S1 helmets come with a standard shell size and interchangeable velcro pads sized based on head circumference. Choose the appropriate shell size for your head circumference, as well as the appropriate pad size for your head. For example, a 22 inch head would need an S1 Lifer shell with size large pads. Please refer to S1's sizing guide here!
The Certified Sweatsaver helmets come in three different shell sizes, XS/S, S/M, and L/XL, with two sets of corresponding pads in each size to mix and match for a custom fit. For example, a 22 inch circumference head would need a size S/M and could choose the best pad arrangement for their head. Please refer to the sizing chart here!
Our helmets are certified for impacts, and ready to roll with you!
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1) Artistic/Dance Wheels - Designed to be hard wheels that are not "grippy" to allow for the dance style moves in skating.
2) Outdoor Wheels - These are softer wheels (78A - 85A) that are designed to be able to absorb the uneven terrain of outdoor skating surfaces (e.g. trails, sidewalks, boardwalks, roads). For example, Radar Energy Wheels and Atom Pulse Wheels.
3) Indoor/Derby Wheels - The wheels are designed for the sport of Roller Derby. These allow the different positions in Derby to be able to stop quickly, go quickly, and go at fast speeds. They are also sized appropriately for maneuverability. For example, Radar Pop Wheels.
4) Ramp/Bowl Wheels - These wheels are typically narrow wheels (55mm-59mm) and are harder than typical outdoor wheels (92A-101A) due to their use on smooth concrete surfaces. For example CIB Vertex Wheels.
5) Hybrid Wheels
Wheels can come in several heights and widths, and what you choose depends on what style of skating you are doing. Wheels that are larger in height/width make it easier to maintain a speed and are great for stability while learning. They are also great for skating longer distances, like trail skating.
Smaller wheels are better for quick movements and faster speeds. They are designed for light cruising and learning tricks.
It may take a little experimentation with different wheels to find just what size is best for your personal style of skating.
Wheel hardness (also referred to as the durometer or grip level) is listed as a number with an A behind it, such as 93A. The higher the number, the harder the wheel is and the less grip it has. A high number, with virtually no grip would be 103A. This is preferred in many styles of dance skating to make it easier to glide your wheels. Slicker floors, like a polished concrete derby track might need a lower number around 84A.
For outdoor skating a softer wheel is needed. The softer the wheel the more your wheels will absorb shock as you roll over cracks and small debris. Most skaters look for a wheel hardness around 78A for outdoor skating. For ramp and park skating a harder wheel is also preferable, ranging from 92A to 101A.
Information from Roller Skate Nation
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Nylon
Nylon plates are lighter and are often found on less expensive roller skates. Sometimes nylon plates are referred to as plastic. Nylon plates can flex, which means less power transfer. Some styles of skating require the skater to go up on their toe stops when stopping or during quick take offs, and the flex nylon plates have is not ideal for these styles. Other skaters prefer nylon plates because of how lightweight they are.
Metal Alloy
Aluminum (most common) or magnesium plates are preferred by skaters that need a plate that is less likely to break if used frequently, aggressively or used by a heavier skater. Aluminum plates also offer more power transfer (less flex) than nylon plates.
Lower priced aluminum plates have a tendency to be bit heavier and this can make skating a little more difficult for a smaller skater. Higher end metal alloy plates are lightweight like a nylon, but maintain the durability of a metal plate. If you are looking for something durable but lightweight, look for something like the avanti or avenger magnesium plates.
Axle Size/Bearing Size
Axles are commonly available in two sizes. 7mm (9/32) or 8mm (5/16). Most current skates are manufactured with an 8mm axle because 8mm bearings and locknuts are more common and readily available. Most older/vintage skates will have a 7mm axle. Email us if you're unsure!
King Pin Angle
Most skate plates come with a 45 degree angle or 10 degree angle. There are a few other angles, but these are the most common. Both styles can be advantageous for a variety of skaters. Newer skaters may find it best to use the following suggestions, or experiment with both and see which one best suits their style of skating. An example of a 10 degree angle plate is the Reactor Fuse Plate, and an example of a 45 degree angle plate is the Avenger Aluminium Plate.
10 degree plates tend to give a more stable feeling, because the kingpin and cushions are located more vertically under the skater, putting your motion in the centre of your skates. This is definitely the most common style.
45 degree plates have become very popular particularly with roller derby skaters. The cushions are positioned almost horizontally, putting your motion either in your toes or your heels, this makes the skate more responsive to direction changes. Make quick changes in direction easier and quicker. This is commonly referred to in roller derby as cutting, used to quickly get across the width of the derby track to stop an opponent. This is a 45 degree angle plate, you can see how the kingpins point to the side more than a typical plate.
