What age can a child learn to rollerblade?
Inline skating is a fun and exciting hobby for adults and kids. There are tons of health and social benefits, making inline skating more attractive.
One of the barriers to entry is age, and it affects children and adults alike. If you’re looking to introduce your children to skating but wondering if they’re ready or not, I got you.
From experience and research, the appropriate age to introduce your kids to inline skates is between 3 and 6.
Children’s body physique develops differently, which explains why some are ready for rollerblades at 3, 3 1/2, 4, 5, or 6.
Apart from body development, balance and strength determine if your child is ready to try inline skates.
This is only the tip of the iceberg. I cover more in the rest of this guide! Inline skating is fun, and I’m sure your kid (s) will love the sport.
However, you have to ensure they’re ready for it. So, let’s get down to it!
What age can a child learn to rollerblade?
According to a report by Medline Plus, growth and development are never the same for all children.
Depending on the environment and the efforts parents put into raising kids, some will always be ahead of the rest.
This is especially true when the environment is safe, healthy, and friendly to the kid and there’s enough food and love.
Kids raised in these setups are healthy, have high self-esteem, and are generally strong.
On the contrary, those raised in unfriendly environments with inadequate food are quite the opposite.
They’re weak, sometimes unhealthy, and lastly, maybe suffering from low self-esteem issues.
When put together, these factors influence the child’s growth curve, with the ones in favorable environments developing faster than those in unfavorable environments.
Therefore, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that the appropriate age to introduce your kids to inline skates varies between 3 and 6.
Again, you’re the parent, which means you know your child better than anyone else. It’d be appropriate to make the call based on how you know your child’s capabilities.
Is your Child Ready for Inline Skates?
Below, I break down indicators that you can use to tell if your child is ready for inline skates.
1. Body Balance
Inline skates have a series of wheels positioned in a line. This is unlike quad skates with wheels on the opposite sides.
Therefore, it can be a hurdle balancing on inline skates, especially for beginners.
For your kid to start using inline skates, they should be able to stand without clinging to something before anything else.
Also, they should be able to walk comfortably on their own. Once you can affirm all these, it would mean the child is ready to try out rollerblading.
2. Physical strength
Inline skating requires physical strength, especially when pushing one’s feet to the sides and back in.
Besides, an inline skater spends most of the time bent to get more stability while on the skates.
These activities are intensive, and without enough strength, your kid may not last in inline skating past a week.
To check if the kid is ready, you’d want to assess the level of physical activity while in the house or playing with other kids outdoors.
If the kid can run for a few minutes, that would be a good sign to hack inline skating.
3. Full Body Coordination
This indicator is determined by the kid’s body balance and physical strength. Normally, kids need the right balance and physical strength to gain full-body coordination.
If your kid is still unable to stand and walk, you’d have to wait a little longer before introducing them to rollerblading.
Gliding on inline skates needs the full coordination of arms, legs, and sight and hearing senses. Without a combination of these, it would be tough for the kid.
Can 6-year-olds use roller blades?
It is generally safe for children as young as six years old to use roller blades, as long as they are properly supervised and have the necessary protective gear.
However, every child is different and some may not be ready for roller blades at such a young age.
It is important to consider the individual child’s physical abilities, coordination, and attention to safety when determining whether or not they are ready to use roller blades.
Before allowing a child to use roller blades, it is important to ensure that they have the necessary protective gear, including a properly fitted helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads.
It is also important to make sure that the roller blades are the correct size and fit properly. Children should be taught to always skate in a designated area, to skate in a single file line, and to look both ways before crossing any streets or driveways.
It is also a good idea to have children practice skating on a smooth, flat surface until they are comfortable and confident on the roller blades.
As they become more comfortable, they can gradually move on to more challenging terrain and surfaces.
Overall, it is important to closely supervise children while they are using roller blades and to teach them to always be aware of their surroundings and to skate safely.
Benefits of Inline Skating For Beginners
Like many sporting activities, inline skating has tons of benefits for beginners, slightly experienced, and pro skaters.
Below, we’ll look into these benefits and how they can transform an inline skater’s life.
1. Physical Benefits such as Cardio
According to a report by Healthy Children.org, children require physical activity for healthy well-being.
Amongst their recommendations, inline skating is considered one of the best aerobic exercises for children.
Rollerblading is vigorous and requires a lot of energy and physical activity. Inline skating keeps the heart in check to supply blood to the body muscles as one glides.
While skating, the heart is more engaged and active, which is good for the cardiovascular system.
Walking alone helps in burning around 43 calories. On the flip side, inline skating is more vigorous and helps burn twice as many calories stored in the body as fats.
As one is skating, stored body fats are burnt down in aerobics.
Doing this for a while improves body fitness and reduces the chances of obesity and diabetes in children.
In a nutshell, inline skating develops body muscles, especially around the core area, and maintains a good body BMI.
During skating, the body rereleases endorphin hormones, which are good at reducing stress. Probably, at this age, your kid doesn’t have stress to deal with.
However, they’ll still need to loosen up after school work. In this case, skating would help make them feel better.
2. Building, Boosting Self-esteem and Confidence
Inline skating plays a critical role in mental and physical health. Putting the skates on and moving around in them requires confidence.
A kid who’s into inline skating will develop more self-esteem and confidence as they grow.
Besides, rollerblading is a cool and fancy sport. When one is on the skates, they become the center of attraction and influence their friends.
This boosts self-esteem and confidence as the sport instills a sense of worthiness in a person.
