Roller skating is a ton of fun and has been keeping people of all ages entertained and in shape for almost 100 years! However, it does have a bit of a learning curve. Once you get the hang of it, though, you’ll understand what the craze is all about.

Luckily, learning to skate is pretty easy and with a little practice, you could be zipping around the rink with the best of them. Check out these tips for learning how to skate and then come check us out in person at Rainbow Roller Rink in Tonawanda!

Safety First!

Learning to skate is not dangerous as long as you wear the proper safety equipment. When looking for the right safety equipment, you want to find pads for your knees and elbow that are thin but also durable. You can check out our pro shop for pads, helmets, skates and more.

Learn On an Even Surface

Learning to skate at the rink is the best way to get the knack. At Rainbow, our floor is smooth, level and free of debris. Skating outdoors can be a lot of fun, but if you’re just starting out, one tiny little pebble can ruin your whole day.

Stay Loose and Bend Your Knees

A common mistake with new skaters is the tendency to lock up the knees. You want to make sure you keep your hips loose and your knees slightly bent. This will help with maintaining balance and proper posture while you start to feel out the fun of roller skating.

Remember to Use Your Arms

Skating is a full-body exercise. To get going, you’re going to need to use your arms almost as much as your legs. Once you’re ready to push off from the wall, make sure to swing the opposite arm from the leg that is pushing your skates and keep them in sync with each push.

So now that you know the basics, what are you waiting for? It’s time to have some fun!

Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or pro skater, there are some written and unwritten rules that everyone must follow in order to keep a day at the skating rink fun and safe. It doesn’t matter if you’re rolling on quad or inline skates, young or old, you come to Rainbow Roller Rink to have a great time.

Here are a few tips to skate with the proper etiquette so that can help ensure the good times keep on rolling.

Know Your Ability Level

No one is a perfect skater and half the fun is pushing yourself to get better. However, it’s important to know what you are currently capable of. Trying to go too fast before you’re ready or trying to pull off a trick without the proper skill level can get you and other skaters seriously injured.

Go with the Flow

At the rink, there is one dominant direction of traffic flow. Don’t skate against traffic. You’ll make experienced skaters mad and put everyone on the floor at risk.

Slow Skaters to the Right

A norm across most skating rinks is that slow skaters and beginners should stay to the outer periphery so they don’t get in the way of faster, more advanced skaters.

Have Fun at Your Own Pace

Skating is all about having fun, but this means different things to different people. You don’t have to put yourself in a dangerous position or try anything you’re not comfortable trying just to look cool or impress anyone. Go at your own pace and enjoy what you are doing without worrying about anyone else.

To find out more about the do’s and don’ts at Rainbow Roller Rink, give us a call or just pop in and take a lesson from one of our expert instructors any time there is open skating!

The summer can be fun for kids, but it can also be hot. Sometimes hot weather can be enjoyable, but it can also be dangerous. Sunburns and dehydration are both real risks during the summer months. Here are a couple tips to stay cool this summer while having a blast.

• Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is key to keeping your body temperature regulated. It is crucial that kids drink plenty of water everyday, especially when the weather is as hot as it is. There are apps on your phone that can help you remember to drink water, one of which is Plant Nanny, which is fun for kids, too. The app gives you a plant to grow. In order to grow your plant, you must drink a certain amount of water and record it in the app. It is a fun way to remember to stay hydrated and highly recommended for kids.

• Stay Inside

While it is important for kids to get outside and get active, they shouldn’t be outside for too long, especially when the sun is high. Plan some indoor activities for kids that are both fun and active. One fun activity is to bring your kids to Rainbow Roller Rink. Come for a day of skating and snacks. Your kids can challenge their friends in different activities and experience the health benefits of roller skating. Summer is also a great time to exercise kids’ minds! Reading is important in developing vocabulary and communication skills. Encourage your child to read at least 30 minutes each day. This will keep them inside and cool. When they complete their daily reading, reward them with a trip to Rainbow Roller Rink!

Staying cool is very important for your health. At Rainbow Roller Rink we want to help you stay inside and cool. For our hours and rates, please visit our website and contact us with any questions you may have.

We know what your family is looking for: you want something different from the same old summer activities. Something to switch up your routine. Well at Rainbow Roller Rink in Tonawanda, NY we are giving you just that. We have a number of special events planned this summer that are sure to mix things up a bit.

Skate Park

Located right behind Rainbow Roller Rink is our skate park. The skate park will be open only during our normal hours as long as the weather is good. Please keep in mind that you must bring your own set of wheels to participate.

Children’s Skating Classes

If you want your kids to have an easy, healthy place to spend afternoons, they should know the basic skills required to skate. Rainbow Roller Rink wants to help provide your youngsters with those skills. For just $6 our certified skating instructors will teach your kids to roller-skate in a 45 minute session.

Christian Music Night

Our DJ’s are known for playing some of the hottest tracks of the year. Join us every Monday night from 5-8pm to skate to your favorite Christian music. This night is great for youth groups or anybody looking to experience a positive skating experience.

Family Deal

The summer season can be a great opportunity for families to spend time together. We’re offering a family deal that will give you a space to do just that. Switch it up from your normal game night and come in for a fun-filled family night of skating.

Fiesta Friday

This is certainly an event you will not want to miss. We will offer you the opportunity to skate, only this time it will include FOOD! $12 will cover the costs of admission, skate rental, soda and all you can eat pizza. That’s one of the best deals in town.

Make this summer one to remember. You don’t want to miss our special events. To reserve space for parties or for general inquiries, contact Rainbow Roller Rink.

As you sit back and wonder what to do with all of your free time this summer, refer to the advice in our blog for fun daily activities at Rainbow Roller Rink in Tonawanda, New York. Here are five reasons to visit Rainbow Roller Rink this summer.

1. Fun way to spend time with family and friends

The summer is the time to spend time with the people around you. We believe roller-skating is one of the best ways to do that. Our skating rink is big enough for families or group of friends to skate together at the same time. For the parents, summer is a great time for you to teach your kids how to skate!

2. It is healthy

Roller-skating has been known to exercise different muscles in your body and encourages a healthy lifestyle. Our inexpensive rates and welcoming facility give you the opportunity to stay in shape while having fun all summer long. For more information about the health benefits of roller-skating check this out.

3. It’s affordable

The last thing we want is for money to be the reason you don’t spend time with us this summer. Please contact us to find out more about our rates and offerings.

4. Multiple fun activities

Our facility has multiple fun activities for you all summer long! We have a fantastic skating rink for you to show off all of your skills. We have a bounce zone that is certain to help you bounce into a great summer. We also have a game zone that is better than most arcades. This area gives you the opportunity to challenge your friends and climb up the leaderboards.

5. We throw great parties

If you have a birthday that falls during the summer, stay out of the sun and come enjoy a fun day at Rainbow Roller Rink with your friends! Book your birthday party now.