Inline skating is a multi-disciplinary

sport Sport pertains to any form of Competition, competitive physical activity or game that aims to use, maintain, or improve physical ability and Skill, skills while providing enjoyment to participants and, in some cases, entertainment to specta ...

and can refer to a number of activities practiced using

inline skates Inline skates are a type of roller skate used for inline skating. Unlike quad skates, which have two front and two rear wheels, inline skates typically have two to five wheels arranged in a single line. Some, especially those for recreation, ha ...

. Inline skates typically have two to five

polyurethane Polyurethane (; often abbreviated PUR and PU) refers to a class of polymers composed of organic chemistry, organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. In contrast to other common polymers such as polyethylene and polystyrene, polyurethan ...

wheels depending on the style of practice, arranged in a single line by a metal or plastic frame on the underside of a boot. The in-line design allows for greater speed and maneuverability than traditional (or "quad")

roller skates Roller skates, are shoes or bindings that fit onto shoes that are worn to enable the wearer to roll along on wheels. The first roller skate was an inline skate design, effectively an ice skate with wheels replacing the blade. Later the "quad ska ...

. Following this basic design principle, inline skates can be modified to varying degrees to accommodate niche disciplines. Inline skating is commonly referred to by the proprietary eponym ''rollerblading'', or just ''blading'', due to the popular brand of inline skates,

Rollerblade Rollerblade is a brand of inline skates owned by Nordica, part of the Tecnica Group of Giavera del Montello, Treviso, Italy. The company was started by Scott Olson (b. 1960), Brennan Olson (b. 1964) and Christopher Middlebrook in Minneapoli ...

History

An inline skate appeared in a Paris patent in 1819, but were overtaken in popularity by

quad skates Roller skates, are shoes or bindings that fit onto shoes that are worn to enable the wearer to roll along on wheels. The first roller skate was an inline skate design, effectively an ice skate with wheels replacing the blade. Later the "quad ska ...

.The Rise & Fall of Rollerblading
/ref> The German branch of

SKF AB SKF (Swedish: ''Svenska Kullagerfabriken''; 'Swedish Ball Bearing Factory') is a Swedish bearing and seal manufacturing company founded in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1907. The company manufactures and supplies bearings, seals, lubrication and l ...

developed and produced inline-skates in 1978 with wheels for hockey or for the street. The product was stopped after one year as the management did not want a consumer product in its portfolio. Other inline skates were developed as a substitute for ice skates, ''

Life Life is a quality that distinguishes matter that has biological processes, such as signaling and self-sustaining processes, from that which does not, and is defined by the capacity for growth, reaction to stimuli, metabolism, energ ...

'' magazine published a photo of American skater

Eric Heiden Eric Arthur Heiden (born June 14, 1958) is an American physician and a former long track speed skater, road cyclist and track cyclist. He won an unprecedented five individual gold medals, and set four Olympic records and one world record at th ...

, training for the 1980 Olympics, using such skates on a Wisconsin road. In 1980, a group of ice hockey players in

Minneapolis Minneapolis () is the largest city in Minnesota, United States, and the county seat of Hennepin County. The city is abundant in water, with thirteen lakes, wetlands, the Mississippi River, creeks and waterfalls. Minneapolis has its origins ...

Minnesota Minnesota () is a state in the upper midwestern region of the United States. It is the 12th largest U.S. state in area and the 22nd most populous, with over 5.75 million residents. Minnesota is home to western prairies, now given over to ...

, were looking for a way to practice during the summer. Scott and Brennan Olson formed the company Rollerblade, Inc., to sell skates with four polyurethane wheels arranged in a straight line on the bottom of a padded boot. They sold the company in 1984 to Bob Naegele jr., who advertised to the general public and sold millions. The sport became popular in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s, with tens of millions of participants.

Aggressive inline skating Aggressive inline skating (referred to by participants as rollerblading, blading, skating, street skating, rolling, roller freestyle or freestyle rolling) is a sub-discipline of inline skating in the action sports canon. Aggressive inline skates ...

events were featured in the

X Games The X Games are an annual extreme sports event organized, produced and broadcast by ESPN. Coverage is also shown on ESPN's sister network, ABC. The inaugural X Games were held during the summer of 1995 in Providence and Newport, Rhode Island, ...

from 1995 to 2005. Popularity waned in the 2000s, with parental concerns over injuries and the rising popularity of soccer, lacrosse, and skateboarding. There was a revival sparked by the need for socially distanced recreation during the

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identif ...

. Due to the

2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine On 24 February 2022, in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which began in 2014. The invasion has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths on both sides. It has caused Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II. An ...

, World Skate banned Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from its competitions, and will not stage any events in Russia or Belarus in 2022.

