Skate, Glide, and Roll: Ice Skating and Roller Sports for Kids

As kids, many of us were afforded at least one opportunity to take to the ice or the sidewalk and skate around. Whether it was a single blade or a set of rolling wheels, we all got to experience the singular joy and terror of being carried about on a contrivance that was only partially our own two feet. It’s a strange and exhilarating thing to skate, but it’s not an easy skill to master, even if one starts at a young age.

Skating, either ice or otherwise, represents an exciting array of ways for kids to stay active, build confidence, and explore new skills. Whether it’s ice skating, roller skating, or even inline skating, these sports combine movement, coordination, and creativity into one incredible package. These sports are the perfect way for kids who want to glide into adventure, while staying fit and having fun at the same time.

In this article, we will skate our merry way into the robust world of skating and rolling sports. We will explore their benefits, types, gear, and offer some valuable tips for getting your kids started. So, lace up your skates, and let’s rock and roll!

Why Skating Is Great for Kids

Anyone who has been skating knows how sore it can leave you afterwords. That’s because skating of any kind represents a full-body activity that exercises nearly every muscle. At the same time, skating helps children develop essential skills while allowing them to have an absolute blast. Here are some of the top reasons why skating is a fantastic sport for young athletes:

Builds Physical Fitness

Skating works the legs, core, and even the arms. Kids learn to properly balance themselves while also propelling themselves forward. In this way, skating improves:

• Cardiovascular health by keeping the heart pumping. In our society, cardiovascular health can be a large concern as people get older, so having your kids develop a strong heart from the start will likely help them in the long-run.
• Muscle strength, especially in the legs. Muscle strength isn’t always easy to build up in young kids, but skating does this without needing to push them into complicated workouts.
• Flexibility and balance, which are crucial for coordination. We all know that kids could us a bit of a hand in this area, clumsy as they are.

Encourages Social Interaction

Many kids have problems with shyness and while skating might not intrinsically feel as social as say a team sport like baseball, it still affords plenty of opportunities for bashful kids to meet new friends; many of whom are probably feeling just as shy and nervous at the start. Skating rinks, parks, and clubs are great places where kids can meet friends and participate in group activities. Ice hockey is also a skating sport that happens to require some measure of teamwork, which helps kids on several axes. This not only fosters teamwork and camaraderie, it helps kids to learn about and meet others with the same interests as themselves.

Promotes Mental Health

For some kids, there is no better feeling than that of gliding smoothly across the ice on a pair of skates. For others, the exhilaration of sliding down the sidewalk is beyond compare. Regardless of your child’s preference, there is no doubt that doing something enjoyable and physically demanding can be good for the mental health. Skating, like most sports, releases endorphins or “feel good hormones” which reduce stress and anxiety. Thus, even the simple rhythmic motion of skating helps minimize a child’s overall stress.At the same time, learning to skate and skate well can boost a child’s self-confidence. This feeling of accomplishment can increase even more as they learn new tricks and master new skating skills.

Teaches Perseverance

We all know the old adage about falling down and getting back up again. Nowhere does this adage seem more pertinent than in skating. Kids are going to fall down a lot when they first take to the skates and learning how to skate properly is going to involve a lot of trial and error; rather more trial and error than many kids are used to experiencing when they first join a sport. Regardless, falling and getting back up teaches kids a great deal about resilience and determination. It teaches children about the power of persistence and the effect it has on improving their abilities.

The Different Types of Skating and Rolling Sports

We touched on it earlier, but skating comes in many forms, each offering its own unique thrills. We pared them down to the most common and popular types for kids in the list below:

Ice Skating

Ice skating is a classic sport. It isn’t exclusively a winter sport, either, as many people might believe. Many ice skating rinks are open year-round, especially in colder places where the sport is more common among kids and young athletes. whether on a frozen pond or an indoor rink ice skating can be done in the following ways:

• Figure Skating: A graceful sport involving jumps, spins, and artistic moves. This is also a Olympic sport and provides young skaters with many positive role models.
• Ice Hockey: A fast-paced team sport that combines skating with stick-handling skills. Ice hockey is one of the most popular televised sports, as well, and can be very dynamic and exciting to watch.
• Speed Skating: A competitive sport focused on racing around a track as quickly as possible. This sport shows skaters making their way around the rink at blinding speeds.

Best for Kids Who: Love winter, enjoy artistic expression, or are among the more competitive in their age group.

Roller Skating

Roller skating has been a favorite pastime for decades. In fact, many parents reading this article probably have fond memories of skating around archaic roller rinks from our own parent’s generation. It uses quad skates (skates with four wheels arranged in a square pattern). Activities that involve roller skates include:

• Rink Skating: Recreational skating in indoor or outdoor rinks. These rinks usually include freestyle skating, often set to music,
• Jam Skating: A mix of dance and tricks performed on skates. This is a more rhythmic type of skating and isn’t as popular these days.
• Roller Derby: A competitive team sport played on roller skates. Many roller derby teams and leagues exist across the U.S., and can be co-ed.

Best for Kids Who: Enjoy music, dancing, or team sports.

