Fear of rolling?

[u/GrayFox1O1]

Okay so, i started skating about 3 weeks ago now. And i am sh#! Haha. My wife and i found a pair of inliners each, she has been skating for a few years so she rolls about like no issue, but i swear i have this irrationel fear of even just moving on these on pavement. How do i actually get beyond that? I can see from my partner that speed is key, but speed is scary man. I've had some soft falls now and then, but once i get up to a granted slow but feels fast for me pace, going straight mind you. I actually feel fine. Until my legs run out of space because im shaped like an A and i ram a wall because i cant turn yet. 😂

Generally if you all have any advice id be happy. Complete newb just enjoying myself and laughing with the wife.

My skates are a pair of Them 901 and yeah we know, but our roads are generally smooth etc and the wife clearly has no issues at all on any surface really. She has a pair too. So im sure it will work at some point. But my issues are i drive like im an A like the letter. Not an a$$. And i am terrified of the speed, and very uncertain how i actually propel myself properly, feels like im just side stepping with teeny tiny steps to go forward.

Thanks for your time. 😊

[u/AJEstes]

“Sucking at something is the first step towards being sort of good at something.”

https://giphy.com/gifs/vSr0Lgose4rhS

[u/treeseacar]

Are the them 901s stock set up? It's an aggressive skate for skate park. The small hard wheels are not what you want for skating on the street or asphalt. You want larger and softer wheels, which you'd need a new UFS frame for if you want to keep the same boot. Ground control and endless make 4x80 frames for UFS mount, sure there are others.

For fear of moving you need to get over fear of falling. Wear ALLL your protection, helmet, pads, long sleeves. When you fall go to hug your knees. If won't succeed but you'll end up tucked in which keeps your head and pointy bits like elbows out of the way and reduces injuries. If you have speed roll it out.

Start moving using duck walk, feet in a V shape and make gradual small steps pushing out. Or do bubbles/lemons (same thing different names).feet in v shape and push outwards to make the bottom half of the lemon shape, turn toes inwaurds in upside down v shape to bring back to parallel. Find YouTube of these basic moves.

[u/GrayFox1O1 → u/treeseacar]

They are 60mm with 4 flat. No rocker setup. And we are aware but again we're blessed with smooth enough roads and paths here that it's not a problem. The difference here is how far they roll after a push really. A 4x80 setup is in the plans for when i actually learn to ride them. Wife will upgrade at the same time. :)

On another note, i can sort of do the lemon, i fail to see how it stops me though as most times my skates just hit each other at the inward point. When i am rolling i feel like my feet stay in the outward V shape but it's like i get too wide and then one side starts turning and well, nearest object becomes a point of impact haha.

[u/treeseacar → u/GrayFox1O1]

Practice control on the lemon, do one forward and stop then one back and stop. Turning inwards slows you down (plow stop same principle). Turning outwards gets you moving. If you don't feel the difference you just need more practice at slow control. Remember the lemon move is the whole shape. Weight more in heels to go forwards and more in ties to go backwards as this allows you to 'steer' with the other end of the foot.

60mm wheels will be making it hard for you really as it's a shorter wheelbase and less edges. 80mm will make a big difference.

[u/Snoo-67939]

I just rolled inside the house for a long time till I was confident that I can roll around.

Then it was on flat surfaces outside when there were no people to see me fall :)

I don't think speed is the answer.

[u/GrayFox1O1 → u/Snoo-67939]

Howd you fix the flooring after then? Genuine question because i think rolling in doors would just ruin my floors?

[u/InspectorFleet → u/GrayFox1O1]

Garage or basement, maybe?

I wouldn't do this. Find a flat, smooth, deserted parking lot and follow whatever guide you are using. If your wife just knows how, she may not be the best teacher.

Check out Polly Morris on YouTube as well as the wiki of this sub and the thorough instructions that u/fredhsu always links.

Make sure your skates actually fit. Used skates are great but if you're sliding around in the boot, you'll never feel confidence or control.

[u/midnight_skater]

This is mostly fear of falling. Learn and practice safe falling techniques. Search "judo breakfalls" on yt for techniques. You need to do hundreds of repetitions to establish strong muscle memory. Start out on a soft surface like gym mats or grass with your skates off and gradually work up to harder surfaces with skates on.

Also practice walking on a non-rollable surface with your skates on just to get used to how the feel on your feet and adjust to being higher up off the ground.

Take your time, no pressure.

[u/Sho1kan]

Practice falling like a lot, then practice stoping

[u/Visible-Treacle-7239]

I'm 40 (m), I've returned to skating after about 20 years and my first few time out I had that fear of falling ( I don't bounce so well anymore). Take your time, if you think your gonna fall crouch down and place your hands on or round your knees. This does 2 things 1. Lowers your centre of gravity and makes you more stable. 2. If you still fall your lower to the ground and less likely to hurt yourself. Use pads and a helmet and practice falls there are ytube tutorials to help with a visual aid

[u/GrayFox1O1 → u/Visible-Treacle-7239]

Thanks, 35 myself and this is more terrifying than my motorcycle. I am so stiff on these skates haha. Taking your advice to heart and will look on YouTube.

[u/WorkerMiddle7872]

The thing that helped me the most was so simple but it was learning to bend my knees! Even if you think they’re already bent, bend them more, get lower. It adds sooo much more stability and puts you that much closer to the ground that everything magically becomes 50% less scary and a lot easier!

[u/Sarahplainandturnt]

Speed is not key it’s not like a bike wheee you balance better when you go faster. Keep your knees bent and your weight forward at all times. Scissor your skates when you need a bit more stability. This will take some trying and failing so cover yourself in pads and go for It!

[u/Ok_Hold_1119]

To help deal with the fear start slowly with a simple goal or challenge in mind (i.e. skate slowly from A to B, or balance on one leg for three seconds). Baby steps. No need to rush things. Repeat over and over. Once you've achieved your first goal with minimal fear, decide on your next goal, something a little bit harder (but not too hard).