If there were ever a mantra for roller skaters, it has to be this familiar chorus from 1990s one-hit-wonder Chumbawamba: “I get knocked down, but I get up again, you’re never gonna keep me down!” Falling is inevitable when learning how to roller skate (or for experienced skaters learning how to do new moves), but there are ways to protect yourself. Check out these tips to learn how to make falling on skates hurt less, from your friends at Skate World Deer Park. 

Tips to Make Falling on Skates Less Painful

• Whenever possible, try to fall forward, not backward. Mastering this skill is a huge help because you can go down on one knee and often this will allow you to regain your balance and right yourself fairly quickly. 
• You want to avoid falling backward on skates as much as possible because it reduces your ability to control your fall, and you’re more likely to end up with a bruised tailbone. If you’ve ever fallen flat on your tailbone, you know that it’s a painful injury that can take time to heal. 
• Unfortunately, sometimes you may not be able to help falling backwards. But don’t worry, there’s still something you can do to soften the blow! Pick a cheek and fall on one side of your bum or the other. By shifting your weight to one side, you’ll be able to absorb the impact on your gluteus maximus muscle, which is usually less painful that a hit straight to the tailbone. 
• Remember to protect your hands if you fall on skates! If you must use your hands to break your fall or get yourself back up, make fists rather than having your fingers splayed out across the floor where they could fall victim to another skater’s wheels. Even better, learn how to get up from a fall without using your hands. It’s actually a very easy skill to learn once you see it in action. 
• If you’re learning to roller skate, you can’t go wrong with safety gear. Wrist guards, elbow and knee pads, a helmet, and even padded shorts can help you master the skills you need without hurting yourself.

If you’re interested in learning how to roller skate, check out our skate lessons for kids and adults in Deer Park!