Inline Skating

Parents reading this might be more familiar with rollerblading than they would be with roller skating. Rollerblading was all the rage in the late 80s and early 90s, but it’s essentially roller skating with the wheels reconfigured to be more like a blade on an ice skate. Inline skating uses skates with wheels arranged in a single line. It’s popular for recreation and competitive sports. Inline skating activities includes:

• Freestyle Skating: Tricks and stunts performed on inline skates.
• Speed Skating: Races held on tracks or streets.
• Aggressive Skating: Skating with daring tricks on ramps and rails. Think more extreme sports activities or XGames type events.

Best for Kids Who: Love speed, adventure, and learning tricks.

Skateboarding

Though not technically skating in the traditional sense, skateboarding is closely related and appeals to the same adventurous spirit that drives kids to strap wheels and blade to their feet. It involves riding and performing tricks on a board with wheels.

Best for Kids Who: Are daring, creative, and love the skate park scene.

Getting Started: What Kids Need to Know

Starting a new sport can be overwhelming for a kid, especially if they keep falling down on the first day, but with the right approach, skating can be a smooth ride. Here’s a guide to help your kids get rolling:

Choose the Right Type of Skating

Encourage your child to try different forms of skating to see what excites them most. Not all kids will like the scraped knees or palms that come rollerblading, just as others may not enjoy the chilly feeling of skating on solid ice. Make sure your kid gets a taste of it all by having them visit a rink, park, or trail. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ice, roller, or inline skates if your kid happens to be interested. Also, it might not hurt to get some practice in yourself beforehand so you can join them on the ice.

Gear Up for Safety

Safety is critical in skating, especially because your kid is going to fall and hurt themself at least once. This is especially true for beginners. Essential gear for skating includes:

• Helmet: Protects against head injuries.
• Pads: Wrist, elbow, and knee pads cushion falls.
• Proper Skates: Well-fitting skates are crucial for comfort and control.

Learn the Basics

Before attempting tricks or racing, children should be sure to master the fundamentals. Always encourage them to go slow when it comes to skating to avoid injury or undue disappointment:

• Balancing: Practice standing still and gliding forward.
• Stopping: Use toe brakes on roller skates or inline skates. Ice skaters can use the “snowplow” technique.
• Turning: Lean gently in the direction you want to go.

Find a Safe Practice Space

The best place for a kid to start practicing their skating is in a controlled environment, like a skating rink or smooth outdoor trail. It goes without saying that you want to avoid busy streets or uneven surfaces until your child’s kills improve; and probably don’t ever have them skate on or near busy streets if they can help it.

Take Lessons or Join a Club

Many rinks and parks offer beginner classes or clubs for children who are just starting out. These services usually provide professional instruction and a chance for kids to meet peers with a similar interest in skating.

Popular Tricks and Skills for Kids

Once kids begin to feel confident on their skates, they can explore a wide array of exciting tricks and skills:

Ice Skating Skills

• Basic Spins: Simple spins like the two-foot spin are great for beginners.
• Jumps: Small jumps like the “bunny hop” are perfect for learning air control.
• Gliding Backward: A fundamental skill that feels like flying.

Roller Skating Tricks

• Crossover Turns: Useful for turning smoothly at the rink.
• Heel-Toe Spin: A fun trick to show off at parties.
• Skating Backward: A great skill to impress friends.

Inline Skating Stunts

• Slalom: Weaving between cones is a fun and challenging activity.
• Jumping: Small jumps off curbs or ramps add excitement.
• Grinding: Advanced skaters can slide along rails (with protective gear).

Benefits of Skating for Kids’ Development

In addition to being a fun sport with amazing potential for exciting opportunities for movement, skating helps children grow in multiple ways:

Physical Benefits:

• Skating improves a child’s strength, endurance, and flexibility.
• Skating helps kids to develop their fine motor skills and spatial awareness.

Mental Benefits:

• Learning to skate boosts a child’s self-confidence. This feeling is compounded the more they learn and improve.
• Skating enhances a young athlete’s focus and concentration through practice.

Social Benefits:

• Many skating team sports like hockey and roller derby, teach kids about teamwork and communication.
• Like all sports, skating with peers encourages friendships through shared experiences.

Where to Skate: Top Spots for Kids

Ice Skating Rinks:

• Indoor and outdoor rinks are great places for budding skaters to find year-round fun. Many such places even offer beginner-friendly sessions.

Roller Rinks:

• If you can find one still operating in your area, these nostalgic venues are perfect for family outings and learning basics.

Parks and Trails:

• Smooth, paved trails are ideal for inline skating and scateboarding.

Skate Parks:

• These places are designed so skaters can practice tricks and stunts. They tend to cater to more adventurous or advanced skaters.

Competitions and Events for Young Skaters

Children who enjoy skating can take it to the next level by participating in varying degrees of competition. Here are some options that you and your kids can consider together:

• Figure Skating Shows: Ice skating clubs often host performances and competitions.
• Roller Derby Leagues: For those who love team sports, kids’ roller derby leagues are growing in popularity.
• Speed Skating Races: Test speed and endurance on ice or inline skates.
• Skateboarding Contests: Kids can showcase their skills at local or regional events.

Cultured Athlete Says…

Skating, gliding, and rolling sports might seem difficult at first glance, but these sports offer children endless opportunities for fun, fitness, and friendship. Whether your child prefers twirling on the ice, racing on inline skates, or mastering tricks at the skate park, these activities are sure to inspire joy and resilience; and keep them coming back for more!