What Is Aggressive Inline Skating?
Aggressive inline skating is an adrenaline-filled sport that involves tricks, jumps, and grinds. It’s an extreme form of skateboarding that has been growing in popularity for decades. While it looks dangerous, aggressive inline skating can be safe and rewarding if you follow the proper safety protocols.
Let’s dive into the world of aggressive inline skating and learn what makes this sport so exciting.
What Is Aggressive Inline Skating?
Aggressive inline skating is a popular extreme sport that involves maneuvering on a pair of skates with four to five wheels attached to each foot. Unlike rollerblading or recreational inline skating, primarily for transportation or fitness purposes, aggressive inline skating is done for competitive sports or stunts. It incorporates elements of street skating, like tricks, jumps, and grinds.
Origins
The origins of aggressive inline skating are often traced back to vert skating in the 1980s when skaters would perform tricks on half-pipes and other vertical ramps. In the early 1990s, skaters began to experiment with new ways of doing tricks on flat ground, which led to the development of street skating.
By the mid-1990s, aggressive inline skating had become its own distinct discipline, with its own set of tricks and skateparks. Today, it is still evolving, with new tricks always being invented. It remains a popular sport among both recreational skaters and competitive athletes.
Equipment
To enjoy aggressive inline skating, you will need a good pair of skates, protective gear, and some skills. Skates designed for aggressive skating differ from traditional inline skaters in several ways. The boots are sturdier, and the frames are lower to the ground. Wheels are also smaller and harder than those on recreational skates.
Protective gear is essential for anyone engaging in this high-intensity sport. A helmet is an absolute must, as head injuries are common. Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards will help protect you from falls and collisions.
Some basic skills are also necessary before you can start shredding on your new skates. If you have never skated before, it is best to take a few lessons from a professional instructor. Once you have the basics down, you can start practicing and perfecting your tricks.
Safety Protocols
For those new to aggressive inline skating, safety is key. Start by wearing the appropriate safety gear before taking to the pavement—this includes elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards, a helmet (or other headgear), and gloves for better grip control.
Also, make sure your wheels are properly tightened to avoid slipping and have enough room around you before attempting any stunts or jumps. Take your time learning new tricks—don’t try anything too advanced until you’ve mastered the basics.
Competitions and Events
Suppose you want to take your aggressive inline skills to the next level. In that case, there are plenty of opportunities across North America—from small local competitions to international events like the X Games.
There are several different disciplines within competitive aggressive inline such as slalom racing and rail grinding, where participants compete against each other by performing tricks on ramps and rails set up in specific courses or parks.
Each competition has its rulebook with guidelines outlining how it should be judged—so make sure you read them thoroughly before entering any event.
Conclusion
Aggressive inline skating can be an exciting experience, whether you’re just beginning or competing at a professional level. With its unique combination of speed and skillful maneuvering, it’s no wonder why this sport continues to grow in popularity year after year.
As with any extreme sport, safety should always come first, so ensure you practice proper protective measures before hitting the pavement.
