 I went from quads to ice and found the transition ok, the hardest bit was remembering to keep straight over the blade and not to lean all My weight over on to one wheel which isn’t there! 😂 (loop take off!). 😂

[@biff5856]

@@Skatie I only skated for myself. I had no illusions about my skills. I just like to dance across the ice to a playlist on my phone. I don't do revolution jumps. Just what I call accent jumps like say a mazurka. I don't spin either. So all I practice is footwork and edging. I imagine moves like rockers and counters must be very difficult on rollers.

[@Skatie]

@@biff5856 the turns and spinning are definitely harder on quads as those wheels just don’t like turning. Harder wheels make life easier.

[@biff5856]

@@Skatie I'm trying to convince myself I'll be better off on quads than returning to figure skakes... and get up the nerve to do do it. I only had one bad injury on the ice in my life, but it was a doozy. Most skaters have none. I caught my toe pick on a large condensation mound. It was like someone pulled my feet out from under me. At least there won't be those pesky mounds in roller arenas. That's a huge plus.

[@Skatie]

@@biff5856 the roller rink is definitely warmer. 😂 🥶

[@ajadestone3376]

What are the best skates.....i am not a beginner but i have not skated in a while

[@Skatie]

I prefer artistic skates as that’s my background but a good skate for reasonable ££ is the rookie artistics or the Chaya Melrose deluxe

[@alexxoxo710]

Katie @Skatie 3:41 do you give lessons?

[@lorrainecotton5414]

For those of you who have bought rollerskates, how much have you paid for them, or are willing to pay for them?

[@Skatie]

It’s hard to give an exact figure because of exchange rate but in the UK it’s possible to buy a good pair of starter skates Rookie Artistics, Chaya Melrose elite, suregrip boardwalks for around £100-£150

[@lorrainecotton5414]

@@Skatie and how will I know what the wheel size is?

[@Skatie]

@@lorrainecotton5414 most of the skate listings will also detail the wheel size and hardness too.

[@sophiebell4758]

I bought my First pair Last Week For 65€, i think they are quite good For me as beginner But dont have an adjustible toe Stop. I wouldnt have Spend more than 75€ or. 100€

[@littlereindeer1296]

i have a RD roller skate and it didnt come with a tool, is that a bad thing?? and also it is kinda hard to turn, i am a new skater so do i need to do a certain movement to turn???

[@Skatie]

Sometimes skates don’t come with tools. You can buy generic skate tools online or alternatively you can just use a regular tool set (socket or spanner). If you’ve not adjusted the skates before they might be quite tight the first time as they are tightened by machine when they are built.

[@littlereindeer1296]

@@Skatie ok thx ;)))

[@Ilikecats234]

TYSM I fell on my behind and it really hurt lmao

[@Skatie]

🤕 Bum pads are a great investment 😜

[@rosje6912]

i do not understand all. 62 for outside 78 ?

[@Skatie]

62mm is the size of the wheel. The wheels generally goes from around 55mm to 65mm for quad skates. Then there’s the hardness of the wheel. 78a - 100a. So 78a - 85a hardness for outside and I recommend a larger wheel outside 60mm - 65mm

[@gia1527]

i signed up for classes to learn how to skate properly, but they give me so much anxiety :( i feel stupid for not seeing the same improvement and progress as the others. it's been weeks and i can barely do the basics...

[@Skatie]

Don’t get discouraged. Try not to compare yourself to others. Often people who learn quickly have a background in similar sports. Be patient with yourself and practice as much as you can. You got this x

[@kymmulvey]

Do you recommend crash pants?

[@Skatie]

💯 those backwards falls can come out of nowhere and really hurt. They also can really knock your confidence. Crash pants are a game changer! 💥

[@adrianjohn466]

If the upper is separate from this heel can it be fixed

[@Skatie]

Unfortunately it’s hard to make it strong. Maybe a cobbler would be able to help? If the boot is quite new then sometimes the manufacturer will replace it but it’s likely to happen again. 😞

[@arijsbai5301]

Hello I am Arij I'm looking for beginners to encourage each other and for more enthusiasm! ✌✌

[@Skatie]

Hi Arij, I have a Facebook group and also insta and TikTok where we have a lovely community of skaters. Come and find us. @skatieuk

[@nakurarenshi7991]

rip @ the people who cabt see their feet even when standing up straight

[@Skatie]

🛼🛼💕

[@stefisobad]

Hi Katie!! Thanks a lot for your videos, they are super helpful :) would love to have some classes with you, let me know if you come to Barcelonaaa ⛸️💞

[@Skatie]

Oh I’d love a trip to Barcelona. Hope you’re having better weather than rainy old Blighty. 🇬🇧