Rollerblading is an adventure sport, admired by many who consider it to be fun and exciting. It also comes with risks, but people still love it and appreciate it even better. No one has ever considered quitting rollerblading due to weather changes or even after their first attempt rollerblading.
Talking about whether changes, it’s common to rollerblade on sunny days, but what about rollerblading on a wet pavement? A lot of rollerbladers have asked if this is possible. To answer your question and clear your doubts, the answer is yes – you can rollerblade on a wet pavement, but hazardous to do so. It’s not without its risks. In fact, the risk of rollerblading on a wet pavement or generally on wet surfaces is astronomically high and we will give you our reasons why it’s risky.
Reasons Why Rollerblading on a Wet Pavement Is Not Advisable
Many skaters and rollerbladers might find rollerblading on a wet surface fun, exciting, and something that they have always looked up to do. No matter how great and adventurous the idea might be, it’s not advisable, especilly if you are ill prepared for it. First of all, there are greater chances of falling on your face when rollerblading on a wet surface due to the slippery nature of the ground.
Rain makes rollerblading complicated and challenging for the rollerblader because the road becomes more slippery; and if the road becomes slippery, it would be harder for the skater to maneuver; and no matter how hard you try to stop, it will always be difficult and avoiding a fall is somewhat impossible, especially when taking turns.
Rollerbladers may face the same falling issue on normal surfaces under regular weather condition, but the risks of injuring yourself are higher on a wet surface. That’s because stopping is even more difficult on a wet ground. It takes longer time and effort to stop, and if you are rollerblading in a time where there is traffic and people, you will likely bump into someone. You could even bump into an on-rushing vehicle. The end result is always not favorable. You will not only sustain an injury, but damage your rollerblades and the bearings.
Tips to Keep You Safe When Rollerblading on a Wet Pavement?
So how can you rollerblade on a wet pavement or surface without falling on your face? In this subheading, we will discuss some tips that will enable you to rollerblade on a wet pavement or surface safely and the necessary precautions to take to avert any accident.
First thing first, you should be geared up. This means putting on the required safety equipment such as helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guard, etc. Wearing these equipment will safeguard you from injuries to a great extent, especially if you want to rollerblade on wet surfaces.
If you must rollerblade on a wet pavement, do so at optimal speed. Remember, you have less control over your wheels when you rollerblade on a wet surface. The wet surface will come as a major factor that will define your control over your rollerblades and that’s why you need to be careful and maintain an optimal speed when rollerblading on a wet pavement.
Try to keep your feet close to each other as much as you can and skate in a straight line. This may be difficult because the surface is wet and the wetness will try to keep your feet apart. As a result, you may likely stumble and fall.
In addition to keeping your feet close and skating in a straight line, maintain shorter strides. Shorter strides will translate in less fall.
Avoid pushing too strong and keep pushing down hard on your skates instead of moving sideways. This is because on a wet surface, your ability to push is limited. Maintain slow speed when taking turns. This will give you enough time to stop ahead.
Also, you should know that rollerblading on a wet pavement is different from rollerblading on normal weather conditions, and requires you to be physically fit. What we are trying to say is rollerblading on a wet pavement will put stress on your calves, hamstrings, and your leg muscles. You need to be physically ready; you need to exercise your muscles properly because rollerblading on a wet surface will take a lot out of you.
How to Take Care of Your Rollerblades Before and After Rollerblading on a Wet Pavement
You already know that rollerblading on a wet pavement may damage your skates and the wheel bearings if you don’t practice proper maintenance.
Before you decide to go rollerblading on a wet surface, check the rollerblades for any sign of damage before you intend rollerblading. Check the wheels and the bearings to see if they are in top conditions. If your wheels are hard, change them to softer wheels for better grip.
If your wheels bearings are not spinning easily, it could be that grime, dirt, and debris are stuck inside of it, preventing movement. Bearings collect a lot of dirt and mud from surfaces, and if you skated on a wet surface, water could be part of what’s causing the rollerblade not to spin. All these can damage your rollerblades if you don’t clean them off.
Disassemble the rollerblade wheels to take out the bearings and all the metal components. Metal components like axles might rust and that’s why you need to take each and everyone of them out for a deep clean.
Put the bearings in rubbing alcohol to get rid of the water. After that, re-lube to prevent friction. Don’t grease too much because too much of lubricants will slow the wheels down. If you cannot immerse the bearings in rubbing alcohol, submerge them in some oil. It will displace the water efficiently and prevent exposure to air. Put them in a transparent bag and dry them.
What Types of Wheels Are Best For Rollerblading on Wet Surfaces?
The harder the wheels, the less grip you have over your rollerblades. In essence, you should choose your wheels carefully. Rollerblading in a wet pavement is a different ball game, and if you are not careful, you will suffer the repercussions.
Use rollerblades with soft or very soft wheels. Soft wheels have better grip on wet pavement than hard wheels. The softer the wheels, the better the grip. Wheels that are made of polyurethane will harden under low temperatures, and that’s why you shouldn’t use wheels with a rating of 85A and above. This type of wheel is not suitable for skating or rollerlading on a wet pavement.
You should try wheels with a grade of 70A for rollerblading on a wet pavement. These wheels are generally considered soft.
Wet Surfaces That You Must Avoid
Not all wet surfaces are good for rollerblading. Some surfaces will become more hazardous when it’s wet. Surfaces with painted lines on a cycle path and asphalts are dangerous. This is because those markings become more slippery if it’s wet. You may have imagined rollerblading and performing tricks on a good surface like asphalt, but what you don’t know is the danger it poses. You should stay away from those lines and wet asphalt surfaces.
Sometimes, roadways can be stained by oil and hydrocarbons that are lost from cars and vehicles. In the first two days after it has rained, seeing those oil stains and patches won’t be possible and if you try to glide speedily, you may slip and fall to the ground.
Cobblestones and marbled grounds are among the wet road pavements that you should avoid rollerblading. Skating on them is dangerous when wet. Marbled grounds may look smooth and present itself as a perfect rollerblading surface, but when it’s wet, it can become scary.
You may find scattered autumn leaves on the road surface, and this is another death trap. Most of these leaves are used to cover holes, sewer gates, etc. You shouldn’t attempt to skate on them when wet because you will lose your control and balance.
What You Should Do
You have to be careful when skating on a wet pavement. It’s either you don’t skate at all or you take it really slowly. Else, you could end to losing your life.
- Once you approach painted markings on asphalt and concrete, stop skating. You can continue once you have passed.
- Don’t push your rollerblade too hard. Maintain balance on your two legs and bend low for a low center of gravity.
- Don’t take sharp turns and don’t push towards the side of the road.
- Maintain minimal speed.
- Spread your feet a little apart of you are skating on a cobblestone to contain bumps.
- Direct your body’s weight towards the center of the skate for balance.
- Keep your speed checked when approaching road surfaces with autumn leaves.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, you can rollerblade on a wet pavement, but it’s very risky, unless you have the skills and experience. For beginners, we advise that you avoid rollerblading on a wet pavement completely.
