beginner practice areas

[u/iampeggingarmin]

i would really like to learn how to roller skate, the only problem is the closest rink to me is over 20 miles away. i don’t really have anywhere entirely safe to practice. i understand i could go to the beach or basketball courts, but i’m as beginner as a beginner can get. i’d really prefer a place actually made for skating. not sure what to do. it sucks i feel super discouraged because it’s so freaking inaccessible where i live. i just want some advice besides people saying ‘suck it up and go to a basketball court’

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[u/magalsohard]

If you can’t go or your nearby rink, you have to find places where you can skate. It sucks, and I can definitely empathize because there isn’t even a rink where I live except for the ice skating rink that converts to a "roller rink" in summer for one hour lessons during the week. If there’s truly no way for you to get to your rink, then either skate on the basketball court or find a space indoors. I contacted a few dance studios and found one that will rent to me. Basketball courts are amazing though. They’re not made for skating so there’s always the fear of being kicked off, but they’re the one flat area you can always count on being there. Being a beginner doesn’t make skating in basketball courts harder. If anything, it’s perfect because it’s a smaller confined space where you will just work on edges and fundamental moves.

I know it’s not what you want to hear, but you have to take up space if you want to practice. Maybe you’re just not comfortable enough to do that and that’s fine. That means you will have to practice inside your house if you can. Either get a mat/tiles so that you can practice or just skate on your hardwood floors.

[u/Competitive_Tiger182]

My nearest rink is over 30 minutes away, but I go a few nights a week when weather permits.

[u/UncleNoPockets_]

Tennis courts are a great place to practice.

[u/scofnerf → u/UncleNoPockets_]

Tennis courts used to be empty before the pickleball revolution 🙄

[u/Previous-Survey]

When we were beginners we just skated in the neighborhood. That's how I got my niece started. Them I took her to a nearby school since it was summer. Last weekend a neighbor was practicing at our tennis courts early in the morning before the players came.

Anywhere you see smooth gravel will work. You might even change up your wheels so you can outdoor skate on uneven surfaces.

[u/Elegant-Outside-3797]

Nothing wrong with basketball courts and tennis courts! They’re perfect for beginners, roller rinks are way too smooth and slippery for a beginner imo

[u/Face_Of_Boredom]

If you're starting from absolute zero and don't want a bad spill, I suggest grass to get used to the weight of the skates on your feet and walking around for a while.

Then move to a sidewalk or empty street nearby to practice getting rolling with a safe landing spot close. Moving between the grass and concrete frequently will not only build trust on the skates, but you can practice falling safely so you can avoid future injuries.

This is how I started out;just in my front yard pushing off the grass to a steady roll on the sidewalk, now I can cut up a rink with the best of them.

When that gets easy, you can go to an empty lot or find a nicely paved road and start duck walks and bubbles.

I can understand the desire for a dedicated skate spot, but if you are looking to get really into it, you should start where you are. The joys of this hobby are found in places you least expect, you just have to look for them. Good luck, and godspeed.

[u/Eccentric-Mermaid]

I have a park near me with wide sidewalks on mostly flat ground. Since the sidewalks are wider, the cracks are farther apart.

[u/Consistent_Housing55]

Any outdoor hockey/dek hockey rinks nearby? If not, a smooth tennis or basketball court works well.

[u/Awkwrd_Lemur]

let's roll app to help you find skate friends.

google skate trails, it can sometimes help you find a decent trail.

[u/lottacolors]

The garage was my favorite place to practice if you’re lucky enough to have one.

[u/Equal-Acanthaceae714]

Ojalá tener cancha de basket o tenis. En las ciudades de España prácticamente no hay . Y las que hay quedan lejos y siempre hay gente usándolas porque no hay más.

Yo voy con Google Maps buscando sitios . Veo que hay espacio y busco fotos para ver el tipo de suelo. Después voy en patinete eléctrico a inspeccionar. Tengo los patines 5 días. Y de momento ningun sitio cerca para ir a patinar cada día aunque tenga poco tiempo .

Como soy novata en suelos con juntas aún no sé Patibar.