Rollerblading and ice skating are both means of traversing a surface on skates or skate boots. They have both been popular sports for centuries. According to their histories, ice skating has been practiced for thousands of years while rollerblading is a relative newcomer to skating.
As rollerblading resembles ice skating so closely, identifying the difference between the two can be a bit tricky. Whatever your reasons for taking one of these sports or your plans for buying skates, it is important to understand how they differ.
Table of Contents
Rollerblading
What it is?
This activity evolved from ice skating and is commonly called rollerblading or inline skating. Inline skating is a sport in which skates are equipped with wheels. There are 2 to 5 wheels in a row at the bottom of a street rollerblade, making it easier to move.
History
Rollerblades were invented several hundred years ago. The first inline skating shoes were invented in 1980 when a company called Rollerblading, Inc. created shoes that had wheels attached to them. Since then, rollerblading has become a synonym for inline skating as a result of the company’s popularity.
Pros
- A great way to build muscle and burn calories
- The low impact of roller skating makes it a good exercise
- It is possible to do it anywhere
- Mental health benefits can be gained from roller skating
Cons
- Beginners may find roller skating difficult to learn
- There can be dangers associated with roller skating
Ice Skating
What it is?
History
Ice skating was first practiced around 3000 B.C. In the 17th century, ice skating was popular on naturally frozen surfaces. The artificial ice rink in London was introduced in 1876 and made ice skating a much more popular sport.
Ice skating continued to give birth to other skating sports, such as rollerblading.
Pros
- Weight management, balance, and coordination improved
- Management of stress
- The flexibility of joints is improved
- An improved balance
- Relaxation
Cons
- Expensive
- Pair skating is dangerous
- Time and effort are required to learn this complex subject
Rollerblading vs Ice skating: How do they differ?
Surface
Rollerblading
The sport is played both on hard and soft surfaces such as sidewalks or grassy areas where there are a variety of obstacles, holes, and uneven surfaces.
Ice Skating
Skating on ice can be done on frozen rivers, lakes, and artificial ice rinks. It is generally a smooth surface without any obstacles.
Winner
On the surface, ice skating isn’t as challenging without any obstacles but is more challenging to learn and balance
Wheelbase Structure and Design
Rollerblading
It is safer and easier to move with skateboarding shoes with small wheels set up in a line or 2.
Ice Skating
A thin metal blade or metal ring is attached to the bottom of the skates. Cutting the ice surface a bit at a time, these blades help keep a good grip and control balance.
Winner
ice skating shoes are harder to balance on. Rollerblades are harder to glide as the wheels on pavement offer more grip.
Gears
Rollerblading
There is no dress code for rollerblading. A helmet is required, but elbow and knee pads are optional.
Ice skating
The skaters wear a special dress code that stretches to let them move freely. A helmet is not required.
Winner
Rollerblading has more protective gear available while in rollerblading, you don’t wear any protective gear
Speed
Rollerblading
You don’t get much speed up.
Ice Skating
Since the ice skating surface is relatively smooth and largely free from obstacles, it is easier to maintain high speeds during ice skating
Winner
If speed is what you want, then ice skating is the one to choose.
Brakes
Rollerblading
It is important to shift your weight quickly to the back foot and accelerate sharply when you turn or drag your back foot.
Ice Skating
You should put more weight at the center of your blades in ice skating. You can shave ice nicely and finally stop using that particular section of blades.
Winner
Both are fairly easy to brake when you have learned how to.
Balance
Rollerblading
You can learn rollerblading easily on inline skates due to their wide wheelbase and good balance.
Ice Skating
Your boot has a thin blade underneath, which makes balancing difficult.
Winner
It is easier to balance on rollerblades than on ice skates. They also have a wider base which makes balance easier. Ice skates are thin, and it is hard to balance on the slippery surface.
Skills
Rollerblading
Rollerblading is considered an easy sport for beginners since it has more stability than skating. However, it can take some skill to learn to balance and skate on the ice.
Ice Skating
Skates do not have a built-in braking system, so you need to use other skating methods. You need to learn extra skills if you want to do tricks.
Winner
Ice skating is a lot harder and requires more skills than rollerblading does.
Calorie Burn
Rollerblading
It burns about 573-1069 calories an hour.
Ice Skating
Does not burn many calories; about 640 to 840 in an hour.
Winner
Rollerblading burns more calories than ice skating, so this is a preferred sport for those wanting to burn calories.
Overall Safety
Rollerblading
Due to rollerblading’s common usage on sidewalks and streets, you are more likely to encounter poles, rails, and other obstacles, regardless of your level of caution.
Ice Skating
Even though it is more difficult, skaters tend to be safer when they ice skate. Rink surfaces are smoother and have fewer obstacles.
Winner
Ice skating is safer due to the lower amount of obstacles and smoother ground.
Price
Rollerblading
Inline skates are essential for rollerblading. The cost of an inline skate isn’t that high. Inline skates start at $25.
Ice Skating
Ice skates are required for ice skating. The cost of getting started with ice skates is about $50
Winner
Rollerblading is cheaper to start with basic skates. If you choose, it does have the added costs of a helmet and kneepads. luxury ice skates are expensive, starting at $800
How can rollerblades help ice skaters?
Rollerblading builds up your leg power and stamina, giving you a better balance for ice skating.
Rollerblading works all the leg muscles and your core, abdomen, and back. This can then be transferred to ice skating. Every push or gliding motion activates your core.
You need a strong core for both rollerblading and ice skating. In addition, it is easier to balance on rollerblades first, which will help improve your balance for ice skating.
FAQs
1. Is rollerblading or ice skating a good form of exercise?
Ans. Skating can be an excellent form of exercise. In addition to improving strength, endurance, and balance, this sport can also help improve core stability.
2. Does ice skating resemble inline skating?
Ans. A rollerblade is used on a dry asphalt surface, while an ice skate is used on an icy surface.
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