Blog - Rainbow Rink

Which Skating Style is for You?

June 27, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

Artistic skater performing on skating rink

Roller skating is known as a fun activity for kids and adults, but what many people don’t know is that there are actually many different activities that all fall under the umbrella of roller skating. Read on to learn about the different forms of skating and find out what type of skating strikes your fancy. You can always improve your skating skills at Rainbow Roller Rink in North Tonawanda!

Freestyle skating – Many folks of all ages enjoy freestyle skating, which is what you’ll see at most skating rinks, as well as on neighborhood sidewalks, in parks, and anywhere else suitable for rolling. Check out our schedule to see when to join us for open skating!
Jam skating – Have you ever seen a skater or group of skaters performing moves similar to breakdancing? If so, you’ve seen jam skating! This offshoot of freestyle skating grew out of the roller disco days, but has continued to evolve over the years. It now incorporates gymnastics, dance, and skating into one highly entertaining and creative discipline, with competitions in several states pitting jam skaters against each other in “battles” similar to dance battles. If you love to bust a move on the dance floor (or skating rink) jam skating might be the right activity for you! To get started, you’ll want to use low-cut quad speed skates, which afford more flexibility for all the fancy footwork you’ll be doing.
Artistic skating – Artistic skating is very similar to figure (ice) skating. There are several areas of artistic skating similar to ice skating, with individual and couples competitions, figures, dance, and synchronized groups. Quad skates are traditionally worn for artistic skating, but some competitors opt for inline skates.
Speed skating – This type of skating is just what it sounds like! Speed skating is a sport in which players race each other around a track. The skates used are typically low cut to allow for range of movement. Inline speed skating is most common, but there are competitions for both inline and quad skaters.
Aggressive inline skating – This action sport has more similarities to skateboarding and BMX than most roller skating activities. If you have a daredevil streak, this type of skating is for you! Just remember to wear protective skating gear along with those aggressive inline skates, which feature smaller wheels and other design tweaks to make them sturdier for doing tricks on vert ramps or street obstacles.
Roller derby – Roller derby has had a resurgence in recent years, with people all over the country participating in this fast-paced contact sport. Two teams of 5 roller skate counter-clockwise around a track, with a designated player (“the jammer”) attempting to lap the other team’s jammer.

Need a new pair of skates to get you started in your new roller skating discipline? Check out our pro shop, and be sure to come visit us for skating in a fun and friendly atmosphere!

7 Parts of a Skate You Should Know

June 5, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

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!

Fun Group Workout Ideas That Don’t Feel Like Exercise

May 16, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

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.

What You Need to Know Before Buying New Skates

May 3, 2019 by Writers 1 Comment

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!

Kid-Friendly Games To Play at the Skating Rink

April 25, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

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!

Roller Skating: What to Wear (and What Not to Wear!)

April 3, 2019 by Writers 10 Comments

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.

Which Style of Skate is Right for You?

March 28, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

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!

More Than Just Roller Skating, It’s Jam Skating.

March 14, 2019 by Writers 1 Comment

Roller skating has been a part of United States culture for decades in various capacities, whether it was roller skating waitresses or the rise of the skate park. Did you know there are several different kinds of roller skating? Different types of roller skating include:

Artistic roller skating
Figures. This involves circular moves that include two to three rotations
Speed skating.
Freestyle roller skating.
Group skating. This is where large groups of skaters skate together on the streets.
Precision skating.
Jam skating. This is based on the music and can either be choreographed or non choreographed.

We are going to give you a little background on jam skating. Jam skating is a combination of dancing, gymnastics and roller skating. Jam skating originated in the disco era but gained popularity during the 90’s because of the style of music and evolution of break dancing during the decade.

There are dozens of tricks and moves associated with jam skating. However, there are four main styles that are the most well-known. First is footwork which focuses on the feet and doing mainly foot and skate tricks. Next is ground breaking which features small movements like toe jumps that do not cover a lot of ground or require a ton of movement. The next style, power, is most like break dancing and includes head stands, spins, and flips. Finally, shuffle skating is skating around the rink, forward or backward, to the beat of the music.

Now that you know a little more about jam skating, are you ready to come down to Rainbow Rink and try it out? Every Wednesday night we have our Adult Retro Night filled with fun music from the last 40 years and adult beverages. Check out our full schedule for theme nights, family skates, and much more.

The Beginner’s Guide to Buying Roller Skates

February 28, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

Thinking about finally investing in your own roller skates instead of paying a rental fee every time? We have the perfect guide to help you through the buying process.

Before you buy roller skates, here are some questions to ask yourself:

What kind of skating are you planning on doing? Fitness skating for longer periods? Dance or Jam skating? Each kind of skating has its own recommended skate.
Do you want to stick to your favorite kind of skating or do you want your skates to be more multi-purpose?
Do you want a hard boot or a soft boot?
What kind of safety equipment do you want to wear?

Once you answer these questions, there are various factors you must take into consideration when buying a pair of roller skates. These considerations include: wheel hardness, wheel diameter, wheel weight, contact patch, wheels’ hubs and core materials, wheel tread, weight, price, color scheme/ style, and, as we mentioned earlier, the type of skating you plan on doing. Click here for a more in-depth look at how to decide which factors will work for you. You can also contact our pro shop for any orders or questions you may have about the buying process.

With all of this information, you should be able to pick out your new pair of skates on our pro shop online site. We have endless colors, styles, and accessories to choose from, including the glam Stardust skates pictured above. If you have any questions during the buying process, we’re here to help!

Celebrate Heart Month with a Little Cardio

February 5, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

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!