[AnIndi_Chick]

thanks for the info, topkebab.

I've been on ice skates and staying upright isn't a problem...it's the rest of it that poses the challenge, lol.

Perhaps I should take a few shots of tequila for that extra confidence I need....would probably also help numb the pain when I fall

[muse07]

Where are the inline skating rinks in Hong Kong? I'd like to join classes too maybe, if they are available on the weekends. I can skate pretty quickly and find it a lot of fun but am not great at stopping so I don't think I would be able to skate on the streets here

[TwistedFates]

There are rinks all across Hong Kong. Each region in Hong Kong has their own sports "centre" with basketball courts, soccer, etc. and also a skating rink. The more popular of these types of centres would be Victoria Park or Kowloon Park.

Skating is something that you can learn without an instructor. I am not sure if an instructor will even be helpful in the beginning stages. It is more of a confidence building exercise, developing stabilizer muscles in your lower leg, and strength. The basic techniques such as using your heel brake, and later on t-stops can be picked up on many online tutorials. It is after you can move properly that you can get an instructor to learn more advance things like double pushing, slalom skating, etc.

As for falling, knee pads and wrist guards are highly recommended. (Or rather, a necessity) Elbow guards too if you feel you might fall backwards. Helmet if you're doing something crazy. Looking cool is one thing, breaking bones is another. I still wear knee pads when I do some slalom because I fall all the time. And wrist sliders I wear all the time regardless of what I am doing on the skates.

And it is not recommended skating on Hong Kong sidewalks or streets (unless it is at night with a group). The best skating is at the Shatin route, look it up on an earlier message on this thread.

[AnIndi_Chick]

Originally Posted by TwistedFates

And it is not recommended skating on Hong Kong sidewalks or streets (unless it is at night with a group).

Why is this?

[muse07]

Thanks Twistedfates. How do I find out addresses and opening times for the good rinks? Alternatively, if anyone is organising an outing, let me know

I actually had a nice pair of Roces which I sold on ebay prior to moving to HK, because I didn't think I would have much of an opportunity to blade! (and thought I would save on storage space).

I agree about what you said about practice. I think I basically need to build up muscle etc to brake well. However, I'm interested in having a look at online tutorials. I never thought of that - will do a Google.

[TwistedFates]

Originally Posted by AnIndi_Chick

Why is this?

Sidewalks: You must have noticed by now that Hong Kong sidewalks are all cobblestone/brick/tiled, some variant of all three, or some other interlocked annoyance. Skating on those is an exercise in chattering teeth and bone rattling. And with the number of people on the sidewalks, it is an exercise in futility.

Roads: For obvious reasons that it is for cars and other motorized vehicles. You can skate on the roads at night on weekends, especially the ones in the Northern areas in New Territories. Less cars. But I would advice skating against traffic. You want to see what's coming at you.

[TwistedFates]

Originally Posted by muse07

Thanks Twistedfates. How do I find out addresses and opening times for the good rinks? Alternatively, if anyone is organising an outing, let me know

I actually had a nice pair of Roces which I sold on ebay prior to moving to HK, because I didn't think I would have much of an opportunity to blade! (and thought I would save on storage space).

I agree about what you said about practice. I think I basically need to build up muscle etc to brake well. However, I'm interested in having a look at online tutorials. I never thought of that - will do a Google.

Go to http://www.hkssg.org/
Click on Skating->Skating Place link
You will get a list of the rinks around Hong Kong that HKSSG has been to. As for the opening and closing times I am not sure. It would depend on where the skate rink is located. Some of them are located within a community centre that has a gate that closes at night. Some are just out in the open so you can skate at any time.

Yeah nothing beats experience for skating. It is a confidence and strength thing.

Have fun!

[topkebab]

Originally Posted by TwistedFates

Roads: For obvious reasons that it is for cars and other motorized vehicles. You can skate on the roads at night on weekends, especially the ones in the Northern areas in New Territories. Less cars. But I would advice skating against traffic. You want to see what's coming at you.

In the past few weeks there have been some fatalities involving bicycle vs motor vehicle. I also do not recommend skating on roads.

[jgl]

Any skate shops on HK island? Preferably Central-ish. I've got my skates here now, but no wristguards.

[muse07]

Thanks twistedfates. However, the site appears to be in Chinese. Can you let me know of a few good rinks to try out? Preferably with more adults than kids - back at home, mainly kids went to rinks..