Something to keep in mind when choosing a plate, is slide block compatibility. If you plan on using your skates at the skate park, choosing a plate that fits your slide block is important.
Info from: Roller Skate Nation
]]>Hi, my name is Bethany, and I love exploring new trails! I’ve been skating for almost three years now, but I like to know what to expect when I go to a trail, so I thought others might as well! On #TrailSkateTuesday, I’m here to tell you the best trails to start with, and what to expect when you get there. Last summer I posted about the Chain of Lakes Trail and Portland Lakes Greenway, and this summer, I want to tell you about a few more local trails. First up is Lake Banook – but there are, essentially, two different trails the run alongside Banook, so I’m going to discuss them separately. So this week, I’ll tell you about the “Graham’s Grove End” of Banook, and next time, I’ll tell you about the “Paddler’s End” of Banook.
Gear Thoughts |
Why I Recommend It |
Where I Skate |
Hills |
Road Crossings |
Other Obstacles |
If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot at the Graham’s Grove trailhead, at 45 Prince Albert Road (right across the street from Braemar Superstore, which you can also park at, you’ll just have to cross the street to get to the trail). If you’re coming by Halifax Transit, the nearest stops are 8069, Prince Albert Rd before Celtic Dr, and 8068, Prince Albert Road after Celtic Drive (on the opposite side of the street). These stops are served by route 62.
If you are newer to trail skating, you will want the biggest, squishiest wheels possible, so that you don’t have to worry about cracks or a stray rock or twig. For me, that’s usually Moxi Gummy wheels, though I’ve also skated this trail on the harder, smaller Moxi Fundae wheels, and had no problems with it. As always, know the risk of rollerskating and wear as much safety gear as helps you feel comfortable.
From the Graham’s Grove parking lot, I skate down the slight hill (in the direction of the highway and the close end of Banook). Alongside where the highway is, there is a large suspension bridge, and right after that the trail bends to the left and follows the far shoreline of the lake. After a ways, there’s a very small second bridge, after which the trail goes steeply uphill to join onto Brookdale Crescent, so I generally turn around and come back before connecting with the residential street.
This trail starts with a small downhill slope at the very beginning, but it’s very mild with a long straight stretch at the bottom. You can comfortably use plow stops to check your speed, or you can bomb straight down and coast for a ways afterward. The large bridge is also an up-then-down-hill (more on that below).
None (unless you park at Superstore).
You should know that the parking lot is gravel, and there is no way around it – you have to step or toestop from where you park to the trailhead. The trail goes over a large suspension bridge at the end of Banook, beside the highway, and in addition to being an uphill followed by a downhill, the pavement condition on the bridge is terrible. I usually toestop across because I find it unpleasant to skate over, but it’s a very small section of an overall lovely trail!
Hi, my name is Bethany, and I love exploring new trails! I’ve been skating for almost two years now, but I like to know what to expect when I go to a trail, so I thought others might as well! On #TrailSkateTuesday, I’m here to tell you the best trails to start with, and what to expect when you get there. Last time I posted about the Chain of Lakes trail, and this time, it’s my absolute favourite:
Getting There |
Where I Skate |
Recommendations |
Hills |
Road Crossings |
Other Obstacles |
If you’re driving, take Portland St to Baker Dr, then turn left on to Freshwater Trail You’ll see the trailhead on your left, and you can park on the street. If you’re coming by Halifax Transit, the nearest stops are 8850, Baker Drive before Freshwater Trail, and 8843, Baker Drive After Freshwater Trail, on the opposite side. These stops are served by route 57.
I like to skate from Freshwater Trail to Portland Estates Blvd, which is just over 3km round trip, and I often skate this section twice while I’m there – sometimes three times if I’m feeling energetic.
Super smooth pavement, beautiful lake view, nicely treed trail, small hills. Some sheltered areas, and some breezy open areas. It’s just a joy to skate.
This trail is made for cruising so a big soft set of wheels is the perfect ride. I ride on the Moxi Classic wheels (78a, 62mm) for this. A big wheel makes it easier to go longer distances and helps when encountering sticks or little pebbles. The mid-sized Radar Energy wheels would also be great for this length of the trail.
This trail has small hills that are a great opportunity to learn and build confidence. If you start at the Freshwater Trail end, you will be at the top of a gradual downhill slope. The trail isn’t wide enough to comfortably carve, but the hill is shallow enough that you have a number of choices: use plow stops or t-stops to check your speed, skate backwards and use your toe stop to control your speed, or just bomb straight down it! There is a long straight stretch after the first hill, then a much shorter second hill before a long straight stretch by the lake. When I first started at this trail, I was really nervous about this hill, because I don’t like speed and felt like I was out of control, but after I did it a few times, I really got a feel for it, and the long straightaway afterwards gives you a great opportunity to collect your thoughts.
