Additional Information
There are no formal classes or required education to become a pro skater.
The best way to learn is to go to as many events as possible. This helps you
learn new tricks by seeing what other people are doing. Later, it's a good
place to get recognized by potential sponsors. Plus, it's a fun way to make
friends!
"It's not something where you can go to school and learn the information
you need to become a pro," says pro aggressive in-line skater Chris Haffey.
"There is a base level of talent needed to be able to get to that point."
There are many websites that can keep you in the loop and show you what's
going on in the sport. Nick D'Amico is an aggressive in-line skater and editor
of the Canadian Roll website. He says that there are a lot of great sites
that can show skaters tricks and techniques.
"Once you have an understanding of what rolling tricks should look like,
it is best to get involved in the community, which will get you up to speed
with what is going on," he says. But don't forget that skaters learn a lot
simply by skating with friends. Skate lots and skate hard, and be ready to
take a few tumbles... this really is the school of hard knocks!
Local community centers and schools may offer classes on recreational in-line
skating. Check around to see if there are any classes in your town or city.
Also, clinics on skating are sometimes put on by associations and skating
camps. If you're wondering about being a skating instructor, you'll need to
get certified through an in-line association.