Improperly fitting roller skates can be extremely frustrating, and if you are a beginner, it can bend that learning curve even more than it already was. But a skate that doesn’t fit quite right, doesn’t always mean that you selected the wrong size for your foot. While this is a very definite possibility, you may also just need to simply adjust the laces.  Like skates, feet come in all different shapes and sizes, and sometimes minor tweaks need to be made. Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, NY wants to see everyone in our rink having nothing less than a great time! So, follow these lacing tips if you are someone who is struggling with this.

• High Arches? If you have really high arches that cause the tops of your feet to be raised a little higher than most, relieve that pressure. Roller skates are supposed to be a little snug, but not uncomfortable.
• Is your heel slipping? If this is you, and you have been fitted for skates by someone who is knowledgable, try this lacing technique that will help alleviate this issue.
• Toe problems? Let’s raise them up a bit! This particular lacing method will help to alleviate hammer toes, toe corn, nail problems and any other painful toes issues you might experience with your toes.

Join us at our rink! Check out our schedule, and plan your next visit!

The Roller Skating Association International (RSA) will be kicking off National Roller Skating Month with the theme “From the Rink to the Rings”. It is an important message that roller skating isn’t just America’s favorite pastime, it’s also a stepping stone to a healthier and brighter future. In addition to the poster model, Chad Hedrick, winningest speed skater of all time, many famous Olympians began in the roller skating rink including Apollo Ono, J.R. Celski, Brian Boitano, Jennifer Rodriguez, Derek Parra, Brittany Bowe and more. This year’s poster represents the road Chad took to become an Olympic medalist starting with his years of training in the roller skating rink to winning five Olympic medals and 52 titles as a World Champion Inline Speed Skater. 

The RSA wants people to know that roller skating is one of the few activities that provides a complete aerobic workout for over 640 of the body’s muscles – especially the heart. To kick off the celebration early, the RSA spent the weekend in New York at Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play sharing with more than 5,000 children the joys of roller skating! Families, kids, and teens are encouraged to dedicate themselves to achieving an active lifestyle.

Blog originally posted at http://www.rollerskating.com/blog/celebrate+national+roller+skating+month/10

Learning a new skill is a nerve-racking experience in the best of times. Strapping wheels to your feet and trying to learn balance, control, and speed is nothing short of scary. Whether you’re old or young, just learning or teaching your kids, here are Rainbow Rink’s 4 favorite skating tips to make the lessons a little easier.

Wear comfortable clothing.

Learn to Skate at Rainbow Rink!

When you’re learning a new sport, the last thing you want is to feel constricted. Wear loose, comfortable clothing when learning to skate. If you’re worried about falling, consider wearing protective gear like knee pads and wrist guards.

Use your knees.

A beginner skater’s best defense against falling is knowing how to use your knees. Bend your knees slightly when skating to give yourself better control. If you feel yourself falling, hit your knees instead of catching yourself with your hands. This cushions your fall and limits wrist or hand injuries. Practice falling to your knees on the carpet before you venture onto the skating floor.

Stick to the wall.

When you’re learning to skate, it’s best not to push yourself too far too fast. Skate near the wall until you’re comfortable on your skates. Skating by the wall gives you balance and guidance, and keeps you out of the way of faster, more experienced skaters.

Buy your own skates.

If you’re ready to invest in a new hobby, it pays to fully commit. When you buy your own roller-skates, you’re guaranteeing a set of wheels that’s fitted to your size, skill, and level of experience. Buy skates for speed, maneuverability, or tricks. As you skate the boots will mold to your feet, making it easier to control your wheels (and stay comfortable) when skating.

Still not steady on your skates? Practice during our Summer Afternoon Skating Sessions before rolling into busier weekend skate events.