In-line Skating


Nearly two million Canadians of all ages in-line skate for recreation, fitness, transportation and for competitive sport. In-Line skating can cause injuries if precautions are not taken!

HELMET
  • Wear an approved In-Line skating helmet
  • The difference between a bicycle helmet and an In-Line helmet is that the in-line helmet has a lower back to protect the back side of the head, as backward falls are much more common in in-line skating than bicycling.

WRIST GUARDS
  • Look for rigid plastic support for both the front and the back of the hand and wrist.  Wrist guards are designed to minimize injuries by preventing hyperextension of the wrist, which can cause a break.

ELBOW AND KNEE PADS
  • Look for the sock variety which slips onto the arm or leg and then fastens with a strap.  Your knee pads are first to touch the ground when you fall.

SKATES
  • Determine what you want to use the skates for - fitness, cross training or recreation. 
  • Make sure you buy the correct skate for your use. 
  • Check skates regularly to make sure they are in good condition.Replace worn wheels and brakes as necessary.
  • Make sure the wheels are securely tightened and not blocked be debris or grass.

SKATERS WEARING PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ARE FAR LESS LIKELY TO BE INJURED!

Skating Tips
  • In Line skating is a skill and requires practice!  As a beginner, you should be practicing on driveways, secluded paths or empty parking lots.
  • Stopping is one of the most important skills to learn.
  • Practice stopping in a safe area and learn the skill before heading out on your skates, especially if you will be on hills.
  • Watch for road hazards- water, oil, debris, uneven or broken pavement, and sand.
  • Know how to step up onto the curb or sidewalk to get away from potential hazards.
  • Skate in areas such as roller rinks, skate parks, community parks and playgrounds that are free of traffic.
  • Find out where it is legal for you to skate in your community.
  • Skate on the right, pass on the left.

WHO IS GETTING INJURED?
  • 10-14 years (59%)
  • 5-9 years (20%)
  • 15-19 years (15%)
  • 20 years and over (4%)
  • 1-4 years (2%)

WHAT ARE THE INJURIES?
  • Bone fractures
  • Abrasions, swelling and bruising
  • Muscle strains

WHAT IS MOST FREQUENTLY INJURED?
  • Hand/Forearm - 58%
  • Leg/Feet - 14%
  • Head/Face- 11%
  • Shoulder/Upper Arm/Elbow- 10%
  • Other- 7%

This information was extracted from: Canadian In-Line Skating: Focus on Safety Reference Guide" St. John Ambulance 1997 and CHIRPP (Health Canada) 1995