If you love to skate, sooner or later you’re likely to want your own pair of skates instead of renting them. It’s important to know the parts of your skates so you can keep them in good working condition and get the longest possible life out of them. Read on to learn the basics of skate anatomy from your friends at Rainbow Roller Rink in North Tonawanda!

The Parts of a Roller Skate

(Keep in mind that these are the parts of a typical quad skate; inline or other specialty skates have some differences.)

• Skate boot – The boot is the shoe-like part of the skate that you put your foot in. Typically made of leather (real or synthetic) for durability, the boot supports and protects your foot.
• Plate – The boot is mounted to the plate, a durable metal platform that attaches to all of the other parts of the skate.
• Trucks – Also known as Kingpins, the trucks are part of the plate, allowing you to attach the wheels.
• Wheels – You can’t have a skate without wheels! Roller skate wheels come in many varieties, with different sizes, hardness levels, grips, and styles to fit different needs, like indoor skating vs outdoor skating, speed skating vs roller dancing, and so on.
• Toe stop or toe plug – Toe stops are large rubber pieces that attach to the front (toe) of the skate, allowing for quick and easy stops. However, they tend to be rather bulky and some skaters (especially jam skaters) find that they get in the way. In that case, toe plugs can be installed. They are smaller and not intended to help you stop, but will protect the floor if the toe of your skate comes into contact with it.
• Tongue – just like in a sneaker, the tongue of a skate boot allows for adjustable lacing and may have more or less padding depending on the type of skate.
• Bearings – The bearings fit between the skate wheels and axels, allowing them to roll smoothly. They are available in 8 mm and 7 mm sizes.

If you need parts for your skates, or advice on what type of parts to order, call our Pro Shop today! We’re happy to answer any questions you may have to keep you rolling. Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date on skating events in Tonawanda!

Working out and getting into shape can be tough, but it’s always more fun with a friend! Working out with friends or in a fitness class can make a huge difference when it comes to your exercise routine. You’re less likely to get bored, you have other people helping you stay accountable, and you can look forward to socializing – it’s just more fun to workout with a group!

With that in mind, here are some fun, North Tonawanda group exercises for you and your friends to try this summer:

• Salsa in the Park – Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for Salsa in the Park! Held every Monday in Delaware Park, this is a wonderful way for couples to learn a new skill and get in some exercise.
• Sign up for a Yoga Class – A yoga class is a wonderful, low impact workout option that tones, increases flexibility, and improves circulatory health. It’s also a great options for groups!
• Join a Fun Run or 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon – There are lots of great nearby races that would make a great group workout. Races are also great for helping you to set a fitness goal to work towards.
• Skate with Friends – Roller skating is inherently social, and skating burns about the same number of calories as jogging (but is lower impact. So roll and bounce and dance off some calories to great tunes in a festive atmosphere.

So make plans to shake up your North Tonawanda exercise routine at our North Tonawanda skating center! And don’t forget to check out our hours and upcoming North Tonawanda special events.

Are you in the market for a brand new pair of skates? If so, then you’ll definitely want to keep these guidelines and tips in mind during your search:

• What Kind of Skate is Right for You? – There are many different kinds of skates, and you need to decide what style of skate is right for you. Do you want to speed skate, or is rhythm or jam skating more your speed? You could even consider an artistic skate.
• There Are Price Points for Every Budget – Skates can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. There are plenty of wonderful beginner options that won’t break the bank!
• You Can Express Yourself – There are so many options now in the colors and finish of skate boots, wheels, and laces. Plus there are all the other fun accessories you can add to your skates like charms or even lights!
• You Can Customize Your Skates – The ball bearings, wheels, and even the tightness of your trucks will all affect how your personal pair of skates handle. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
• Buying Skates for Children – If you’re buying for a child, remember that there are lots of great skates for kids too! There are even adjustable skates for growing kids.

If you’re interested in buying skates, our North Tonawanda skating center can help! Our pro shop has experts ready to help you find the perfect skate for you, no matter your skating style, budget, or even personal style! Contact us today at (716) 693-1100!

Summer is just around the corner and school lets out at the end of June. That means parents all over North Tonawanda, NY are looking for ways to keep their kids entertained. Outdoor activities are great, but at some point you’re going to want to get out of the sun and away from the bugs.

That means you need an indoor North Tonawanda activity that’s air-conditioned and doesn’t involve 8 hours of vegging out on the couch. We’ve got you covered. Here are a few of our many kid-friendly games to play at our North Tonawanda skating center:

• • Skee Ball – Sure, getting the ball in the top scoring holes can be quite a challenge, but little ones won’t really know or care what their score is – they’ll just be excited to land a toss. As kids get older, they can practice hand-eye coordination learning to aim for those winning targets.

• • Air Hockey – So long as your little ones are tall enough (or are with an adult willing to hold them up for a little boost), they’ll love air hockey.
  • Hoops – Little ballers can live out their hoop dreams with this arcade version of basketball! This game is always a popular choice among kids.

Of course, our arcade isn’t the only place to play – everything is more fun on skates. And if you’re kids somehow manage to get tired of skating, other attractions like our exciting Bounce Zone are the perfect way to get out of the heat and have a little summer fun. Be sure to check out our North Tonawanda special events for even more summer fun!

