AboutPat Palmer Expertise I feel I can answer most questions regarding the sport. I`m a registered Artistic Roller Skating Coach and have taught at various rinks for over 20 years. I coach competitive dance teams and teach anyone from the beginner skater to the very advanced skater.
Experience I'm a registered coach and have credentials from both the Roller Skating Association and
USA Roller Sports which is recgonized by the US Olympic Committee.
Expert: Pat Palmer Date: 4/4/2008 Subject: Vintage Roller Derby skates okay for outdoors?
Question Hi Pat,
I'm thinking about buying a pair of one of the many vintage Roller Derby skates that are found on eBay. Would these be okay to use outdoors? If I did use them outdoors, a couple times a week, every week this summer for example, would you say they would last me the whole summer? Finally, could I just buy some wheels used for outdoor skates and just change them after I buy the actual skates? Thanks so much!
Answer Hi Katrien,
Most people who buy vintage skates don't really use them....they collect them.
I would not recommend you use them for outdoor skating. If they are vintage, they are old which means all the parts are old. When parts get old on skates they rust, dry out or fall apart.
Buying outdoor wheels would be a good idea but there's no guarantee that the rest of the skate won't fall apart.
If you're mechanically incline and can restore or replace all the parts, I think they would be safe for indoor use only. Outdoor skating can be very rough on skates.
My suggestion would be to buy a new or slightly used pair of outdoor skates. That way you won't get hurt because the skate broke and caused you to fall.
