Skating

Is skating a sport?

Life is better on wheels! Skating is mainly done recreationally, but there is also attention for it at a professional level. A big advantage of these sports is that you can practice them in public spaces and therefore exercise at the day and time that suits you!

When skating, we recommend wearing elbow, wrist, and knee protection, as well as a helmet! If you participate in traffic with a skateboard, skates, or a scooter, the same rules as for pedestrians apply, and you are also allowed to use the bike path.

What is the difference between rollerblades and skates?

These terms are often used interchangeably, yet they each have a different meaning! Originally, rollerblades have five wheels and skates have four wheels, but nowadays there are rollerblades and skates available with, for example, three wheels. Rollerblades are mainly designed for long-distance rides at high speeds. Rollerblades have a sturdy frame, making them not very maneuverable but very suitable for high-speed riding! Skates are more maneuverable than rollerblades, making it easier to make turns and skate through the streets and paths of your hometown! Many skates have a brake pad at the back of the right skate, allowing you to come to a smooth stop. So if you want to go on long-distance rides at high speeds, choose rollerblades! But if you want to focus on fitness skating or recreational rides, skates are probably more comfortable!

What is skateboarding?

Skateboarding was originally created by surfers who wanted to 'surf' on land. The goal of the sport is to perform cool stunts. This can be done on a flat surface or on a skate park with various obstacles (such as a ramp or halfpipe).

The two most well-known boards are a skateboard and a longboard. In terms of shape, a longboard most closely resembles the original surfboard. Longboards are mainly used for covering long distances. The modern skateboard generally has harder and smaller wheels than a longboard, making it more suitable for performing stunts.

A board that is becoming increasingly popular is the cruiser. This is a small, plastic board that fits well in your backpack. These boards have old-school wheels and are great for touring the city.

Although it is comfortable to wear loose-fitting clothing while skateboarding, it is becoming more common to see skateboarders wearing tighter clothing. There is no ultimate outfit for this sport, but it is recommended to get wide, flat shoes. With such shoes, you have extra grip on the board.

Is scootering healthy?

The scooter is used for both commuting and recreational purposes and is definitely good for your body. There is even an organization that sees promoting the scooter to the Dutch public as one of its main tasks: the Dutch Autoped Federation. The NAF also manages the national scooter calendar with competitions and tours.

There is no special clothing for scootering, but scooters generally opt for running or cycling clothing. For shoes, we recommend choosing, for example, running shoes. These shoes provide a lot of grip and good cushioning.

When scootering, make sure to switch legs regularly, as the standing leg will otherwise quickly become fatigued!

What skate protection do I need?

When skating, it is important to protect yourself well, as you may make a misstep and fall! Therefore, always wear sufficient protection so you can safely embark on your skate adventure. At Plutosport, you can find various protective gear for skating:

• A skate helmet is not mandatory if you are skating for fun, but it is recommended. It ensures that your head is protected in case of a fall.
• In addition to your head, it is also important to protect other body parts with skate protection. Think of your wrists, knees, and elbows. By wearing protectors, you prevent injuries, bruises, or, in the worst case, fractures in case of a fall.

What skate clothing do I need?

When skating, it is important that you can move smoothly, so choose clothing that offers a lot of freedom of movement and moves with your body. Good clothing for skating includes, for example, running clothing or cycling clothing.