Awareness/Statistics

A 1999 survey of roller skating center patrons across the U.S. showed:
 

  • The main reason why patrons go skating is because “it’s fun.” Following in a close second was “my friends go.”
  • 70% of those surveyed said they have had or have attended a birthday party at a skating center.
  • A little over half of the respondents said they own Roller blades, while 41 percent own roller skates
  • 52% of those surveyed said they also skate outdoors.

 
According to National Sporting Goods Association Statistics:
An estimated 2.5 million people participated in roller hockey (more than once) in 1999, an estimated 8.2 million in quad skating, and an estimated 24.1 million in in-line skating.In-line skating was ranked at the top of the list of sports with the greatest growth from 1993 to 1998, with a 118% increase in the number of estimated participants (ages 7 and older) in that time period. Roller Hockey came in second with a 106% change in the number of participants.

The number of youth ages 7 to 17 who in-line skated in 1998 was 15,944 (marking growth of nearly 600% since 1990). Bicycle riding was the sport most participated in by youth ages 7-17, with an estimated 17,899 bicycle riders. Basketball ranked third with 14,519 participants.

  • The number of youth ages 7-17 who participated in roller hockey in 1998 was 2,002 (marking a growth of about 100% in 1990).
  • Women seven years of age and older represented 64.7% of all quad skaters in 1998.
  • Women seven years of age and older represented 52% of all in-line skaters in 1998. Exercise Benefits
  • Studies have shown that roller skating provides a complete aerobic workout and involves all of
    the body’s muscles, especially the heart. »Roller skating is equivalent to jogging in terms of health benefits-caloric consumption, reduction of body fat, and leg strength development.
  • Roller skating is recognized and recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) as an aerobic fitness sport.
  • Just one hour of moderate roller skating burns 330 calories for a 143-pound person. If that same person roller skates vigorously, he or she will burn up to 590 calories in an hour.
  • The number of calories burned per hour while skating at 6 mph is 350 and 600 while skating at 10 mph.
  • According to a study conducted at the University of Massachusetts, in-line skating causes less than 50 percent of the impact shock to joints compared to running.
  • If someone roller skates one day, bicycles another, and swims or runs on another, the person will be getting all the fitness benefits that aerobics can offer.
  • According to Dr. Carl Foster, associate professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin Medical School, in-line skating as a form of exercise is as beneficial as running or cycling. (Information from International Inline Skating Association website)
  • During a 30-minute period, on the average, in-line skating at a steady, comfortable rate expends 285 calories and produces a heart rate of 148 beats per minute.

Information from International Inline Skating Association

Why take skating lessons? Here are a just a few great reasons:-

  • LESSONS are the best way to start (and stop). Learn to stop before you start. Not only can an instructor show you how to get started, but an instructor can also teach you how to safely and effectively stop on skates.
  • LESSONS build confidence. Instructors will help you to gain a basic understanding of the skills involved in inline skating, creating a foundation of solid skills that will increase your confidence on skates.
  • LESSONS will allow you to build your skills. Once you’ve have built a solid foundation of basic skills, learning more advanced skills is much easier. All more difficult skills-whether hockey, racing, slalom, or freestyle-are a combination of basic skills.
  • LESSONS are interactive. An instructor can monitor your performance and give specific feedback on what you’re doing well and what you need to work on to improve.
  • LESSONS are fun! Lessons are a fun way to learn and practice new skills, meet people, and get an insider’s view on all aspects of inline skating.
  • LESSONS produce safe skaters. With new skills under your belt, you’ll be a safer skater, able to maneuver through streets and trails with control and confidence. Indeed, you may just end up taking your skates with you everywhere, whether commuting to work or touring Europe!
  • LESSONS are not just for kids. Whether you’re seven or seventy, a beginner or an intermediate skater, there’s no better way to improve your skating than by taking a lesson.
  • LESSONS make great gifts. Treat a friend (or even yourself) to guaranteed FUN!How to choose an instructor:
  • Ask for recommendations from your friends, co-workers, or the shop where you bought your skates (many skate shops have their own skate schools).
  • Check out our list of ICB-affiliated instructors at ICB instructors. The ICB does not endorse any particular instructors or skating schools.
  • Check out the International Inline Skating Association’s (IISA) Web site for certified instructors in your area.
  • Remember, instructors (and skate schools) vary not only in terms of instruction style, but also price and quality. Be a smart consumer. Do your own research.

 

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