Blog - Roller skate in all seasons: rolling in winter.

Winter is marked by shorter days, less sun and lower temperatures. Here in Europe, we are entering the winter season, which can make roller skating a little less attractive. However, continuing to get your body moving is essential to keep your energy up and soften the colder days. We have prepared some tips for skating, no matter what the weather.

Amaury Cibot

/WINTER RIDING: PRACTICE IN ALL WEATHERS

When you want to skate in winter, the first obstacle is the cold.You have to wake up your body to avoid injuries such as tears or strains. Depending on your practice, the muscles and joints will be activated differently.

If roller skating is your daily mode of transport and you don't have time to warm up, you should start your ride at a moderate pace, and take your time so as not to pull on your body too hard.

If it is a more athletic practice, it is important not to neglect the warm-up. This will allow your body to be more elastic and limit the risk of injury. In winter, take the time to do a thorough warm-up to allow your muscles and joints to wake up and be ready to perform deeper movements.

As the weather gets colder, reduce and adjust your breaks. Your body cools down when you stop, so choose a reduced effort rather than stopping.  

In winter, the second obstacle is the rain. It is possible to roller skate in the rain, if you need to. In bad weather, vigilance must be increased because the ground becomes more slippery when it is wet. Depending on the type of surface you are used to skating on, it may be more difficult to skate. Choose smaller movements and be careful to avoid falling. Also, be aware that not all bearings are suitable for use in the rain. So don't hesitate to inquire about your bearings, and clean them after your rainy outing.

To reduce the risk of winter skating accidents and injuries, we advise you to prepare yourself physically. Stay well bent, try to repeat the steps instead of pushing with each stride. This will help you keep control and avoid risky sudden movements. Also, be careful and anticipate obstacles. Slow down before taking a curve because if you have to brake on wet ground you will have to push harder to stop. 

The concept of foresight is important for both turns and descents. Test your braking at the top before you get too much speed. Descend perpendicular to the slope.

Amaury Cibot

/RIDING IN WINTER: BE WELL EQUIPPED

Roller skating in winter means being prepared to face the cold. First of all, think about covering your head, which is responsible for the loss of 50% of body heat. Then, cover your hands well, which are not used much during the practice of roller skating. 

Take warm and windproof clothes. A waterproof garment is the right solution if you want to evacuate calories because it will make you sweat quickly. On the contrary, technologies are nowadays efficient to evacuate perspiration and keep the body warm. Finally, hydrate as much as if you were riding in the middle of summer, as cold air is a source of dehydration.

Winter marks the beginning of shorter days. The night is quickly coming, and roller skating implies to be visible to other users of the track. A reflective vest or even accessories such as luminous wheels, armbands, headlamps will be welcome for your safety and that of others.  

Practicing roller skating  in an indoor room is also a solution. You have a heated space where you can have fun skating or training. The skating technique is different from outside but what better way than to test? It is the opportunity to improve your skating technique and especially in the turns. Our association Flaneurz Roller Skating Club located in Pantin offers regular courses for all levels

Amaury Cibot

/WINTER RIDING: MAINTAINING YOUR EQUIPMENT

Whatever your practice, you must maintain your roller skates regularly. However, during winter, you must be impeccable in its maintenance. In rainy weather, the bearings are the first to be impacted. Oxidation will appear if you do not grease your bearings. In addition, dry and clean your roller skates to avoid their degradation and make your use last. 

Vary your wheelset according to the weather conditions. For rainy weather, softer wheels will give you a better grip on the ground. 

Depending on the type of skate, drying the shoes is very important. Place them in front of a warm place to prevent mold from setting in. Flaneurz shows you precisely in this article: How to maintain skates?

Roller skating in winter may seem impossible but it is not. You just have to be well prepared. Warm up well, dress well and you will be able to live your passion for roller skating every day.