New to Inline Skating

Question
Hi Pat,
I am interested in taking up inline skating for excersize. I was considering quad skates but after reading through these other questions it seems not to be the safest idea.
Is there a particular brand of skate you recommend for a beginner? And what should a decent pair of skates cost me?
What should I look for in safety equipment?
Thanks,
Teresa

Answer
Hi Teresa,
   If you're going to be skating outside then yes, inlines are a little safer.  Although they do make quads specifically for outdoor use too.  If you plan on skating indoors, then it doesn't  matter but you may prefer quads because they have more maneuverability.  It just depends on what you want to do.

   As far as recommending an inline skate?  The Rollerblade brand is reliable.  Because they offer so many different skates, you would be able to pick one that's in your price range.  

  Like anything else, the more you spend the better product you will get.  But keep in mind no matter what skate you invest in, you can always upgrade the wheels and bearings at a later date when you feel more confident skating.   

  Just find one that's comfortable and gives you enough ankle support.  That's the most important thing for now.

  Rollerblade is not the only brand.  Spend some time trying on different skates and see which one you like the best.  If you find a skate you like and you feel the price is to high then do some comparison shopping online.  Just make sure you know the brand, style or style number and what size you wear before buying online.

  As far as safety equipment?  I would suggest, wrist guards and knee pads.  If you feel you need elbow pads, then purchase those too.  But the wrist and knee are probably the most important ones to have.  

  The brand of safety equipment isn't that important.  They all seem to be pretty much the same.

 Good Luck and have fun.  If I can help with anything else, just write me again.

Pat