| |
-
Three different activities are included under the heading of
skating. These are ice skating, roller skating and skate
boarding.
-
Each involves a different kind of boot or board which is
used by the person to move over the ground. In the case of ice
skating, a special ice surface is required. Roller skating and skate
boarding can be done on ordinary pavements and other smooth surfaces,
though special rinks or facilities are also used.
-
More detailed
information on each of these activities can be obtained from the
specialist organisations listed below.
-
Some people skate for pleasure and exercise, but there are
many special movements and routines that can be learnt for each type of
skating,
and these form the basis of competitive activities. Team games have been developed
based on skating, notably ice and roller hockey.
|
National Ice Skating Association of UK www.iceskating.org.uk/
British Artistic Roller Skating
Association www.british-roller-skating.org.uk
Federation of Artistic Roller Skating www.fars.co.uk
Federation of In-line Speed Skating www.inlinespeed.co.uk/
Federation of Scottish Skateboarders 01506 415308
|
DNA
Total Skater
SK/Eight UK
The Sidewalk Surfer |
-
Find a local skating group
or club (see organisations above).
-
See if there are
introductory sessions at your local club, rink or
centre.
-
Consult books or magazines
on different types of skating.
-
Check in your local library/paper
or sports centre for more information.
|
Skills and people
-
All forms of
skating can be done by people of all ages and both sexes, but roller
skating and skate boarding in particular are most popular among the
younger age groups. All these sports involve good balance and they are physically quite
active.
-
You can skate on your own, though many
people prefer to go skating or skateboarding with their friends.
Preparation for competitive activities is often done with a teacher and/or
a class.
-
You can go skating with people of all ages, both sexes and
any standard, but competitions require people of roughly
the same standard as yourself.
Equipment or clothing
-
Boots (skates) or a board appropriate for the form of skating are the
key essential.
-
Ordinary casual clothing is usually worn for the
informal types of skating, but competition, particularly in ice skating,
may require special clothing.
-
There are various types of protective
gear, for head, elbows and knees, used especially in skate boarding.
A place or facilities
-
Roller skating and skate boarding can be done in general spaces away
from vehicle traffic. There are often facilities for roller skating
and skate boarding in local schools and sports centres.
-
Ice skating
rinks are mainly found in larger towns, though special surfaces may
sometimes be laid on a temporary basis in local sports centres and
halls.
-
In the UK, outdoor ice skating is only possible very
occasionally, mainly in the North (see also winter
sports).
|
|