3. Social Interactions
Inline skating is a social activity. One can skate in a skating park or on the streets with fellow skaters.
In the process, friendships are established, which sometimes last into old age. A rule of the thumb is to have skating buddies if you want to go far with skating.
Also, attending organized skating activities and competitions is a great way to interact with all types of inline skaters. All skaters are different skill levels.
While some are beginners, others are intermediates, and pros are also. These social events are awesome for building and boosting rapport between skaters of all levels.
Types of inline skates
Inline skates are divided into four main categories. These include;
- Recreational inline skates,
- Fitness inline skates,
- Hockey inline skates,
- Racing inline skates, and
- Streets/urban inline skates.
In this other post, I go deeper into the types of inline skates and how to choose one that’s suitable for beginners. You’ll also find some of the best inline skates that I recommend for kids and beginner skaters.
Best Inline Skates for Kids
There are many great inline skates for kids on the market. Some things to consider when looking for inline skates for kids are:
- Adjustability: Look for inline skates that have adjustable sizes so they can grow with your child’s feet.
- Fit: Make sure the inline skates fit properly and are comfortable for your child to wear.
- Quality: Choose inline skates that are made with good quality materials and have good support to ensure your child’s safety while skating.
- Brake: Consider inline skates with a brake on the back for added safety, especially for younger children who are just learning to skate.
- Price: Inline skates for kids can range in price from budget-friendly options to more expensive models. Determine your budget and choose a pair that meets your needs and fits within your price range.
Some popular brands of inline skates for kids include Rollerblade, K2, and Powerslide. It’s always a good idea to read reviews and try on different models to find the best fit for your child.
Here are some of the best children’s inline skates.
1. Rollerblade Microblade Kid’s
Looking for the best inline skate for your child? Look no further! The Microblade skate is perfect for kids who are just starting out or looking for a high-quality product.
With its adjustable four sizes, this skate is sleek and streamlined to position kids correctly for optimal skating balance, control, and support.
But the comfort doesn’t stop there – the Junior Fit liner makes this skate so comfortable that your child won’t want to take them off.
The engineered mesh creates a sock-like fit with added breathability, ensuring that your child stays comfortable and cool during their skating sessions.
The Microblade skate also features a versatile and durable integrated frame that gets kids closer to the ground for a lower center of gravity and more control and stability. Plus, the 3WD system allows for an upgrade to a 3x80mm wheel setup, giving your child even more options for their skating experience.
And with Rollerblade performance wheels – 72mm/80A paired with SG3 bearings – your child will enjoy a lasting, smooth roll with just the right amount of speed for a safe and exciting experience. Don’t miss out on this top-of-the-line inline skate for your child. Check the latest price.
2. Rollerblade Apex
Looking for a high-performance skate that provides the perfect blend of support, ventilation, and shock absorption? Look no further than the Rollerblade Urban Jr. Skate.
Featuring a superior molded boot with a supportive shell and vented breathability, the Urban Jr. Skate keeps your feet comfortable and cool, even during intense skating sessions.
The secure closure system, with dual buckle and laces, ensures a snug and secure fit that won’t loosen as you move.
But the Urban Jr. Skate’s premium liner takes things to the next level, with a supplemental heel shock absorber that dampens vibration and reduces fatigue.
And the extruded aluminum frame, with its lower center of gravity, provides stability and versatility, no matter your style of skating.
But it’s not just about comfort and support – the Rollerblade Urban Jr. Skate also delivers when it comes to performance.
The Urban Jr. Wheels are specifically designed for each skate size, with a matte finish and SG7 bearings that provide a smooth and responsive ride.
Choose from three lengths – 207mm (185), 219mm (210), or 231mm (235) – to find the perfect fit for your feet.
In short, the Rollerblade Urban Jr. Skate is the ultimate choice for skaters who demand the best in support, ventilation, shock absorption, and performance. Don’t settle for less – upgrade to the Urban Jr. Skate today! Check the latest price here!
What Age is Appropriate for Inline Skates? FAQs
1. Are inline skates good for beginners?
Inline skates are good for beginners since they’re versatile and have a long wheelbase extending a few inches after the toes and heels. The large wheelbase provides more stability that beginner inline skaters need as they move around or contact bumps, pebbles, and surface cracks.
2. Should I buy quads or inline skates?
Choosing to buy quad skates or inline skates depends on your skating level and why you need the skates. Inline skates are mostly used outdoors for recreation purposes. Buy inline skates for easy maneuverability, safe braking, foot control, and body balance. These benefits you won’t find in quad skates which appear easy to handle, but that’s never the truth.
3. Is inline skating a good workout?
Inline skating is a good workout when done right. It’s the perfect exercise for keeping your body fit and developing muscles around your core. Regular skating burns excess body fat helps to maintain the right body BMI, and keeps the heart healthy and functional.
What Age is Appropriate for Inline Skates? Final Thoughts
Deciding to introduce your kids to inline skating or not should be informed by logic. There’s much consideration that goes in before making an informed decision.
The appropriate age to introduce your kids to inline skates varies between 3 and 6.
Children’s body physiques develop at different paces, explaining why some are ready for rollerblades at 3, 3 1/2, 4, 5, or 6.
Besides body development, balance and strength determine if your child is ready to try out inline skates or not.
You can only use this write-up as a guide since you’re the parent and you know your child better.
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Rollerblading Vs. Roller skating | the Definitive Comparison
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10 Health Benefits of Rollerblading | New Research
