There is no doubt that roller skating is a fun sport that eases one’s stress and helps to relax the mind. The best thing about roller skating is it can be done anywhere, whether indoor and outdoor, provided you have the necessary skill and balance.
One topic that has spurred arguments and generated diverse views amongst skating enthusiasts is whether you can roller skate on a tennis court. While the vast majority of people have cited that there’s utterly nothing wrong with skating on a tennis court, others have a different opinion regarding using an outdoor space like a tennis court for roller skating.
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But which is actually the right answer? The answer is pretty subjective and depends on a variety of factors, of which some of them can be proven. We will answer the question in this article.
Is Skating On a Tennis Court Good?
Skaters who look forward to maximizing their practice and hone their skills go about looking for the perfect spot for that. Rinks, parking spaces, basketball court, sidewalks, etc. are spots you can practice roller skating.
To answer the question, yah, you can roller skate on a tennis court. In fact, a lot of people like the idea of skating on a tennis court, and here is why?
Tennis courts have level playing surfaces. They are smooth, away from speeding cars and most especially, the crowd.
Tennis courts are usually free from debris, such as leaves, sand because they are regularly maintained.
Another reason why people prefer to skate on tennis courts might be because of its the closest outdoor space to them. In that regard, they don’t have a choice but to choose that spot for their skating activities.
Now, Why Do People Oppose to Skating on Tennis Courts?
People have the notion that the roller skate wheels leave marks on the court while skating, resulting in the potential damage. Skating is a rigorous activity, and the back and forth movement, coupled with the spins and tricks are hard enough to chop off the paints on the court and leave cracks.
Plus the toe brakes on quad skates and heel brakes on inline skates, with pads, might scuff the paints off, leaving the underlying surface exposed to weather elements.
Skate wheels are abrasive and will damage to the paints. The paints or chemicals are meant to withstand sneakers of tennis players and not roller skates wheels. Tennis courts don’t hold up well when you use it regularly for roller skating.
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Besides, a beginner or an amateur still learning the ropes might cause himself/herself injuries if he/she should skate on a floor space that’s as smooth as a tennis court. Hence, the reason why he/she should avoid skating on tennis courts.
Furthermore, maintaining a tennis court, especially an asphalt public court, is pretty expensive. The lines on public tennis courts get re-touched once a year, and it costs several thousands of dollars to carry out the maintenance. Court managers often put out sign-boards to ward off skaters from practising on the court to avoid these liabilities.
What Now for Skaters?
While skating on a tennis court is a good alternative to roller rinks and other outdoor skating surfaces, it’s not without some disadvantages. Many skaters ward off signs by authorities by skating on tennis courts because they feel their skating style won’t damage the court surface.
First off, you should check with the owner or the authorities in charge to know if they will permit you to skate there.
Second, suppose you are adamant about skating on an asphalt tennis court, especially a public one. In that case, you should be ready to share in the maintenance responsibility. The main reason why the owner probably didn’t agree to allow you to skate there in the first is because of liability concerns.
Agree to a monthly or yearly payment plan with the authorities managing the court, and I’m pretty sure you will be given a free pass when next you come skating.
Also, be cautious of your skating style. Aggressive skating wears down the court fast. Skate cautiously and responsibly and most importantly, wear pads.
Suppose the court isn’t asphalt but just concrete or cement. In that case, your skate won’t do any real damage to them because the surface is harder than anything going against it. In essence, you don’t have to worry about the skating style or anything whatsoever.
What Type of Wheels Are Best for Outdoor Skating?
Roller skate wheels have a durometer rating that indicates how soft or hard the heels are. Also, this durometer rating determines what kind of skating can go with the wheels conveniently.
Outdoor wheels are best for outdoor skating. Outdoor skating surfaces like sidewalks, road surfaces, etc. requires soft wheels with a durometer rating of 78A – 85A since the surface is a bit rough and uneven. Soft wheels will grip better on these surfaces.
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Tennis courts and roller rink require a harder wheel with a durometer rating between 87A – 99A. This type of wheels is great for beginners because it provides better grip on smooth surfaces.
You can also opt for hybrid wheels, that is wheels that are both indoor and outdoor. They work great on tennis courts too.
Other Places Where You Can Practice Roller Skating
Aside from practising roller skating on tennis courts, there are plenty of other places where you can roller skate. We mentioned some of those places in the course of this article.
Basketball Court
You can roller skate on a basketball court. A basketball court, just like a tennis court, is large, flat, and smooth, which makes it perfect for roller skating.
However, you should skate cautiously and keep an eye out for debris, dirt, and cracks if any. These things can impact your performance negatively.
Remember to ask for permission before making any move though.
School Track
Another alternative place to skate is on a school track. School tracks have smooth surfaces and are rubbery, which makes it perfect beginners.
Again, make sure you have permission from the school before skating and be wary of the surface. Always look out for cracks and debris.
Parking Lot
Parking lots are examples of great outdoor spaces where you can practice roller skating. They are flat and spacious, which makes it a good option for skating.
Before skating, examine the surface to make sure that there are no cracks or debris. Also, be careful while skating around cars to avoid any hazardous situation.
More importantly, seek permission before using the space and make sure there is little traffic.
Roller Rinks
For beginners, the best place to practice roller skating is roller rinks. They are smooth, wooden floors that allow new skaters to perform turns and do other basic skating skills.
Many roller rinks offer paid services to skaters who want to learn roller skating. The fee is usually not expensive, and even skate boots will be provided. However, you are free to practice with your purchased skate boot if you want.
Hockey Rinks
Like roller rinks, hockey rinks provide a platform for beginners to learn how to roller skate, especially aspiring derby rollers. The surfaces are smooth and free from debris. However, you need to make sure that you have the right wheels.
Sidewalks
Sidewalks is a good outdoor space to roller skate, especially if there is less traffic. Skaters will find it easier skating on sidewalks because there is less interference with cars and vehicles generally.
If the area is crowded, you should avoid skating there. There’s every possibility that you could bump into the crowd, which could lead to serious injuries.
Places to Avoid Roller Skating
Generally, you should avoid roller skating in a residential building, except if it has an empty garage. Roller skating requires huge space to do it, and residential buildings can’t afford the kind of space you need for the sport. You could injure yourself in the process if you try.
More importantly, avoid skating on extremely wet surfaces. It’s just too dangerous skating on wet surfaces, regardless of how fun and exciting it may look, or it is.
Roller skating on wet surfaces exposes you to risks of falling on your face. The slippery nature of the floor will make it hard to control the wheels and manoeuvre, which could lead to something hazardous. The risks are just too astronomical.
That’s why it’s advisable not to skate on extremely wet surfaces unless you have mastered the art, and even at that, you still need to be cautious. Skating on a slippery surface is a completely different ball game compared to skating under normal conditions.
Conclusion
In as much as you can roller skate anywhere, you must have the right wheels under your skates. Wheels have a great impact on the surface, which directly affects your performance.
Can you roller skate on a tennis court? Thanks to this article, we have put the debate to rest. You can roller skate on tennis courts, provided you follow the tips explained in this article.
