| When looking to buy kids skates, there are several | | | | skates are the expressed interest of a child then a |
| factors to consider. The first dilemma for those | | | | careful distinction will need to be made between |
| looking at roller skating options is whether to plump | | | | those ice skates that are more suitable for figure |
| for inline skates (with wheels in a single line) or | | | | skating; those that are designated as more general |
| traditional ‘quad' roller skates (with two wheels | | | | ‘recreational' ice skates; and those that are |
| on each row). Both can serve the beginner equally | | | | tougher and better designed to withstand the impact |
| well, although, with practice, a more consistent speed | | | | of sports such as ice hockey. |
| can be more easily built up with inline skates. If opting | | | | For ice skates, the choice of size is usually |
| for inline skates, it is usually more appropriate for a | | | | determined by opting for one size higher than the |
| child to choose ‘recreational' ones rather than the | | | | child's normal shoe size. Finally, whichever type is |
| more specialist and competitive ‘speed' or | | | | chosen it is imperative that full protective gear is |
| ‘aggressive' inline skates. | | | | worn whilst skating. This includes a helmet (which |
| Roller skate size will usually closely match the child's | | | | may of course require replacing periodically if a child is |
| normal shoe size. For a child whose feet are still | | | | still growing); elbow pads, knee pads and wrist |
| growing it may be worth looking around for | | | | guards. It is also strongly recommended that children |
| adjustable kids skates as these can be easily | | | | take skating lessons. |
| modified as and when a child's feet grow. If ice | | | | |