There is one road crossing in this stretch of trail, at Eisener Blvd, where there is a marked crosswalk with lights. The trickiest part is that it looks like the trail ends here because the other side of the trail is hard to see, about 100m down on the other side of the road.
After crossing at the crosswalk, right before re-entering the trail, there is a pothole/wide gravel gap in the sidewalk. You cannot roll over it, and you cannot go around it, but it’s short. A confident skater could easily jump this gap; I chose to stop and step across on my toe stops, and it was no problem. There is also a wooden bridge near the Portland Estates end of the trail. The bridge is about 20’ long. I’m sure that a confident skater going at a good speed could roll over this bridge, but I’m timid, so I came to a stop and walked over it, which was also very easy and could be done on toe stops or wheels.
Please know that other than these two obstacles, there is glorious smooth pavement the whole way, and you do not need to worry about gravel. The first time I took another skater with me on this trail, she was ahead of me, started down a little hill, and could only see a gravel trail in front of her, so she dove onto the grass, but I promise, the pavement DOES continue!
Have you skated the Portland Lakes Greenway before? Let me know what you think in the comments, or recommend a trail that you want to see me review. Happy skating!
]]>Super smooth pavement, very easy skating, beautiful trees, regular benches if you need a break, and a gorgeous lake view. What’s not to love?
]]>Since I started skating, some of the most fun I’ve had has been rolling out on trails around the city and enjoying nature with friends on eight wheels. I love exploring new trails and sharing the best spots with other skaters. At the same time, even though I’ve been skating for almost two years now, I’m still a bit of a nervous skater, especially outside, so it’s nice to know what to expect when I go to a trail, or to be able to choose a trail that’s the right level of challenge for how I’m feeling on any particular day.
Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing some of my favourite trails with you. I’ll tell you the best places to start and what to expect in terms of difficulty and obstacles, and I’ll share some photos and videos that I’ve taken on the trails.
Getting There |
Where I Skate |
Recommendations |
Hills |
Road Crossings |
Other Obstacles |
If you’re driving, the best place to park is on Glen Eagle Way. This short road leads in toward Ashburn Golf Course, and you can park on either side of the road. If you’re coming by Halifax Transit, the nearest stops are 6612, Joseph Howe Dr. Before Mumford Rd, which is on the same side as the trail, and 6610, Joseph Howe Dr. After Mumford Rd, on the opposite side. These stops are served by routes 2, 3, 29, and 91.
I like to skate from Glen Eagle Way out to Chain Lake Drive. This stretch is just a hair over 4km each way, so about 8.1 or 8.2km altogether. Yes, the trail is a little bit longer than this at each end, but I find that this the best part of the trail because the start of the trail runs along Joe Howe drive, which means that you’re skating beside a busy four-lane road, and who likes traffic and smog when you’re trying to relax? At Glen Eagle, the trail breaks away from Joe Howe and begins going through the quiet, treed greenbelt, so it’s the best place to start. And usually, by the time I get from there to Bayers Lake, I’ve tired myself out enough that I don’t feel the need to go right to the end of the pavement at that end of the trail!
Super smooth pavement, very easy skating, beautiful trees, regular benches if you need a break, and a gorgeous lake view. What’s not to love?
This trail is made for cruising so a big soft set of wheels is the perfect ride. I ride on the Moxi Classic wheels (78a, 62mm) for this. A big wheel makes it easier to go longer distances and helps when encountering sticks or little pebbles.
This whole trail is one very gradual incline. If you park at the Joe Howe end, your entire trip out toward Bayers Lake will be up a very slight hill. I don’t notice it when I look at the trail, but every time I skate the trail, I feel like my skates are heavier than I remember. On the bright side, this means that you tire yourself out on the first half of the trip, and the second half is a BREEZE because it’s just enough of an incline that you can roll without pushing, but it’s still easy to control your speed or stop.
There are two in the section I skate, at approximately 0.5km and 1.5km from my suggested starting point. Both are low-traffic roads through residential areas, so there’s normally no intimidating traffic, though, in the first one, there isn’t great visibility.
None worth noting! This is a lovely smooth straight trail. Most paved trails have spots where they intersect with gravel trails, and there’s always a little crusher dust (tiny gravel) in those areas, but as long as you keep skating, you’ll go right over it. The pavement is in great condition, and there’s rarely even cracks in it.
