Learning to skate

Question
QUESTION: I am in my 40's and never learned to roller skate or roller blade.  Although we do have a rink in our town, I will most likely skate outdoors. Any advice on whether I should start with quads or inlines?  Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Pat,
  It's really a matter of preference which you want to learn on.  First let me ask how your coordination is....are you very coordinated or not very much?   That could make a difference on which ones you start with.

  In either case I would consider taking a few skating lessons at your local roller rink to make sure you have the basics down so you don't get hurt when you try to skate outside.

  Usually if you can roller skate you are able to roller blade.  But if you've never skated before you may find the roller blades very hard to learn on.   

  Send me a note back and let me know how your coordination is and that will help decide on which skate you should start with, ok?

  Hope to hear from you soon.

Pat

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I would have to say my coordination, or at least my balance, is not very good.  It has probably gotten a little better with age, but as a child, I could not water ski or skate even after several attempts.  I could barely ride a bike.  Now I bike and snow ski (average, intermediate level).

Answer
Hi Pat,
  After reading your comment on balance I would suggest you learn to skate on regular roller skates indoors first before trying roller blades outdoors.

  The reason being:  The speed of roller skates can be controlled by tightening down the nut on a couple wheels on each skate, if needed.  This will slow the skate down to give you a chance to get use to them and progress at your own rate. Once you get the hang of it and feel comfortable on the skates the nut can be loosened up to give you more roll.  With roller blades you can't do that.  

  I really would suggest going and taking some lessons at your local roller rink.  They will teach you all the basics of balance, how to stop etc.  Once you feel comfortable pushing (without the wheels being slowed down) then you could try the rinks rental roller blades and see how it goes. Once you're comfortable on the roller blades then you can purchase your own and try skating outdoors.  

  Once you try roller skating and if you feel the skates are to fast.....don't hesitate to ask the teach if he/she can slow the wheels down by tightening the nut on 2 diagonal wheels.  Not everyone offers to do this for people but it can be done.  If you don't feel you need that then don't ask them.

  I would also suggest you invest in a pair of wrist guards while you're learning to skate.  If you should fall, this will protect your wrists.  Once you're ready to skate outdoors.....always wear safety equipment such as wrist guards and knee pads.  They also make elbow pads if you think you need them.

  Good Luck, I'm sure you will do fine.  Just be patient and allow yourself time to learn correctly and safely.

Pat