Buying Skate guide:

Everyone’s foot is different so finding the right size skate boat is important. If possible try on some different types of skates, this can be done at skate fit , league or at bayside blades. The same goes for knee, elbow and wrist guards they should be a snug but comfortable fit. See the below chart on how to measure your foot to get the perfect size as skate sizing is different from your everyday shoe size.

If still doing skate fit at meeniyan please remember, when that you will need neural colour top stops.

For roller derby you will need adjustable toe stops. Example can be found here.

Here is some help links if you need a more in-depth understanding on skate fitting and PBE or drop into Bayside blades and they will help you out with the right package.

Bayside blades ultimate fitting guide

lucky skates skate and PBE sizing

Roller skate anatomy

For a more detailed expiation on the anatomy of a roller skate, jump over to CIB Crew webpage.

Toe stops

There are two main types of toe stops, adjustable and bolt on. Adjustable are self-explanatory they can be adjusted, have a wide blot and the toe stop is wide. Blot on toe stops are a fixed toe stop, and are what you would find on stock skates, e.g. like the ones you find at roller rinks. Here is some detailed Toe stop information.

Cushions

Cushions at first can seam confusing and not relevant, but as you complete each star you will find they can make a difference, and enhance your skating comfort and performance. Cushions information can be found at cushion 101 and skate tech talks

Skate Storage:

Store your skates and PPE in a dry place where it can’t be kicked around and damaged, and the temp is relevantly constant. Try not to leave your skates and PPE in your car for extended periods of time as the massive temperature changes can harm your skates and PPE

Skate Maintenance

It's extremely important to check out our roller skates regularly, to make sure they are safe to skate on. Roller skate maintenance ensures longevity, so we can keep skating on them for as long as possible!

Each skate session:

Before you skate:

  • Check your toe stops to see if they are tight, secured and in the right position, using the three finger rule.

  • Wheels shouldn't jiggle. Make sure they are secured by tightening the axle nut.

  • Spin a wheel, they should be able to roll smoothly for about 10 seconds. If they have some resistance, they may need to clean your bearings!

  • Make sure your laces don't have any tears or fray’s, they can become thin after prolong usage. This may course your laces to rip during a session and could tip you over.

  • The insole should be perfectly flat and fit within the skate. It might cause some discomfort or slipping around within the boot.

Essentially, you're ensuring all the parts are working properly :)

 

While skating:

  • Sometimes toe stops can loosen up as you brake. Check regularly!!! You don't want them missing when, you’re mid-game, at skate fit, skate rink, or you're at the skate park!

  • Avoid puddles when skating outdoors or indoors with leaky roofs. They can rust up your bearings.

  • If you've made any new adjustments or upgrades to your skates, make sure your wheels don't touch your plate when you turn or that the kingpin doesn't drag on the floor.

 

After you skate:

  • Unlace your skates, loosen the laces enough to pull the tongue out, to air out and dry your skates. This reduces any funky smells.

  • Check out how your toe stops have worn down. One toe stop might be more used that the other, switch the skates they're on once in a while for even grinding down.

Monthly maintenance:

Bearings

  • You want to see a smooth spin on the bearings. Over time skating, dirt gets built up. Information on how to clean your bearings can be found here (personal option. If you choose to clean your bearings, please follow all the steps)

  • Check pivot cups haven’t cracked or broken.

  • Check cushions haven’t cracked or broken

  • Take wheels off and clean any dirt and derbies off

  • Make sure wheel washers are still there and not cracked. Wheel washers keep the axel and wheel nut from squashing the bearing.

  • Check tightness of tracks

  • Check toe stops, including toe stop washer between lock nut and plate when securing toe stops (if fitted), toe stop bolt and nut, and if you have taken your plate off your boot you can also check the toe stop block/nut (where your toe stop screws into)

  • Check plate for cracks, chips or anything thing abnormal

  • Check plate screws are tight.

  • Check boot, laces, eye lets, tongue toe guard (if fitted).