Are you looking to become an expert in roller skate maintenance and keeping your skates in the best shape possible? Then you’ve come to the right place! This blog post is all about breaking down roller skates so that you can understand them inside and out. We’ll cover all the major components, from boots to stops, wheels to bearings, so that you can ensure your roller skates stay in tip-top shape. 

Roller Skate Boots

The boots of roller skates play an important role in the overall build. Roller skate boots are typically made of leather, vinyl, or a combination of both and they can provide comfort and support as you move. They should be kept clean and dry to prevent cracking, and you should check the seams periodically for any loose stitching. You can use leather conditioner and water-repellant spray to help keep them in good condition.

Roller Skate Stops

Roller skate stops are the mechanisms located at the toe and heel of the boot that helps you slow down or stop. They are usually made of rubber or plastic and should be kept in good condition for optimal performance. To keep them in the best shape possible, make sure to inspect them regularly for any wear and tear. Check for any cracks, tears, or missing pieces, and replace them if necessary. Additionally, use a lubricant such as a skate wax to ensure they have the best grip and longevity.

Roller Skate Wheels

Roller skate wheels come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. There are hard, soft, polyurethane, and even ceramic wheels available. Depending on your skating style and skill level, you can build the perfect roller skate with the right combination of wheel size, hardness, and material. To keep your wheels in the best shape possible, make sure to routinely clean them and check for wear and tear. If you notice any issues with the wheel tread or bearings, replace the affected parts as soon as possible. You should also rotate your wheels periodically to ensure even wear on all four wheels.

Roller Skate Bearings

The bearings of a roller skate are essential for creating a smooth, fast ride. Roller skate bearings are comprised of tiny steel balls that are housed inside an outer metal ring and an inner metal ring. This combination helps the wheels to spin freely on the axle of the skate, allowing you to build up speed quickly and easily. To keep your roller skate bearings in the best possible shape, it is important to make sure that they are regularly cleaned and maintained. This includes removing any debris or dust that may have built up within the bearing and replacing the bearings if they become too worn or damaged. Additionally, it is important to lubricate the bearings on a regular basis. This will help keep them running smoothly and efficiently, which is key to getting the most out of your roller skates.

We hope this teaches you the ins and outs of roller skates! If you’re looking for some amazing skates and accessories to create some custom skates, check out our pro shop. We’d love to see your new skates on the Rainbow Rink rink!

How much do you love roller skating? We know the answer is a lot, so you’ll definitely want to check out these fun roller skating facts you might not know! Roller skating has been around for centuries and it has a long history of being a popular pastime. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, these roller skating fun facts will give you a greater appreciation for this classic activity. So, lace up your skates and get ready to learn some fascinating facts about the beloved sport of roller skating!

1. Roller skating was once banned in London.

This may come as a surprise to some, but roller skating has an intriguing past in London. During the late 19th century, a fear of collisions between skaters and pedestrians caused some parts of London to ban roller skating. This included all forms of recreational skating, including quad, roller, and inline skating. However, this didn’t stop skaters from taking to the streets. Many Londoners got around on rented skates, which were available from several stores in the city. Fortunately for the thousands of current roller skaters who enjoy the activity today, it was eventually lifted and the fun sport could be enjoyed freely. 

2. The longest roller skating marathon was over 3,000 miles.

This amazing feat was achieved by André Strydom who skated through fifteen countries over the course of two months. During his marathon, he skated for up to seven hours a day, covering an impressive total of 3,371 miles. It’s truly an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the dedication and passion of roller skating enthusiasts all over the world.

3. The first recorded skateborading trick was done on a roller skate.

This fun fact dates back to the late 1950s when an enterprising skater decided to take his roller skate and ride it like a skateboard. Since then, roller skating has been used to perform skateboard tricks and stunts all around the world. From ollies and grinds to kickflips and heelflips, there’s no limit to the fun and creativity that can be had while skating on roller skates. 

4. The world’s largest roller skate is in San Francisco.

The world’s largest roller skate is located in San Francisco, and it has been there since the late 1990s. The skate measures at 30 feet tall and 18 feet wide, making it an impressive sight to behold. It was originally part of a theme park ride in St. Louis, Missouri, before it was moved to its current home. This massive roller skate serves as a reminder of the fun times that can be had while roller skating, and it is a great spot to take a selfie when visiting San Francisco!

Here’s a bonus fun fact for you: Did you know that roller skating is one of the best exercises you can do? Not only does it work your legs and core, but it also works your arms, balance and coordination. It’s a great way to get your heart rate up and help your overall health and fitness. Plus, it’s a lot of fun! Check out our schedule to come out and skate with us at Rainbow Rink to work on your fitness!

