What comes to your mind when you hear the word "skating"?
Wheels? Skateboards? Sunway Pyramid? Julian Yee?
All the mentioned keywords above share something similar. They are roller sports-related.
Roller sports are sports that incorporate wheels and blades as a means to transport a person from one point to another and it is recognized by different levels of the global sports council including the Olympics.
In recent years, figure skating has been a popular topic among Malaysians since Julian Yee became the first Malaysian figure skater to qualify for the Winter Olympics in 2018. At the same time, we have also witnessed the resurgence of roller skating in Klang Valley, especially Petaling Jaya where families and youngsters are quick to embrace this fun and sporty recreational activity.
In this article, we will look at the differences between roller skating and figure skating, explore the various roller skating techniques from learners across the globe via Youtube, discover the best places to roller skate in Petaling Jaya and the benefits of taking private roller skating lessons.
What Are The Differences Between Roller Skating and Figure Skating?
Before we go further, let's be clear about the major differences between figure skating and roller skating.
Difference 1: Skating surface and location
Special roller rinks and skateparks are built to accommodate any roller skating action. But you can also roller skate at streets, roads or bike paths and even parking basements as long as you can balance yourself. You can go anywhere where your wheels take you literally as long as you are skating on a hard surface.
On the other hand, you can only do figure skating at ice skating rinks where the rinks are built in consideration of their size dimensions and ice quality. That's why you'll notice that all the ice skating rinks in Malaysia are indoors.
Photo by Danny Lines on Unsplash
Difference 2: Shape and design of the skates
In the case of roller skates, there are wheels that are positioned below the boots (four wheels for quad skates) to allow for bigger and free movement. In between the wheels, there are also ball bearings that enable you to skate smoothly for a long time without too much friction. Think of roller skating as navigating a mini doorless car.
For figure skates, metallic blades are inserted below the boots to reduce the friction whenever you're skating on the ice. Beginner figure skaters usually use blades that are normally made from stainless steel to prevent rust and damage.
Discover where you can roller skate in Ipoh.
What Are Some Roller Skating Related Youtube Channels You Should Watch?
The best part about watching Youtube tutorials is you can watch them as many times as you like until you get them! So do make the best out of this specially curated roller skating tutorial list.
Here are 3 Youtube channels that you can subscribe to watch some roller skating beginners' tutorial sand also vlogs to inspire your own learning journey.
1. Skatie
In this Youtube channel, you'll get to watch a variety of roller skating fundamental skills such as backwards roller skating, roller skating up hills, downhills, stopping techniques, practical tips to skate outdoors, balancing skills, transitions and many more.
Follow Kate as she vlogs about her own roller skating experience, her previous roller skating mistakes as well as clear video tutorials on how to master roller skating step by step from the beginner to higher level.
2. Linda Cheung
This channel that is next on our list features a series of more personal and raw take on learning roller skating for the first time.
As you watch Linda's video playlist on her roller skating learning experience, you can't help but feel encouraged to start roller skating.
You can also get a wholesome of roller skating tips and resources at her channel as she also shares about protective gears, skating tools like bearing cleaner and bearing removal tools and also her go-to roller skating tutorial channels.
3. That Nicole Fiore
Nicole Fiore is a world champion roller skater, coach and experienced choreographer. In her channel, you can learn and access extensive and comprehensive roller skating tutorials such as:
- How to roller skate- backward swings
- How to dance on roller skates
- Stretching exercises for before/after you skate
- How to stop while skating downhill and many more
While watching these videos, you can also start noting down the best locations to start roller skating in Subang Jaya.
Where Can You Roller Skate With Your Friends In Petaling Jaya?
Don't be surprised by the number of places where you can roller skate in Malaysia. You can easily find a good place to roller skate in different cities including Petaling Jaya.
We've come out with 3 recommendations for those who are currently based in PJ.
1. Jaya One The Square
Fancy a fabulous Friday night skating outing with your family and friends?
