Over 50, Quad to inline

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I've reviewed the archive, & found info about going from inline to quads, & bits of info for older skaters.  However, none of the info was exactly on target, so I hope you can help.  

I'm 51 years old, & want to skate outside in my neighborhood for exercise.  I was an avid Quad skater throughout the 60's.  In fact, my white leather skates, with wood wheels, & bunny fur pom-poms still fit, & are in excellent condition.  (I've used them at skating parties every 3 or 4 years, & have done well in them; even though the wheels aren't the modern type.  My wheels tend to be fast on the newer style rink floors.)

After reading, I know inline skates will be best for my use.  What should I know/expect with inline skates?  (Again, I found plenty of detailed info about quads, & how they function.)  I'm looking for comparative INLINE details.  Is inline more like ice-skating?  (Though, I still have my ice-skates; I was not very good on them.)

What are your thoughts concerning skating & age?  As exercise, is skating at least comparable to walking?  (It sure is more fun!)  What skate & wheel recommendations do you suggest for someone my age, buying their FIRST inline skates, for outdoor use?

Thanks so much for you help, Anna

ANSWER: Hi Anna,
  You're right that inlines are best for outdoor use.  Since you already know how to skate the transition will be easy.  Inline are a little different because they tend to make you want to lean forward but other than that, you shouldn't have any problem.

  As far as your age?  Don't worry about it.  51 years old is not old.  I would suggest that you wear safety gear though.  Wrist guards should always be worn when skating outdoors.  Knee pads might be a good idea also...at least  until you feel very comfortable on your new inlines.

  Yes, inlines are more like ice skating but like I said, you seem to be an experienced skater so you will adjust easily.  Just take it slow and skate on smooth surfaces when you can.  It's great exercise and works different parts of your body comparing it to walking.  But it's just as beneficial (if not more) than walking.  

  Practice stopping because the brake is in the back of the skate instead of the toe stop in the front on roller skates.  

  To stop, put your feet together, bend your knees and send the skate with the brake on it to the front while gently lifting your toe.  The more heel pressure you put on the brake the faster you will stop.  

  The type of skate you should buy is a personal preference.  It mostly depends on your budget.  Find a skate with a fairly large wheel, has good support and fits you well.  Try to get a bearing with at least an ABEC rating of 3.  Later on if you want a faster/better bearing you can always upgrade without buying anything else.  

  Go to either a roller rink where they have catalogs you can look through to compare prices or a sports store where they have them in stock so you can try them on.  Make sure they fit you like a glove.  Snug but not tight.  

  Good Luck with your skating.  If you have any further questions, feel free to write again.

Pat

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

QUESTION: Hi again,  
--Thanks for the quick reply! I'm going to be forward and ask you for some additional advice.
--I'm still feeling a bit "chicken" at leaning to inline skate. Therefore, I thought I might start quad skating again. I know I can go to a rink, and within 2 or 3 laps, feel quite comfortable.  Sense I have never skated outdoors, I know I'd have to adjust to the varied surfaces. I think while gaining outdoor skills; I'd also boost my CONFIDENCE, build stamina and agility.
--After researching quad skates, I have a couple of questions. I really like the look and thought of tennis shoe/sneaker style quads. It seems they would be cooler (temperature, not style) to use outdoors. However, I don't know if they will hold up. What do you think about this type of outdoor quad skate? What is this style technically called (not brand name)?
--Also new to me was the lower boot style skates. (Example: The Riedell Bandit's boot.) Again, I think this style would be more comfortable.  However, I have the same questions about his style quad.
--I've never had synthetic wheels, and frankly don't want to have to spend hours researching them. I want to skate, not read! What do you suggest for the wheels?
--Finely, If you think I'm just delaying/stalling (being a big baby), and think I should just bite the bullet; SAY SO. I've already gotten my Doctor's approval for this type of exercise. The last thing I want to do is fool around and loose interest. I want to skate (cruse around the neighborhood - ha!).
--Thank you for reading this. I look forward to your reply. Anna


Answer
Hi Anna,
  Don't be afraid to try inlines..especially since you want to skate outside.  

Here's what I would suggest:  Go to a local roller rink and rent a pair of inlines.  Skate around in them and give yourself enough time to make a judgement.  Go more than once, get your balance and confidence up then go buy a pair.  Most roller rinks offer classes also.  Wear the inlines and take some group classes.  They will teach you  to skate correctly and safely.

I truly feel if you get use to them skating indoors first you won't be so leary to skate on them outdoors.  

As for the sneaker style quads?  They don't have a particular name each company calls them something different.  

My personal opinion is not to use them outdoors. They're fine for the kids because they're fearless and much lower to the ground than adults. lol   They do make quad wheels for outdoor skating but the inlines give you more ankle support and are much safer if you should hit a rock or twig.  Inlines will breeze right through things where the quads will most likely trip you.  

I think you can have the best of both worlds.  Use your quads for indoor skating and inlines for outdoor.  

Down the road you may want to switch your wooden wheels over the the newer synthetic wheels. It's a world of difference.  It's a much smoother ride and they grip the floor very well where the wooden wheels will tend to slip.  You'll feel like your riding a cadillac.  

No, I don't think you're being a big baby, you're being cautious because change is very hard.  But I do feel that if you get use to the inline skating indoors first then you won't hesitate to try them outdoors.

Wear wrist guards always when skating on inlines whether it's indoors or outdoors.  I have a feeling after you try them a few times indoors you'll be sailing around your neighborhood in no time at all.   

Put your chin up, take a deep breath and go for it.  

I hope I've answered your questions.  If you have any more don't hesitate to write me again.

Good Luck and keep me posted. I'd love to hear about your progress.

Pat