_Aggressive_inline

_ Aggressive_skating_(referred_to_by_participants_as_''rollerblading'',_''blading'',_''skating''_or_''rolling'')_is_a_sub-discipline_primarily_focused_on_the_execution_of_tricks_in_the_action_sports_canon._Aggressive_inline_skates_are_specially_modified_to_accommodate_grinds_and_the_jumping_of_large_gaps._Aggressive_skates_are_identifiable_by_a_prominent_gap_in_between_the_second_and_third_wheels_(known_as_the_H-Block)_which_allows_for_

_Aggressive_inline

_perpendicular_to_the_direction_of_the_wheels._A_hard_plastic_surface_on_the_sole_of_the_boot_known_as_a_"sole_plate"_or_"soul_plate"_allows_for_grinds_parallel_to_the_wheels._From_these_grind_surfaces_comes_a_lexicon_of_well-known_grind_stances,_though_sliding_can_occur_on_any_surface_of_the_boot_or_wheels._Aggressive_skates_typically_have_much_smaller_wheels_than_regular_inline_skates._The_small_size_allows_for_more_freedom_when_grinding_as_there_is_less_risk_of_catching_on_obstacles._These_smaller_wheels_feature_a_flat_profile_to_accommodate_the_impact_from_jumping_tall_heights.

_Alpine_skating

Alpine_skating_on_

_Aggressive_inline

_Alpine_skating

Alpine_skating_on_Roller_skiing">roller_skis_ Roller_skiing_is_an_off-snow_equivalent_to__cross-country_skiing._Roller_skis_have__wheels_on_their_ends_and_are_used_on_a_hard_surface,_to_emulate_.Bryhn,_Rolf_and_Knut_Are_Tvedt_(eds.):_''Kunnskapsforlagets_idrettsleksikon''._(Norwegian_Encyclop_...

_owes_its_existence_to_skiing,_enabling_skiers_to_train_in_the_off-season_despite_a_lack_of_snow._Skaters_complete_a_course_marked_by_gates_while_descending_at_high_speeds._Its_basic_movements_are_therefore_similar_to_those_of_downhill_skiing_and_many_athletes_regularly_practice_both_modalities.

_Artistic/figure_skating

Artistic_roller_skaters_use_either_quad_or_inline_skates._The_sport_looks_very_similar_to_its_counterpart_on_ice,_but_more_affordable_in_warmer_climates._Inline_figure_skating_has_been_included_in_the_world_championships_since_2002.

_Fitness/recreational_skating

Recreational_skaters_usually_

_Aggressive_inline

_Alpine_skating

_ Roller_skiing_is_an_off-snow_equivalent_to__cross-country_skiing._Roller_skis_have__wheels_on_their_ends_and_are_used_on_a_hard_surface,_to_emulate_.Bryhn,_Rolf_and_Knut_Are_Tvedt_(eds.):_''Kunnskapsforlagets_idrettsleksikon''._(Norwegian_Encyclop_...
_owes_its_existence_to_skiing,_enabling_skiers_to_train_in_the_off-season_despite_a_lack_of_snow._Skaters_complete_a_course_marked_by_gates_while_descending_at_high_speeds._Its_basic_movements_are_therefore_similar_to_those_of_downhill_skiing_and_many_athletes_regularly_practice_both_modalities.

_Artistic/figure_skating

_Fitness/recreational_skating

Recreational_skaters_usually_Road_skating">skate_on_roads,_bike_lanes,_or_paved_trails.__They_might_be_skating_solo_for_transportation_or_fitness,_skating_with_friends,_or_participating_in_an_organized_event.__Because_urban_areas_tend_to_have_more_hazards_from_traffic,_many_cities_have_organized_social_groups_to_make_skating_safer. Fitness_skaters_tend_to_skate_more_frequently_and_go_longer_distances.__Fitness_skates_typically_have_faster_bearings_and_larger_wheels_to_generate_speed_and_cover_ground_more_efficiently._Skaters_in_this_category_tend_to_skate__on_average.__Some_challenge_themselves_to_feats_of_endurance_skating_for_over_.

_Freestyle_skating

Freestyle_skating_is_a_form_of_inline_skating_performed_on_flat_ground_and_refers_collectively_to_the_disciplines_for_which_competitions_are_organized_by_the_International_Freestyle_Skaters_Association._Currently_IFSA_has_defined_three_disciplines_which_must_be_offered_by_any_competition_they_sanction:_freestyle_slalom_skating">freestyle_slalom,_speed_slalom,_and_free_jump._Two_additional_disciplines,_high_jump_and_jam,_are_also_defined,_but_are_at_present_considered_optional.

_Hockey

Roller_in-line_hockey_is_performed_in_a_special_rink_on_inline_skates_ Inline_skates_are_a_type_of_roller_skate_used_for_inline_skating._Unlike_quad_skates,_which_have_two_front_and_two_rear_wheels,_inline_skates_typically_have_two_to_five_wheels_arranged_in_a_single_line._Some,_especially_those_for_recreation,_ha_...
_and_was_originally_thought_up_by_ice_hockey_players_who_wanted_to_continue_training_in_their_off_season._Hockey_rollerblades_have_wheel_sizes_generally_in_the_72–80mm_range._The_toe_end_of_the_boot_is_characteristically_squared_off._The_feel_of_the_boot_is_generally_the_same_as_ice_skates,_so_the_switch_off_between_hockey_skates_and_hockey_is_diminished,_leading_to_better_in-training_simulations_of_ice_hockey.

