Safety: Lessons

Learning Inline Skating: Start Now
(We Can Even Teach You to Stop)

By Sarah Curi

Why take skating lessons? Here are a just a few great reasons:

  • LESSONS are the best way to start (and stop). Learn to stop before you start. Not only can an instructor show you how to get started, but an instructor can also teach you how to safely and effectively stop on skates.
  • LESSONS build confidence. Instructors will help you to gain a basic understanding of the skills involved in inline skating, creating a foundation of solid skills that will increase your confidence on skates.
  • LESSONS will allow you to build your skills. Once you've have built a solid foundation of basic skills, learning more advanced skills is much easier. All more difficult skills—whether hockey, racing, slalom, or freestyle—are a combination of basic skills.
  • LESSONS are interactive. An instructor can monitor your performance and give specific feedback on what you're doing well and what you need to work on to improve.
  • LESSONS are fun! Lessons are a fun way to learn and practice new skills, meet people, and get an insider's view on all aspects of inline skating.
  • LESSONS produce safe skaters. With new skills under your belt, you'll be a safer skater, able to maneuver through streets and trails with control and confidence. Indeed, you may just end up taking your skates with you everywhere, whether commuting to work or touring Europe!
  • LESSONS are not just for kids. Whether you're seven or seventy, a beginner or an intermediate skater, there's no better way to improve your skating than by taking a lesson.
  • LESSONS make great gifts. Treat a friend (or even yourself) to guaranteed FUN!

How to choose an instructor:

  • Ask for recommendations from your friends, co-workers, or the shop where you bought your skates (many skate shops have their own skate schools).
  • Check out our list of ICB-affiliated instructors. The ICB does not endorse any particular instructors or skating schools.
  • Check out the United Skate Schools Group (USSG) Web site for certified instructors in your area.
  • Remember, instructors (and skate schools) vary not only in terms of instruction style, but also price and quality. Be a smart consumer. Do your own research.