You can head to The Square Level 1 every Friday to begin your skate journey. Do take note that different time slots are present to cater to different categories of learners.
Kids and families are free to join the 7 pm to 9 pm session while the 9 pm to 11 pm session is strictly for adults alone. Each time slot can only accommodate 30 people so it's best to register before it gets full.
Source: Jaya One Official Website
2. Rollerwa Malaysia, One Utama
Located at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre, you can enjoy a special Korean-themed roller skating indoor experience.
This roller skating rink is open every day including public holidays and only accepts walk-in customers.
You can refer to this table for the latest price rate.
| Category | Price Rate For 2 Hours | Price Rate For 1 Day | Price Rate For 2 Hours (Bring Your Own Skates And Gears) | Price Rate For 1 Day (Bring Your Own Skates And Gears) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | RM50 | RM80 | RM47 | RM77 |
| Child (Below 18) | RM40 | RM70 | RM37 | RM67 |
Important tip: The overall entrance fee will be cheaper if you bring your own skates.
3. Arena MBPJ Skatepark
This location is perfect for those who prefer an outdoor and versatile roller skating experience. The skatepark is suitable for different levels of learners with the necessary facilities and skating obstacles.
The best part of coming here? It's free to use and no booking is required!
You can also check out these places in Kuala Lumpur for roller skating.
What Should You Consider When You're Picking A Roller Skate?
We get that it can be quite confusing if you're buying a pair of roller skates for the first time. Here are 3 important pointers to keep in mind during your selection process.
Point 1: Make sure you get the correct size of the boots
When it comes to the size, it is highly recommended that you research the sizing guide of the brand that you plan to buy beforehand. One important tip is to try them and check if your toes touch the nose of the skates (the very edge). If your toes touch that, it means the boots are too small for you.
Point 2: Get some information about the wheels of the boots
As you shop for roller skates, it is important to check if all of the four wheels are without defects and they are stable to stand on. Know that there are two types of wheels for roller skates: hard wheels and soft wheels ranging from 0 (softest) to 100A (hardest).
Hard wheels tend to last longer but it offers less shock absorption and grip while soft wheels have the exact opposite features. It's best to choose something in between the first round but remember that you can always replace the wheels of your roller skates in the future.
Photo by Matthew Ball on Unsplash
Point 3: Check for overall comfort and boot purpose (If you can try them)
You can choose between a hard boot or a soft boot depending on your skating purpose. If you are aiming for a core and long-term exercise workout, you should go for a pair of hard boots because the hard outer shell provides stability and extra protection.
If you are an avid roller skating dancer, it's best to opt for soft boots because it is more ventilated and suitable for casual movements.
Explore these places in Johor Bahru for the best roller skating experience with your family and friends.
Taking Private Roller Skating Tutoring Lessons With Superprof
While you can resort to self-learning via many roller skating tutorials and content online, we understand that some of you may prefer to have guided and one-to-one tutoring to fully master the various roller skating techniques from the most basic level.
We highly recommend you to find a roller skating at Superprof because you'll be able to find a tutor that is experienced, dedicated and professional.
Here are 3 major benefits that you can enjoy as a Superprof student:
1. Flexibility in terms of time arrangement
When you opt for private tutoring instead of an academy, you are free to choose your own learning time. You also get to decide on the duration and last-minute changes of location should anything takes place.
Learn more about these hot locations in Shah Alam to practice your roller skating skills.
2. Get professional assistance to master challenging skating techniques
You'll be able to improve tremendously when your tutor can directly demonstrate the right way to do various acts like turning, jumping and skating backwards. Your tutor will be able to point out your strengths and weaknesses immediately and give you feedback on your skating.
3. Be more confident as you progress through different levels
Your tutor also acts as your coach and having someone to teach and encourage you along the way will boost your confidence because you are reminded that you are not alone as you are progressing in this learning path.
Visit the Superprof homepage to start browsing the tutors' profiles and kickstart your roller skating adventure!
You'll soon be a master of this amazing roller sport!
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