Inline speed skating is a form of inline skating that has speed as the main factor. Speed skating will have you going as fast as you can, often racing other skaters or competing to see how fast you can get around. This sport has gained in popularity all throughout the world in recent years, with many races and competitions being held.
The Inline Speed Skate
Inline speed skates are similar to regular inline skates. The boot is close fitting and will not have a lot of padding. It is generally made out of fiberglass, carbon, fiber, or leather composites. The shoe needs to be molded as much as possible to the shape of the foot so that speed is gained. Most inline speed skates are heat moldable or custom fitted.
Speed skates do not offer much ankle support and are low cut. This allows for the skater to have some extra angle movements. Most skaters will use socks or a type of ankle bootee to curb any kind of skin blisters that happen due to friction.
The frame of these skates is made of carbon fiber, magnesium, or aircraft grade aluminum. They are made to be flexible, but some people may still choose to get skates with a stiffer frame. This will all depend on their personal preference. People who speed skate will need to take some time and research the type and style of skate that they need to be effective when speed skating.
Training For Inline Speed Skating
Training for inline speed skating is very physical. A strict diet and a rigorous training schedule are followed. Skating requires the use of the whole body, so someone who is speed skating will have to work out the entire body to ensure that they can do everything they need to do. Training will need to be done daily, and most people will do intense workouts followed up by some leisure skating to help wind the body down.
Race Venues
Inline speed skating is held at many different venues, which include:
• Indoor races. These are common in the United States and are typically held at roller skating rinks. These rinks typically have plastic coated wooden floors or cement floors. Tracks are usually 100m in circumference. These events are usually structured in groups by age.
• Outdoor races. Outdoor races are held on park roads or on city streets. In some cases, they may be held on a patinodrome which is similar to a velodrome. These are generally surfaced with concrete or asphalt. Some of these venues may have curves that are banked. These are typically seen in Europe and not so much in the United States.
Racing Formats
There are many racing formats that are used in inline skating, and they include:
• Time trials. At time trials, individual skaters race individually or in pairs to see who can establish the best times. Time trials are not as popular as group racing.
• Sprint racing. Sprint racing consists of a skater racing for a short race by themselves.
• Elimination races. Elimination races are also known as the last man out. The last skater during each lap or certain point is removed. The person that is left will then be declared the winner.
• Point races. Points are awarded to the first, second, and third racers to cross the finish line at certain points during the race. The final lap will have the most points awarded. Whoever has the most points at the end of the race wins.
• Points elimination race. This race will combine points racing and the elimination race.
• Relays. A relay race will consist of teams that have anywhere from two to four skaters. The winners will be the ones who get to the finish line first as a team.
• Criterium races. This type of race will have skaters skating for a certain number of laps and a certain amount of time. The time is generally around fifteen to forty five minutes.
• Distance races. Distance races will refer to a race that is set at five miles or longer. It may go from point to point, or there may be some laps that happen.
• Marathons. Marathons are becoming increasingly popular in inline speed skating. Many people are coming out to watch these style races. Marathons are longer and more grueling than the other types above.
• Dryland triathlons. These are not as popular as they once were, but there are still some out there that do these, and instead of running or doing something else, they substitute inline skating.
• Downhill races. Downhill races are very popular in the Alpine area of Europe. This race uses the bobsleigh courses in the summertime. Skaters that do this style of speed skating will have to wear more protective gear, including very strong helmets, as the speed can become very fast.
How to Become an Inline Speed Skater
If you are interested in becoming an inline speed skater, you will need to commit to a very grueling workout, and you will also need to have patience. No matter how proficient you are on a pair of skates, you are not proficient enough to go right out and start speed skating. You will need to learn all the ins and outs of the sport, and you will need to practice every single day. You will also need to meet up with other speed skaters. There are amateur speed skaters out there that meet up and practice daily and even enter tournaments. If you want to get to a very competitive level where you are competing in multiple sports events, you will need to take your time and become very proficient at your sport.
Inline speed skating will require a lot of skill and effort. There is more to speed skating than putting on your skates and going fast. If you practice hard and put the effort into speed skating, you may be able to join the professional leagues. If you are interested in learning more about the sport, consider going to an inline speed skating event and watching videos on speed skating.