Because this trail is so great, it also tends to be busy, so if you want to maintain space, I recommend going early morning or evening. Have you skated Chain of Lakes before? Let me know what you think in the comments, or recommend a trail that you want to see my review of. Happy skating!
]]>After receiving a bunch of suggestions from everyone for our previous post Quarantine on Quadskates we decided to write up a second post for Jam Skating!
So many of you have said that you are LOVING the jam skating tutorials popping up right now. Jam skating is an activity that you can do on your own in a relatively small space. It's my easiest dose of exercise right now and dancing it out really helps boost my energy levels for the day.
Everyone has their own style when it comes to Jam Skating so the most important thing to keep in mind is to get into your groove and just have fun with it! Jam skating is just like regular dancing but with your skates so put your favourite tunes on and get ready to bust a roll with these eight jam skaters!
Check out our previous post here
Our friends over at Roller Skate Victoria have started up an online community-based dance academy for people to watch and post Jam Skating videos. They also regularly host some free live dance aerobics classes via Facebook live every Tuesday and Saturday at 6pm PST. They earn bonus points in our books for being a Canadian group located out of Vancouver Island!
Located out of Australia, the Rollerfit group has been creating daily Instagram Live Videos giving lessons for all levels of jam skating. The videos are accessible on Instagram for 24 hours and are hosted by a variety of amazing skaters. The daily schedule of classes is listed via Instagram ahead of time to let you plan your schedule accordingly. Their practices don't require a lot of space (this is a big bonus for all of us skating in our living rooms) and they get you grooving no matter your skating level!
Classic SK8 Crew’s youtube page has so many great videos that break down all kinds of basic and advanced jam skating moves for you to try. They also have great videos you can follow and help you with your breakdancing/ jam skating goals.
I love this page for when I need some jam skating goals/inspiration. This is a group located out of the Netherlands that has such a unique and creative style of Jam Skating. You can check them out on YouTube or on Instagram.
Deez Skates has a bunch of tutorials for both inline and quad skaters. Their videos do a great job of breaking down different moves and teaching you how to build on a bunch of individual jam skating skills.
Estrojen is creating weekly skate training videos, especially those for skating small space. As well, there are daily tutorials about the ins and outs of different products and important skating tips like how not to get hurt or first time skating.
Morgan Weske and Sure-Grip International join together to put on live jam skating classes via Instagram. Check out Sure-Grip's social media for details on the next live class.
If you are looking for some skate inspiration (skate-spiration?) Gossipskate75 has started #ONEMOVEONEDAY and as you might have guessed... they show you a skate move to work on every day!
If you’re looking for a new challenge, this is a great one to follow along with and challenge yourself to keep up with.
As always, if you have any favorite resources outside of this list please leave a link in the comments! I will try to update these lists as suggestions come in.
]]>Lives around the world right now have been disrupted in countless ways. Our routines and activities have been forced to change and a lot of us need to adapt to a new lifestyle. Many of the skaters I know come from roller derby or skatepark backgrounds and are facing challenges adapting their skate habits to self-isolation.
For me, this has come with an emotional roller coaster of stress and uncertainty for the future.
A great way to relieve stress and anxiety is to exercise. I find when I'm skating, a lot of those feelings ease up or go away. Roller skating is an activity that can be done solo, in your own neighborhood, and even in a small space. I have worked to compile an awesome list of roller skating resources to keep you going during this time. Here you will find links to instructional on workouts, small space skills, jam skating, and events to keep our communities virtually connected.
If you have any favorite resources outside of this list please leave a link in the comments! I will try to update these lists as suggestions come in.
Here is a collection of five on skates resources. This is a focus on individual things to work on and derby skills training. You will find outdoor tips, footwork, and suggestions on how to adapt to small space skating.
Our friends over at Bearing Street Skating have been working on some awesome instructional videos for outdoor skating. They love to travel and street skate through the new cities. They are in the process of making a street skating zine sharing all the pro tips and we can't wait!
Check them out on Instagram @bearingstreetskating
The website Skate Baby has a good list of what to practice when you're skating alone. This has some good solo practice exercises and videos covering lateral movements, stops, edge work, jumping, and endurance.
Harshmellow is working on an ongoing video series for those who are working to achieve the minimum skills for roller derby. Located out of Newcastle, UK, they are an intake coach for their roller derby team. These videos are awesome resources to work on while in isolation.
Indy Jamma Jones and Pigeon give 10 things you can do for small space skating. It's a lot of footwork and jam skating moves. Definitely more of a playful approach!
Dirty Deborah Harry is a long time skating instructor and has assembled a Small Space Skating Video Playlist. It covers a wide variety of skills starting from the very basics.
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