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.
Question When I started skating, I started with aggresive skates. So for about 8 years, I skated on wheels no larger than 62mm. But I recently joined a hockey league and bought some hockey skates with 76mm wheels. I know I'm a good skater, but I feel like a beginner in these skates (meaning I fall a LOT). So I was wondering if those 14mm make a difference, or is it the type of skate? If so, should I invest in some smaller wheels (like about 68mm) or should I just try to adjust my skating to the new wheels?
Answer Hi Nikki,
Don't worry about it......when you've skated on the same skates for a long time any change at all is hard to get use to, but don't worry......you'll adjust. Skaters feet have a wonderful memory and protest when we change things. And yes it does effect your balance...but not for long.
Remember aggressive skates a quite a bit different than hockey skates especially with larger wheels, so just give it time.
I would suggest you take extra time to just skate around and practice in your new skates. Your feet and balance will start to create a new memory and that's when they'll start feeling normal again and you'll skate as well as you did before.
Don't buy smaller wheels, keep what you have and allow yourself time to adjust. The more you skate, the faster you'll get use to them. So don't skate only when your league gets together, practice in between every chance you get.
Good Luck.....I'm sure you'll be back to normal in no time.