Does your child have an upcoming birthday? If you’re in the North Tonawanda area, choose Rainbow Rink to host your child’s birthday party! We make every party at Rainbow Rink unforgettable!

We have four different birthday party packages! All packages include:

• Admission for 8
• Rental skates
• Reserved party table
• Pizza, popcorn, and soda for the skaters
• Party server
• Plates, napkins, and cups
• Invitations

So how can you make your child’s birthday party even more unforgettable? We have some tips for you:

1. Have a theme!

Decorate your child’s party table and cake in their favorite superhero, movie, color, or anything they want! Some of the most popular themes we see are SpiderMan, Frozen, Angry Birds, Monster High, and Mario Kart! This is your opportunity to make the party very personalized to their child. They won’t forget that you took that extra step for them.

2. Bring glow sticks!

What is a skate party without glow sticks? Bring glow sticks for your child and their friends to deck themselves out with and skate the day away! Or even better opt for our Glow Party Add-On and let us handle supplying your party with tons of glowing fun!

3. Get out on the rink with them!

You may think we’re crazy, but this is something your child will not forget! We handle all the food and drinks, so you don’t have to worry about being the hostess with the mostest. Get out on the rink and have some fun with your kids! These memories will last a lifetime.

Want to learn more about Rainbow Rink’s birthday parties? Visit the party page on our website!

Ready to reserve a skate-terrific birthday party with us? All parties require a reservation, so give us a call at 716-693-1100 to book yours today!

Looking for a fun way to get back in shape and keep your body moving? You should try roller skating! While you may think we’re joking, skating is actually a great full body workout. Also, not only does it do a lot for your body, but your mind as well!

Here are our 3 main reasons why roller skating is the perfect exercise for your mind and body:

1. Roller skating helps build your muscles and keeps them strong!

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Consistency is key.” That still holds very true when you are trying to get back in shape and develop a workout regimen that works best for you. You’ll have so much fun skating and you’ll want to keep coming back to continue your routine, so you’ll build your muscles and keep them toned!

2. Skating works those tiny muscles that can sometimes be difficult to work.

Working certain muscles can be difficult to do, especially the tiny ones. It can be a challenge to find a workout in the gym that helps target that particular little muscle. However, skating is a full body workout and can help tone the muscles that can sometimes be difficult to tone.

3. You can stay healthy while having fun!

Be healthy and have fun? They can coincide? Yes they can with roller skating! In our opinion, the gym is way less fun. Get your workout on with a smile at a skating rink!

Come try it for yourself at Rainbow Rink! Check out our hours of operation for more information on hours and pricing. We can’t wait to see you on the rink getting your workout in at Rainbow Rink!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Do you have your date night planned for you and your special someone? If not, there’s still time to come up with the perfect plan to make your person feel as loved as they are. We’re also here and happy to help you come up with a game plan!

To have the perfect date, here’s what you need in no particular order:

1. Dinner

Food makes a fun date go over the top! Make sure to choose one of their favorite restaurants or a place they have been waiting to try to really make Valentine’s Day special.

2. Activity

Having fun on any date night is the key to making memories! We have a great activity in mind for your Valentine’s day date, skating! Skating is guaranteed to bring out the laughs and smiles. If you’re in the North Tonawanda, New York area, we’d love to see you hit the rink with us at Rainbow Rink. 

3. Dessert

A sweet treat is the cherry on top to the perfect date night. Whether your favorite treat is cookies, cake, ice cream, or even fruit, treat yourself to something sweet with your sweetie for Valentine’s Day.

If you’re looking for a memorable and entertaining date night this Valentine’s Day, have a roller skating date! We know you’ll have a great time with us at Rainbow Rink! Do something different this year! Skip the dinner and movie this Valentine’s Day, and hit the skating rink! Plan a date night you’ll never forget at Rainbow Rink. Start planning your perfect Valentine’s Day now and be sure to include the funnest activity, roller skating!

Learning to skate can be an intimidating thought, just like learning any other new skill! It’s never too late to learn something new. The best news is learning to skate is fun for anyone!

Why Should I Learn To Roller Skate?

Why should you learn to skate? Roller skating doubles as a workout. When you have an active hobby such as roller skating, you can skip the gym or the guilty feelings if you didn’t move your body that day. Skating is great exercise and excellent for your health. Remember those 2023 resolutions you had? Hitting the rink can help you reach your health goals!

What Do I Need To Start Roller Skating?

