Archive for the ‘Gear’ Category
Sunday, August 4th, 2013
The Flex Brake is a new approach to inline braking and speed control currently seeking funding through “Kick Starter.” When they reach a certain number of pre-orders they’ll be able to go into production. Meanwhile, an adventurous few are already testing early prototypes.
I took a look at the Flex Brake video and Kickstarter page and then noncommittally shared links with my skate network. I avoided voicing my concerns about the design because I am not a tester and I did not want to negatively impact the company’s prospects for success. Read more... (452 words, 2 images, estimated 1:48 mins reading time)
Posted in Gear, Skating | Comments Closed
Tuesday, June 4th, 2013
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Thursday, May 30th, 2013
Following is a guest article submitted by Daniel Stratton of the U.K., where skating is hugely popular in all its forms.
What it is and Where it Originated
Roller derby is now a popular contact sport with over 1,250 amateur leagues in various countries in the world. Basically, it’s played by two opposing teams that are composed of five members each. Both teams are placed in the same track and they must roller skate in the same direction. The object of the game is to score points by lapping any member of the opposing team and this is usually done by a jammer. The jammer or the scoring player is designated by the team and it’s commonly the strongest player in the group. Every team member must protect and assist their jammer while preventing the opposing jammer from scoring. This sport requires good planning in terms of offense and defense strategies. Read more... (797 words, 1 image, estimated 3:11 mins reading time)
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Sunday, May 19th, 2013
The motto just above Alex Bellehumeur’s email contact information says:
Will it so & so it Will
Anybody who thinks a few years of delay is going to discourage this accomplished inventor is wrong. The About the Inventor page on his new web site clarifies further, “…he has a passion for solving product-related challenges, currently holding 12 patents, with 3 more pending.” Read more... (210 words, 1 image, estimated 50 secs reading time)
Posted in Gear, Skating | Comments Closed
Sunday, June 10th, 2012
I can’t believe it’s been five years since I tested Alex Bellehumeur’s impressive cuff-activated disc braking technology, currently named the 4XS system. Why isn’t this system available on inline skates yet? Because manufacturers just don’t get it. They underestimate how much and how many people care about staying in control of gravity and momentum when they’re inline skating.
My efforts to support Alex’s attempts to get the 4XS into production have probably helped raise awareness a little, but have not yet resulted in improving the safety of our current technology: Read more... (384 words, estimated 1:32 mins reading time)
Tags:braking systems, heel brake, stopping, technology
Posted in Gear, Skating | Comments Closed
Saturday, October 15th, 2011
A couple months back, I received a note from Susie, who lives and skates in New Zealand. I love answering questions from all over the world but she definitely won my heart when she confided as an aside, “I milk cows and like to skate as a way to vent, and I just plain enjoy it.”
I was able to offer generic advice up front, but once Susie placed her (first) order, she took off rolling on her own exploration to finally get the right skates to meet her own needs and skeletal configuration. Read more... (1229 words, 3 images, estimated 4:55 mins reading time)
Tags:Gear
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Sunday, September 25th, 2011
It’s getting to be that time of year again.
A few years back, I purchased a ProFitter 3D Trainer because it would allow me to work on building strength and balance along with my cardiovascular fitness. This is an ideal sport-specific workout that’s perfect for when the weather is too ugly to train outdoors.
For skating, the slide board-like action reinforces the side-directed push that’s key to stroke quality. This directly works the muscles that deliver efficient, powerful strides. Read more... (320 words, 1 image, estimated 1:17 mins reading time)
Tags:cross training, off-season workouts, pro fitter, skate to ski, work out
Posted in Fitness, Gear, Skating | Comments Closed
Tuesday, September 13th, 2011
Eighteen years ago as I was writing the early chapters of my book, Get Rolling, the Beginner’s Guide to Inline Skating, I had already forgotten that it took about 20 hours of practice before I was finally able to skate without feeling like a klutz. Once my tentative, awkward, uncoordinated days were behind me, all I could think of as I wrote my book was:
Wow! Anybody who can walk can skate! I need to tell the world about this!
And that is when I became a certified instructor and began offering skating lessons to demystify the sport for adults. Read more... (613 words, 1 image, estimated 2:27 mins reading time)
Tags:alternatives, Opinion, rollerblading
Posted in Gear, Skating | 4 Comments »
Sunday, September 4th, 2011
During my weekend skating jaunts on the local multi-use trail in Danville, it tickles me to see families enjoying the outdoors together—getting a little exercise on foot, bikes, scooters, or skates; walking the dog; and just generally sharing quality recreational time. What a great way for parents to share the fun and benefits of playing outdoors as a family! I always hope the kids are building memories that will guide their values as adults, and that they, too, will make it a point to participate often in the great outdoors with friends and family. Read more... (357 words, 1 image, estimated 1:26 mins reading time)
Tags:family safety recreation
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Thursday, December 9th, 2010
My southern California pal Debbie Merrill (instructor to the stars!) is on a de-cluttering mission. Lucky for my skating friends, she wants to offload her extra gear in the photos below. She asked me to help sell three pairs of pristine Rollerblade brand skates plus other gently used skates (all ladies size six) and a pair of figure skating frames. Her beloved, one-of-a-kind custom Fila skates are still practically new.
These are not your toy-store skates. They are the quality and brands I recommend myself, and typically sell for about $200 – $350. Debbie is asking $150 or your best offer. Please contact her directly if you are ready to make a serious offer. Read more... (554 words, 7 images, estimated 2:13 mins reading time)
Tags:inline, Rollerblades, sale, skates, skating
Posted in Gear, Skating | Comments Closed
