Want to start rollerblading, buy your first pair but don't know where to start? No problem, the HawaiiSurf blog is here to help! Buying your first skate is always an important moment! But it's far from simple... How do you choose your first skates online? We tell you! The easiest way to start is to ask yourself what you're going to skate for. There are many different types of use: Fitness, Freeskate, Hikingetc. These are all very different and cater for different levels and objectives. In fact, whether you start skating for hiking, freeskating or purely for leisure or strolling, your needs won't be the same. For beginners, it's best to start with a fitness roller, known for its lightness and comfort. It's also the most versatile and fun. It's the ideal way to get started and have fun at the same time! Here are our top tips for choosing your first pair of fitness rollers!
Roller fitness, the best choice for beginners
Fitness is the most popular sport when choosing your first inline skate. Inline skating is a very popular sport, not least for its many physical benefits. This fun activity combines cardio, balance and sharing. It can be practised alone or as a family, and especially from an early age. When practised regularly, fitness is also an effective way to burn as many calories as possible without feeling like you're doing sport. To motivate you, consider that 1 hour of roller fitness will burn 500 calories! Can you believe it? It's also excellent for building cardiovascular endurance, body coordination and strengthening leg, buttock and abdominal muscles. On the plus side, this sport is often practiced outdoors. It's a great way to get some fresh air, enjoy the good weather and get some exercise at the same time! The playing field is vast, from cycle paths to paved roads. Although some people prefer to practice indoors to avoid the risk of falls and injuries in bad weather. You can also use roller skating as an alternative to your daily commute! In short, roller fitness is super versatile and, above all, easy to get started with. As mentioned above, this type of skate is ideal for beginners. In fact, fitness skates are designed to offer a good balance between stability and speed. They are lightweight, comfortable skates with a softer ankle support to promote flexion and thrust. Ideal for cruising around town or covering a few more kilometers! These skates are often equipped with larger, softer wheels than other types, making them more stable and easier to maneuver. What's more, inline skating can help improve balance, coordination and overall fitness. All good things... Now all you have to do is take the plunge!
What are the characteristics of an inline fitness rollerball?
Before highlighting different fitness models, let us clear up some roller vocabulary for you. A fitness inline skate features several elements that are important when choosing your next pair!
- Wheels: The special feature of fitness wheels is their size. They are wider (between 80mm and 90mm) than speed rollerblades. Their purpose is to offer greater stability and maneuverability.
- The deck: This is the part that connects the wheels to the shoe. The decks on fitness rollers are often shorter and lighter than those on speed skates. They also ensure better maneuverability and response to movement.
- The liner: Soft and padded, the roller fitness liner offers excellent comfort and support for feet and ankles.
- Brakes: Often located at the rear, fitness brakes are large and easy to use, allowing skaters to better control their speed and stop.
Our selection of Rollerblade models for roller fitness
Before choosing the model that's right for you, it's important to always go for a fairly rigid roller. Fitness models are stiff enough to provide optimum support, which is essential when you're just starting out. You need to be sure that the roller holds your foot firmly, so that you have the best possible posture. Be careful not to associate rigidity with discomfort!
The Rollerblade Zetrablade model
Are you planning to take a stroll, have fun, enjoy your city and do some sport without thinking about it? Visit Rollerblade Zetrablade is made for you! Let's have a look at this flagship model! The Zetrablade is a fitness roller designed for beginners and occasional skaters. It has been designed to offer a good balance between comfort, performance and affordability. The boot is super comfortable thanks to its softboot construction. This construction adapts perfectly to the shape of your foot.
Optimum support guaranteed! As for the one-piece plastic structure, it's lightweight yet rigid enough. A good compromise for serious pushing on all your roller outings! The four wheels are 80mm 82A for maximum comfort and feel. This is the reference set-up for starting inline skating. You stay low to the ground, stable and maneuverable, so you can go anywhere! This model is ideal if you go inline once or twice a week, with a weekly mileage of less than 25km! 
Level: Initiation, beginner.
Usage/ Frequency: Occasional (less than 25km per week).
The Rollerblade Macroblade 80 model
If you want to have a little more fun, or if you clearly have a "sportier" objective, the range just above will enable you to skate harder and more frequently. The Macroblade 80 will be perfect for this purpose. This model is suitable for beginner to intermediate skaters. The feel of the boot is similar to that of its little brother, the Zetrablade, and that's to be expected - we're still using the same "performance" boot from Rollerblade. However, the Macroblade's fabric is more breathable, and the lacing system provides a better fit and support. But it's underneath that the main difference lies. The Macroblade is mounted on a tougher, more durable aluminum Twinblade deck, to accommodate more regular use. The rigidity of aluminum means you can skate harder and longer. The wheels are 80mm-82A, with the option of running on 84mm wheels thanks to the Twinblade chainring. An important point if you're aiming for greater comfort or longer distances. This model is therefore ideal for beginners, but a must-have if you're already planning more regular use. It offers greater scope for progression than the Zetrablade.
Level Beginner to intermediate.
Use/ Frequency: Regular.
The Rollerblade Macroblade 84 Boa model
If you want to take your riding to the next level, while remaining accessible and suitable for beginners, there's also the Macroblade 84. This iconic model is back with a vengeance this year! It's very similar to the Macroblade 80 we presented above, except for the wheel size. The 84 is equipped with the largest wheel size in the series (84mm). However, we've decided to showcase the Macroblade 84 in its BOA version! More practical and quicker to fit, the Boa clamping system enables very precise adjustment. The micrometric disc also adds value to this improved entry-level model. It provides extra rigidity and support. This makes it ideal for beginner to intermediate skaters with ambitions for great touring.
Level Beginner to intermediate.
Use / Frequency: Regular and long-lasting.
Now that you know which model to choose, it's important not to forget the essentials: protection ! Yes, rollerblading is a gliding sport, and therefore a risky one... That's why it's essential to equip and protect yourself for every roller outing. Equip yourself with a helmet, knee pads, wrist guards and elbow pads before you set off. In short, we recommend that you take the time to choose your skates according to your level of practice, your morphology and, above all, your intended use! It's also essential to ensure your safety with a complete safety pack to avoid injury in the event of a fall! Enjoy your session & see you soon on Hawaii!
Camille, HawaiiSurf.
