The beginnings
We think of rollerblading as a very modern activity, but the first in-line skate was developed over 200 years ago by a Dutchman. He nailed wooden wheels to strips of wood and fastened them to his shoes. Fifty years later, Joseph Merlin designed some metal wheeled boots but the world wasn't ready for a roller boot explosion in the 1700s! Rocking skates, with four wheels (in a two by two arrangement), were patented in 1863 by the American inventor James Leonard Plimpton. By the end of the nineteenth century ball-bearing wheels were used, and these metal wheels were attached to frames in the 'conventional side-by-side' arrangement. The frames were fastened onto your ordinary shoes.
This style continued to be used and roller skating became a popular pastime especially after the 1930s when special indoor and outdoor rinks were built. However, popularity waned until in the 1970s roller skating received a boost when plastic, polyurethane wheels, that allow for greater freedom of movement and more intricate manoeuvres, were introduced. Wheels were attached to special boots still in the 'side-by-side' form.
In the 1980s, two American ice hockey brothers wanted to do some off season training. They developed an in-line boot, where the wheels were aligned in a single row. The design took off and by 1985 in-line skates were regularly used by hockey players for training. Rollerblade were one of the first manufacturers of in-line boots and so in-line skates became known as 'rollerblades'. Soon skiers took to their in-line skates for off-season training and by 1987 they were in demand by anyone and everyone!
In-line skating today
Although they were originally used by ice-hockey players for off-season training, in-line skates are now used by many sports' men and women - athletes, snowboarders, surfers, cyclists, runners, dancers, skiers, ice-skaters and even golfers have been known to use in-line skates to develop techniques, strengthen muscles or just as an anaerobic workout! But what can you do as an in-line skater?Skater Hockey
Skater Hockey is action packed game; it is fast and physical but lots of fun. Injuries are rare because protective gear is essential - this includes a helmet with a visor. Goalkeepers wear extra padding. There are 18 players in a squad (16 out players and 2 goal keepers) plus a coach or manager. Five players are allowed on the pitch at any one time but there are unlimited substitutions.The game is played by teams, male and female, in age groups. It is similar to ice-hockey except that teams use a special non-bouncing, plastic ball available from the British In-line Skater Hockey Association (BISHA). BISHA is the national governing body for the sport although it is run on a voluntary basis. It is responsible for the nationwide leagues, the national championships and international events. All players must register with the Association to play in any league or competition. (See Information)
Racing
Racing takes place over various distances, including sprints. Speed skating contests are very popular events and contestants have worked many hours to develop racing skills and techniques. The roller derby, a rugged speed-skating event, is staged on a banked track.Extreme and Artistic Skating
Extreme skating includes all those spectacular jumps, twists and turns that we all love to watch. It is certainly not for beginners! Most of these moves can be very risky and require hours of practice. Extreme skaters perform their stunts on ramps, stairs, walls, curbs, rails - anywhere that offers a challenge. Artistic skating is perhaps more controlled but just as technical, with squats, jumps, spins, spirals and acrobatic manoeuvres. Artistic routines are often set to music in the same way as ice dancing.