When it comes to roller skating, it is important to make sure you’re dressing the part. Here is what you should (and should not) wear while roller skating.

What to Wear While Roller Skating

The name of the game here is comfort and mobility. You want to wear comfortable clothing with plenty of give like shorts, sweatpants, or athletic pants. If you do decide to go with jeans, make sure they are very well broken in.

You also need to wear socks, but just any old pair won’t do the trick. For skating, thick, tall socks are best. Ideally your socks should come up at least as high as the cut of your skate boots to prevent blisters. Finally, wear protective gear. A helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are always a good idea.

What Not to Wear While Roller Skating

Don’t wear anything restrictive. Jeans are generally a little too stiff and will hamper your movements. Short or tight dresses or skirts should also be avoided as they are too restrictive. Whatever you wear, you’ll need to be able to freely bend your knees. Of course, you also don’t want to wear clothing so loose that it can get caught in your skates. Make sure that none of your clothes (including drawstrings) come close to touching the ground.

You should also consider potential hazards if you do fall. Big buckles, lots of zippers, or anything else metal on your clothing should be avoided as these can become potential hazards that can make a small fall much more likely to hurt.

So put on your best skating outfit and come on down to our North Tonawanda skating center. And don’t forget to check out our upcoming North Tonawanda special events calendar.

Looking to buy a pair of quad skates but not sure which type of skate is right for you? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here’s a guide to help to decide between the different styles of styles of skates:

• • Artistic Skates – These skates have high boots and an incredibly strong sole plate. While the high boots could provide some welcomed ankle support and stability, these skates are really made for jumping and landing (moves typical in dance, precision, and synchronized skating).

• • Jam Skates – Jam skates are very low cut with a lightweight build and are great for the quick and agile movements typical of the Jam skating style. However, these skate have a dance plug in place of a toe stop, so they’re really only for skaters very comfortable on skates who are looking for more mobility.

• • Rhythm Skates – This is another skate style without a toe break. However, unlike jam skates, rhythm skates have high boots for more ankle support.
  • Speed Skates – As the name implies, speed skates are made for speed. The boot sits at about the ankle and is shaped a little more like a shoe than other skates on this list. These skates have relatively little padding and are very lightweight.

Once you’ve decided on your ideal skate, let our pro shop help you buy skates in North Tonawanda. And if you already have your skates, check out our upcoming North Tonawanda special events and make plans to visit our North Tonawanda skating center today!

Candy hearts are not the only important hearts in February, because it’s also American Heart Month!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 610,000 people die from heart disease each year in the United States. This means that heart disease accounts for roughly 25% of all death in the U.S. What’s more is that 735,000 Americans have a heart attack each year.

Thankfully, there are ways to reduce your risk of heart disease:

• • Exercise – The best thing you can do for your heart is a good aerobic workout, and skating is fun and a surprisingly good workout!

• • De-Stress – The aerobic aspect of skating isn’t the only heart-healthy benefit. Engaging in a fun, active activity can also be a good way to blow off some steam and de-stress. Making time for activities that bring you joy is important in managing stress, and we could all stand to be more active.
  • Find a Rewarding Exercise – It’s easy to use eating, drinking, or Netflix binging to reward yourself for an accomplishment or comfort yourself after a hard day, but if you can find a physical activity you truly love — whether it’s roller skating, rock climbing, or dancing — you’ll be better off.

So this February, start a new habit for the sake of your heart by giving skating a try! Our skating center has lots of great upcoming North Tonawanda special events to keep things interested, so check out our hours make your plans to visit today!

Obviously we love roller skating, but you can’t be skating all the time. Thankfully, there are a lot of great movies and TV shows that feature roller skating, so we can get our fill even when vegging out in front of the TV! Here are a few of our favorite roller skating moments in pop culture:

• • The Rink– In what is quite possibly the earliest example of roller skating on film, The Rink (1916) stars Charlie Chaplin as a bumbling waiter who just so happens to be amazing on roller skates. While the plot is minimal by today’s standards, the film really is a wonderful showcase of Chaplin’s impressive skating moves.

• • Happy Days – This sitcom ran from 1974 to 1984 and roller skating was very prominent (especially in the early episodes). Who could forget Marsha as a carhop or The Fonz with his terror of skates?

• • Roller Boogie – This 1979 musical stars Linda Blair in all her roller disco glory! Set during the height of roller disco’s popularity, Roller Boogie is about a couple who fall in love while skating and stopping a mobsters from tearing down their favorite roller skating rink.

• • Rollerball – This 1975 dystopian flick is full of cheesy ‘70s sci-fi action, but the rollerball sequences are still a lot of fun. Basically think of the Hunger Games meets football on roller skates.
  • Skatetown, U.S.A. – Skatetown U.S.A. is notable for being Patrick Swayze’s big screen debut (resulting in some Swayze fans to lovingly refer to it as “Dirty Skating” after the success of Swayze’s Dirty Dancing). The plot, or at least what’s there of it, centers on two rival skaters competing in a local roller disco contest. As expected, there’s lots of great roller disco set to an impressive disco soundtrack.

Once you’ve had your fill of watching, get up and skate yourself! Check out our our hours and upcoming North Tonawanda events and then make your plans to visit our Lockport skating center today!