buying skates

Question
Hello, I am about to buy roller skates for myself and my daughter (7) to skate on our church parking lot which is paved in asphalt.  I was woundering which type of skate would be the best for that and if cheap skates from a discount store would be ok to start out teaching her on?

Answer
Hi Paula,
  Sure inexpensive skates for your daughter to start out on would be fine.  Since you'll both be skating outside, make sure you wear wrist guards and knee pads.  If you find your daughter falls a lot, I would have her wear elbow pads also.

  As for skates for you?  I would suggest that you invest in a little bit better pair.  Because you're taller and carry more weight than your daughter you should have something that's a little more durable.  Get a skate that has specific outdoor wheels.  The style really doesn't matter but the wheels do. Outdoor wheels are softer than indoor wheels to protect you from tripping over pebbles etc.  You can find them at a sporting store or your local roller rink.

  I would suggest you bring a broom to make sure you can clear any pebbles from your skating area.  This may be a problem for your daughter since the wheels that will come on her skates are probably a little harder and meant for indoor use.  But the good thing is that she's a beginner and won't be skating very fast for a while.  Just keep an eye on her and clear your skating area.

  If you and your daughter try skating indoors at a roller rink, make sure you clean your wheels off.  If your wheels are beat up from outdoor use they may not let you use them inside.

  Good luck and have fun.  Remember be safe and wear safety gear.  If you have any other questions feel free to write me again.

Pat