First things first, you’ll need skates! You can always rent skates from Rainbow Rink while you learn what you like in skates and what you don’t like as much! The main thing you want to think about bringing with you is safety gear. Things like a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads can help keep you safe even if you fall. Sometimes that extra layer of safety protection helps you feel safer as you learn!

Don’t be afraid to try something new. You may just find your new favorite hobby when you get out on the skating rink! Rainbow Rink is a great place to get you rolling, on skates that is! Check out our hours of operation for all of our upcoming hours, events, and pricing. Can’t wait to see you learning to skate and having so much fun in the process!

When it comes to the holidays, it can be a challenge to find the perfect gift! However, if you have a roller skater in your life, we have some great ideas for you. There’s no need to stress or search the malls high and low for a present. Skaters of any age with any skill level will love these gifts!

Here are our top recommendations for holiday gifts for your favorite skater:

Safety Gear

Every skater needs safety gear, especially if they’re skating outside or are new to the sport! If you’re looking to give a responsible gift to your favorite roller skater, safety gear would be a great option!

A Gear Bag

Your skater will need a bag to carry all their gear in. A bag to tote around will make their life so much easier and make them look so much cooler!

Skate Accessories

If you don’t skate, you may not know how many skate accessory options there are! From all colors, sparkles, glow in the dark, light up, and so much more, the options are endless when it comes to laces, wheels, and toe jams. You also can’t forget to grab a fun pair of socks to match!

Roller Skates

A brand new pair of skates is the gift of all gifts! We recommend you take them shopping to find their new perfect pair of skates as there are many different kinds available, so you want them to pick the best for the type of skating they do.

A Trip To The Rink

If you love to give experiences or are looking for quality time with the skater, give the gift of a trip to the rink! We’d love to have you skate the day away with us at Rainbow Rink.

We hope this gives you some inspiration for the perfect gift for your favorite skater! Happy Holidays from Rainbow Rink!

2023 is almost here! Have you thought about what will be on your new year’s resolutions list? Writing resolutions sets your year off on the right foot. So take the time now to reflect and start your 2023 off strong! If you’re looking for some fun, easy to do resolutions, we have some ideas for you.

Here are some new year’s resolutions for 2023 that we can help you keep:

Spend time with family!

We totally understand life gets busy, so it’s important to slow down and spend more time with your family! If you’re looking to have some great family fun, come see us at Rainbow Rink. We have weekly family skate events that every member of your family will love!

Exercise more!

Putting in your calendar to go to the gym may seem like a chore. Or may seem like it’s taking you away from spending more time with your family. However, roller skating is a great workout that you can do with your family. Skating is a full body workout and there are so many health benefits.

Make new friends!

We know a great place where you can meet some new people and make some new friends, Rainbow Rink! The skating rink is a great place to meet some new people with the same hobby as you, roller skating. Plus, if you want to hangout and don’t know what to do, you can come skate and everyone is happy!
Remember, it’s important to include your resolutions in your plans and don’t give up if things get challenging! We believe in you! We hope you fulfill all of your resolutions in 2023 and skate with us! Rainbow Rink wishes you a very happy holiday season and new year!

It’s October, which means the holidays are right around the corner. While it’s exciting to think about the lights, food, quality time, and warmth the season brings even with the cold weather outside, it unfortunately isn’t that way for everyone. That makes it the perfect time to teach your children all about the importance of giving back in the holiday season.

When you give back, it doesn’t have to be much and doesn’t even need to be monetarily. It’s all about going out of your own way for someone else who may be in a harder season of life. Here are some ways your family can give back this holiday season:

Give to a charity

Have your children pick one charity to give to for the holidays! This can be a local charity or a national charity like Toys for Tots.

Volunteer at your local food bank

Food banks typically always welcome some sort of help! Ask your food bank what your family can help do, whether it’s welcome cards, helping collect cans of food, or helping with pick up times.

Choose gifts that give back

There are several different companies that give back a percentage amount or they donate a product with each purchase. Do a little research and buy gifts that give back!

Take food to local hospitals or first responders

The holiday season typically leaves hospitals and first responders busy. Take some food or baked goods to say thank you and show your appreciation.

Help your neighbors

Help your neighbor clean up their yard, shovel snow, or take an elderly neighbor to an appointment. Show some love to the ones around you this holiday season!

Send cards to military members

Have a crafting day and make some holiday cards to send off to military personnel.

We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season full of love and giving back! After you give back this holiday season, make sure to bring your family to skate with us at Rainbow Rink! You can see our winter hours of operation here.