Rent inline skates or quad skates if you are just starting out

The first time you go inline skating or quad skating, like most first timers, you will probably hire your inline skates or quads.

However, even if you have never tried inline skating or quad skating before, you may be thinking of diving right in an buying a pair of inline skates or quad skates. If so, we'd suggest that you still rent a pair of quads or inlines first, just to see if you actually like the feeling of eight wheels between you and mother earth. It is not for everyone, and the expense of a reasonable pair of inline skates or quads (could be around £100) makes patience and caution a good idea.

Visit one of the many inline skate and quad skate shops (see additional resources) in London to make your rental.

You'll need to pay a deposit and the skate hire charge should include protective gear. With a full set of pads and a helmet, hire should cost you around £10-15 for a day + deposit.

Buying inline skates or quads

The main thing to stress about buying your first inline skates or quads is that you need to take your time when buying.

You'll spend hundreds of hours on your inline skates or quads once the 'blading bug' gets you, but your time in the inline and quad skate shop should not be rushed. Otherwise, you'll end up with the wrong skates for you - which could be uncomfortable, and unsuitable for your inline skating or quad needs.

First do your research: there are many types of inline skates available, each type meeting different needs. There are racing skates (small and light), aggressive skates (heavier and stronger) and reacreational skakes (built for general use - including street skates).

There is also variation in quad skates that you will need to be aware of if you choose this type of skate.

When looking at a particular type or make of inline skate or quad skate, there will be a lot of difference between the numerous models marketed by different manufacturers.

Each brand of inline skate or quad has it's admirers and detractors (your writer swears by Salomon FSKs for intermediates and up).

See the tips for buyers of inline skates or quad skates for more detailed information.

Myth or truth?

1. "Always buy inline skates or quad skates that are one/two sizes too big."

Myth. Your skates should be snugg fitting. Have them properly fitted by the shop assistent and if they don't feel right, do not buy them.

2. "Always buy one size too small."

As above, it's a myth. If your skates are really tight they will be painful to wear, and that will do you no good at all!

3. "You should wear a pair of skates around the shop for a while, say 15-20 minutes, to be sure they fit and are comfortable."

Truth. It's the only way to be sure, because trying them on for only 2 minutes won't tell anything at all.

4. "You should log onto inline skating and quad skating forums for skate reviews."

Truth. Skaters vote with their feet, and if a product has a drawback or a downside, the forums will out it. Also search Google for reviews.

5. "You have got to spend well over £100 to get a good pair of inline skates or quad skates."

Myth. Manufacturers are always coming out with new lines of inline skates and quads, and when they do, you can swoop in an pick up discontinued lines that may sell for over half the price. Example: Salomon £167 slashed to £79! Here you are getting a very good skate, for the price of an entry level/average one. A great place to check out is Decathlon : massive stock and selection, earnal bargains as above - and the staff really know their products, and are very helful.

6. "You should buy a pair of really thick socks to wear with your skates."

Myth. Too thick and the your feet will sweat too much and will find it hard to breath. Too thin, and your skates may rub. Go for thicker than normal. Experiment with different thickness, and you'll soon find the ones that suit you.