Outdoor Skating: What You Need to Know to Skate Outside

Skating rinks across the country are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and skaters are missing their usual outlet for the community, socializing, exercise, and stress-relief that roller skating provides. While we all hope that rinks will be able to safely reopen soon, you don’t have to wait to skate! With a few tweaks to your gear and some tips from your friends at Southeastern Skate Supply, you’ll be ready to add outdoor skating to your list of quaran-tivities. 

Outdoor Skating 101: What to Know

Change your wheels.

Got a pair of roller skates? If so, you’re already on your way! You can use the same skates to skate indoors and outdoors, but you’ll need to change your skate wheels before you can hit the streets (or driveway, path, etc.). 

Outdoor skate wheels are typically wider and softer than indoor skate wheels, allowing your wheels to absorb shock from uneven surfaces like sidewalks. While that shock absorption is not important (and can even be detrimental) on a smooth, well-maintained indoor skating rink, it’s extremely important when you’re skating “out in the wild” and might encounter cracks, bumps, plant debris, or pebbles. 

If you own a skating rink and are looking for ways to continue generating revenue during the pandemic shutdown, let your customers know that you can still sell them outdoor skate wheels and other equipment to help them get started skating outside. We have a great selection of skate wheels available for wholesale purchase by FECs. 

Protect yourself with safety gear.

Skating outside is a little more hazardous than skating at an indoor skating rink, and the surfaces you’ll encounter if you fall down will probably hurt more than the smooth rink floor, too. Protect yourself from rough concrete and pavement, not to mention possible accidents, by wearing a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. 

Remember the rules. 

While the prospect of getting out of the house probably fills you with joy (we’re with you), don’t forget the usual safety rules for outdoor activities, as well as the current guidelines for social distancing and any other directives from the CDC, WHO, or local health department.

As a skating rink or FEC owner, this is an incredibly challenging time, but it is heartening to see the ways communities are coming together to support local businesses. It’s important to let your community know that you’re still here, you have services to offer, and you need their support. 

Use your social media, local news sites or publications, and any other marketing avenue at your disposal to let customers know that you can help them get the outdoor skating equipment they need to stay active! Facilitate online and/or over the phone ordering, and offer curbside pickup or shipping. And don’t forget to look around at what your fellow FECs are doing for inspiration, like these awesome “to-go” birthday party packages.