Roller skating has been around for many years. Here are some fun facts about roller skating that you may not know.

1. Did you know around 1735 a gentleman by the name of John Joseph Merlin thought it would be a good idea to create some shoes with wheels on them so he could crash a party while playing the violin? Well it turns out he didn’t practice before his big entrance and he ended up crashing into a large mirror!
2. Did you know Monsieur Petitbled patented the roller skate in 1819? His skates were inline and only had three wheels. They also had no way to turn!
3. Did you know that the first time (that was recorded) someone got married on skates was in 1912? It is actually recorded in the National Museum of Roller Skating which is located in Lincoln, Nebraska.
4. Did you know for the first 100 years roller skates couldn’t turn? They just moved in a straight line until James Plimpton added trucks to the bottom which turned the skate world to a whole new level of skating.
5. Did you know that there are many different styles of skating around the U.S?  During the 1970’s, different styles of roller skating began to show up in the major cities. Chicago, is still know for “JB style” of shuffle skating, to the music of James Brown. The styles are still being created and you can always tell when a “out-of-towner” visits your home rink by the style of skating they show.
6. Did you know skating is so much fun, even the Amish started skating? In the early 1990’s Amish started using skates for easier transportation.

Roller skating has been around for many years and will be for many more.

Roller skating has been around for many years. We have seen many different types of rollers skates such as metal, plastic, fiberglass and leather. So why is roller skating such a popular sport? Many thoughts come to mind when I am asked this question,so here are my top five reasons why roller skating is amazing.

1. Roller skating is great exercise. Roller skating works most of the muscles in your body. When you skate you have to use your legs, arms, stomach and back muscles to continue movement.
2. You can roller skate indoors and outdoors. When the weather is nice, you can go to your local parks and enjoy the outdoors (see our post about skating outdoors here, https://www.threefountainsrecreation.com/2020/07/5-tips-for-skating-outdoors ). When the weather is not as nice, head to your local skating rink and enjoy a more comfortable indoor environment.
3. You have different types of roller skates to choose from. Some skaters choose the traditional style of roller skates, also referred to as quads. Quads have four wheels on each skate with two wheels per side. Others choose inlines or roller blades. These particular skates can have 3 to 5 wheels per skate positioned in a straight line. You can also pick from different types of boots to get the best fit for your foot.
4. You can skate with friends or family or just take time for yourself. Roller skating is great for families to spend quality time together. This is a sport that is good for all ages. Roller skating is also a great way to spend time with friends. It is excellent for socializing and entertainment. On the other hand some people roller skate just to take a relaxing stroll to relieve stress from everyday life.
5. The roller skating community is amazing. Once you have entered the world of roller skating, you will be welcomed into a world of talent, skill and knowledge. Roller skating is a world wide community and everyone shares the love of the sport.

These are only five reasons that roller skating is an amazing sport. Many more reasons can be added to the list, but that would be more reading and less time to start roller skating. For those who have decided to start roller skating, welcome to the community.

Skating outdoors can be a lot of fun. Safety is very important when you are heading outdoors.  Look in your area for safe parks that allow roller skating and have smooth concrete for a better experience. Once you have found your outdoor area check out some tips for your outdoor skating adventures.

1. Make sure you have safety gear.  A helmet, wrists guards, elbow pads and knee pads will not only help if you happen to fall, but the safety gear will also help build confidence knowing that something is there to help protect you.
2. Using the correct wheels.  Most skates are equipped with standard indoor wheels only.  They are made for a smooth, clean coated surfaces.  The proper outdoor wheel will make a difference in the concrete surface.  A softer wheel allows the rough surface to feel a little more smooth. An outdoor wheel will also be less likely to gash, flatten or split like a harder indoor wheel.  (It is important to change your outdoor wheels to indoor wheels when you go back to the skating rink. It keeps the skating rink floors clean and the indoor wheels roll easier on a coated floor.
3. Don’t forget to bring tools and extra parts. Remember to check all of your equipment before heading outdoors. If you are planning on going a long distance, carry a backpack with some of the necessity tools for your skates.  There are all-in-one skate tools available to purchase online and through your local skating rink.  Also pack an extra wheel or two and some extra bearings just in case you hit some rough spots and need to change them out.
4. Make sure you stay hydrated.  Even on the coolest of days it is important to stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water and even a snack if you are planning going a long distance.
5. Skate with a partner or group.  It is always a good idea to have someone with you while you are on your outdoor journey.  You can keep each other company and have someone there in case of an unfortunate incident.  Skating outdoors is also a fun activity for families.

We hope the tips above can help your outdoor skating adventures be a great experience.

Welcom to Three Fountains Recreation’s new website.  We hope to be able to share with you some of the wonderful things about our business through our blog section of the website.