_Off-road_skating

_Roller_soccer

Five-a-side_football_on_skates_taking_place_in_an_indoor_sports_hall_or_outside_space_with_appropriate_demarcation.

__Speed_skating_

Also_known_as_inline_racing,_speed_skating_is_the_sport_of_skating_(usually_on_flat_surfaces,_such_as_Roller_rink.html" ;"title="Grind (sport)">grinds perpendicular to the direction of the wheels. A hard plastic surface on the sole of the boot known as a "sole plate" or "soul plate" allows for grinds parallel to the wheels. From these grind surfaces comes a lexicon of well-known grind stances, though sliding can occur on any surface of the boot or wheels. Aggressive skates typically have much smaller wheels than regular inline skates. The small size allows for more freedom when grinding as there is less risk of catching on obstacles. These smaller wheels feature a flat profile to accommodate the impact from jumping tall heights.

Alpine skating

Alpine skating on Roller skiing">roller skis Roller skiing is an off-snow equivalent to cross-country skiing. Roller skis have wheels on their ends and are used on a hard surface, to emulate .Bryhn, Rolf and Knut Are Tvedt (eds.): ''Kunnskapsforlagets idrettsleksikon''. (Norwegian Encyclop ...
owes its existence to skiing, enabling skiers to train in the off-season despite a lack of snow. Skaters complete a course marked by gates while descending at high speeds. Its basic movements are therefore similar to those of downhill skiing and many athletes regularly practice both modalities.

Artistic/figure skating

Artistic roller skaters use either quad or inline skates. The sport looks very similar to its counterpart on ice, but more affordable in warmer climates. Inline figure skating has been included in the world championships since 2002.

Fitness/recreational skating

Recreational skaters usually Road skating">skate on roads, bike lanes, or paved trails. They might be skating solo for transportation or fitness, skating with friends, or participating in an organized event. Because urban areas tend to have more hazards from traffic, many cities have organized social groups to make skating safer. Fitness skaters tend to skate more frequently and go longer distances. Fitness skates typically have faster bearings and larger wheels to generate speed and cover ground more efficiently. Skaters in this category tend to skate on average. Some challenge themselves to feats of endurance skating for over .

Freestyle skating

Freestyle skating is a form of inline skating performed on flat ground and refers collectively to the disciplines for which competitions are organized by the International Freestyle Skaters Association. Currently IFSA has defined three disciplines which must be offered by any competition they sanction: freestyle slalom skating">freestyle slalom, speed slalom, and free jump. Two additional disciplines, high jump and jam, are also defined, but are at present considered optional.

Hockey

Roller in-line hockey is performed in a special rink on

and was originally thought up by ice hockey players who wanted to continue training in their off season. Hockey rollerblades have wheel sizes generally in the 72–80mm range. The toe end of the boot is characteristically squared off. The feel of the boot is generally the same as ice skates, so the switch off between hockey skates and hockey is diminished, leading to better in-training simulations of ice hockey.

Off-road skating

Roller soccer

Five-a-side football on skates taking place in an indoor sports hall or outside space with appropriate demarcation.

Speed skating

Also known as inline racing, speed skating is the sport of skating (usually on flat surfaces, such as Roller rink">roller rinks) with the intent to beat the opponent's time score or get to the finish line first.

Vert skating

A term used to refer to

on a vert ramp – a half pipe with some vertical in it – usually between . Vert skating is a form of gymnastics performed with skates. The purpose of vert skating is to ride higher than the coping (which is the metal pipe on top of the ramp) and perform spins or flips. It focuses on complicated hard aerial maneuvers, such as spins and flips. The intent of the skater is to build speed until they are of sufficient height above the edge of the ramp to perform various aerial acrobatics. In competitions skaters have limited time, often less than a minute, to impress the judges by landing numerous and difficult tricks. Vert skating may occur in competition and was once part of the

Vert ramp A vert ramp is a form of half-pipe used in extreme sports such as vert skating, vert skateboarding and vert BMX. Vert ramps are so named because they transition from a horizontal plane (known as the flat-bottom) to a vertical section on top. ...

s are also present in many skateparks.

References

External links

* {{Authority control Roller sports

History

_Aggressive_inline

_Aggressive_inline

_Alpine_skating

_Aggressive_inline

_Alpine_skating

_Artistic/figure_skating

_Fitness/recreational_skating

_Aggressive_inline

_Alpine_skating

_Artistic/figure_skating

_Fitness/recreational_skating

_Freestyle_skating

Disciplines

Aggressive inline

_Alpine_skating

_Artistic/figure_skating

_Fitness/recreational_skating

_Freestyle_skating

_Hockey

_Off-road_skating

_Roller_soccer

__Speed_skating_

Alpine skating

Artistic/figure skating

Fitness/recreational skating

Freestyle skating

Hockey

Off-road skating

Roller soccer

Speed skating

Vert skating

References

External links