tech advice

Question
I am 57 yrs old,rather heavy 102kg (over 220 lbs ),184cm ( touch over 6 ft ) on rollerblade 90mm wheels. any technical advice how to change direction-flip from forward to backward,how to start skating backwards. Should I change wheel size?  Any other braking technique beside rubber block? Never used roller blades before,used to skate on ice
Will be grateful for any hints

Answer
Ray,
I hate to turn down a request for information, but you are asking technical questions that would take a great deal of time & effort to answer in a way that would make sense to you & even then you might not be able to translate the info into action.

If you are in the NYC area you could take my beginner course which teaches what you yearn to learn & more. I teach a 4 week course that would teach you to skate forward, turn left & right, stop securely using both the brake & T stop. edge control, forward crossovers, backward skating, turning from forward to backward skating & turning fron backward to skate forward again.

There is also a course that would teach everything you need to know about skating outdoors - dealing with hills, cracks,bumps & changing terrain etc.

As regards your wheel size - if you feel comfortable balancing on those 90mm wheels they surely will produce a nice long roll. I would think, however, you will maintain greater balance with a smaller wheel. I think an 80mm wheel would enhance your balance & would be more comfortable for you as a beginner skater. Hang onto your 90s - maybe somwhere down the road you'll appreciate them.

I'd be glad to register you for the class(es). My web site is www.SkateGuru.com - tel. 212 777-3232.

Roll On!!!..................................Lezly (director - Lezly Skate School estab. 1979)