If you are hiring skates (from us or local shop) bring two pairs of socks, a thin pair and a thick pair as this can help get a comfy fit. Do bring something to drink with you as skating can be intensive exercise. Ensure that you have appropriate clothing; layers are the key. For outdoor skating in cold weather a wind proof jacket is ideal with layers underneath. Avoid jeans as they can be uncomfortable with knee pads on. In hot weather make sure you have sun cream with you as necks, shoulders and backs of calves can get very sunburned easily when skating. You will need a bag of some sort to put your shoes and personal belongings in while you skate. Most importantly, bring your enthusiasm and desire to roll!
If you have your own skates you need to also bring and wear a minimum amount of protective gear (knee and wrist guards). We recommend a helmet, (bike helmets are fine) but they are only compulsory for street skating classes and children.
Please notice what kind of skates you have (if you have your own). If you have fairly cheap (under £50) skates that are made all of plastic with plastic wheels, you will discover that they are not designed for skating. The wheels do not roll and you should test this before bringing these skates to a class. If you spin a wheel with your fingers, it should rotate more than 6-7 times freely. If it stops quickly then those skates will not roll and you cannot learn how to skate, however many lessons you have or however good your instructor may be. If you have these skates, we recommend that you hire from us for the first class and then at least you have a back-up. If you come to class in these skates you will develop at a much slower rate than the others and your instructor will not be able to help you as is intended and this can be a very frustrating experience.
