Which Roller Skating Wheels Are Right For You?

April 20, 2022 by Writers Leave a Comment

There are many different types of roller skating, but there are even more types of skate wheels. There are wheels with certain types of skating in mind, and there are some that are more generic. It’s important to choose the right wheels for you with the kind of skating you enjoy doing! There are 3 main categories of wheel differences that we suggest you look into before purchasing a new set of wheels:

Size

There can be differences in the outer width and height of wheels. The other measurements of the wheel are height and width. These are measured in millimeters (mm). If you skate a certain style, it’s a good idea to check with other skaters that skate the same style to see what they prefer. Typically, this can be a good guide for you!

Wheels can also come in several heights. Large wheel skates make it easier to maintain a speed, but smaller wheels are better for quick movement. It may take a little experiment to decide which height is best for you and your skating style!

Hardness

Wheel hardness is also referred to as the grip level. It is listed as a number with an A behind it. The higher the number, the harder the wheel is and the less grip it has. A high hardness with virtually no group would be 103A.

For outdoor skating, a softer wheel is needed. Your softer wheels will absorb more shock as you roll over cracks and any small debris. Most outdoor skaters look for wheel hardness around 78A.

Hubs

The 2 main styles of hubs are nylon and aluminum. Nylon is a lighter material and is most common in skate wheels. Aluminum is a bit more sturdier, so will have less give to it. If you find yourself changing your wheels frequently and getting annoyed by it, it may be time to invest in some aluminum hubs.

We hope these tips help you choose the best roller skating wheels for you! We can’t wait to see your wheels hitting the rink with us at Skate Moore!

Is It Time To Buy Your Own Pair Of Skates?

March 21, 2022 by Writers Leave a Comment

To buy, or not to buy? Typically, there comes a time in any skater’s life when they have to ask themselves that question. And typically, that answer will almost always be a huge “BUY!” Renting roller skating rinks every time you visit the rink isn’t that expensive individually, it does add up quickly over time. If you love to skate, you’ll certainly get your money’s worth and your investment will pay off!

Pros of buying your own roller skates

Saving money is definitely a huge pro of having your own pair of skates since you will no longer need to pay the rental fee each time you come to skate! Another pro is you can find specialized skates that fit the way you like to skate. You can also express your personal style with your skates! Skates offer so many options for customizations that you can create your own unique pair of roller skates.

How to choose which roller skates to buy

There are several factors you should consider when choosing which pair of roller skates to buy. First, think about what type of skating you enjoy. Are you into dance skating or are you a speed demon? Do you want to learn how to own the rink? Or do you dream of playing roller derby? Skating is a sport, and just like any other sport you need specialized gear. The type of skating you plan to do will heavily inform what type of skates you should buy.

If you need some assistance on selecting your new roller skates, we’re here to help! Give us a call, shop our online store, or swing by and see us in person during an open skating session. Can’t wait to see you on the rink in your new skates soon!

Skate Moore Birthday Parties Are Unforgettable!

February 16, 2022 by Writers Leave a Comment

Does your child have an upcoming birthday? If you’re in Oklahoma City, choose Skate Moore to host your child’s birthday party! We make every party at Skate Moore unforgettable!

We have two different party packages available. Both packages include rental skates, drinks for the skaters, pizza, a party table, and special surprises for the birthday child! How can you ensure your child’s birthday party is unforgettable? We have a few tips to take our party packages to the next level!

Pick the prefect theme!

Decorate your child’s party table and cake in their favorite superhero, movie, color, or anything they want! Some of the most popular themes we see are SpiderMan, Frozen, Angry Birds, Monster High, and Mario Kart! This is your opportunity to make the party very personalized to your child. They won’t forget that you took that extra step to make their celebration special.

Glow for it!

The difference between a good skate outfit and a GREAT skate outfit? Good accessories! Deck out your guest of honor (and even your guests) with glowsticks and light-up swag to help them shine bright on the rink!

Lace up your skates!

You may think we’re crazy, but joining your child on the rink is something they’ll never forget. We handle all the food and drinks, so you don’t have to worry about being the hostess-with-the-mostest. Get out on the rink and have some fun with your kids! These memories will last a lifetime.

Want to learn more about Skate Moore’s birthday parties? Visit the party page on our website!

Ready to reserve an OKC birthday party with us? All parties require a reservation, so give us a call at 405-794-4644 to book yours today!

5 Tips To Improve Your Skating Skills in 2022

January 18, 2022 by Writers Leave a Comment

A fresh, new year filled with new chances and opportunities! What do you hope to accomplish in 2022? If you’re hoping to improve your skating skills in 2022, here are 5 tips you need to do:

Pick the right kind of skates for you.

This may take a little trial and error to figure out which kind of skates are best for you. Traditional roller skates, also known as quads, are the kind with two sets of wheels so they can stand on their own. Generally, it’s easier to balance on these than in-line skates. In-line skates, typically known as rollerblades, are the skates with the wheels in a line. Generally, they engage more commonly targeted muscles, require more exertion, and require more balance. Something else you should take note of is where the breaks are, because you will need them! Typically, roller skates have toe stops and in-line skates have heel stops.

Wear the right socks.

Everyone has a different preference when it comes to socks under skates, but typically wearing thick ones that at least come up to the end of your skates’ boots can help prevent blisters and make your skates more comfortable.

Wear protective gear if you need it.

Protective gear can include elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards, and a helmet. Not everyone skates around in protective gear, but it can be great when you’re first starting on the rink or if you’re skating outdoors.

Maintain your skates.

If you own your pair of skates, it’s best to keep them in good condition. The major key is to keep your boots dry, so be sure to unlace them, move the tongue, and let them air dry everytime after you skate. Another important maintenance tip is to wipe down the entire skate every few weeks with a soft, damp cloth to keep everything nice and clean.

Most importantly, have fun!

This one is arguably the most important! It’s time to let loose, destress, and just have fun at Skate Moore. We can’t wait to see you soon!

Need Help Keeping Your New Year’s Resolution? Try These 3 Tips!

December 28, 2021 by Writers Leave a Comment

Let’s be honest — we make the same New Year’s resolutions every year, and we seldom keep them for a number of reasons. We have no plan for how to accomplish the goals, we have trouble creating good habits, or the resolutions aren’t entertaining in the slightest. This year, we’re giving you a few tips on how to keep your resolutions all year long.

Set Realistic Goals and Expectations

Our first piece of advice is to ensure that your goals and expectations are realistic for your New Year’s resolutions. Don’t expect to go from running no miles to 10 miles at a time right off the bat, and don’t set out to read 4 books a month if you know your busy schedule won’t permit you to do so. Remember, you can always raise your expectations later, but if you are set up to fail then you may get discouraged.

Have a Plan

Ever heard of SMART goals? The resolutions you keep best will be those that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Based. Considering these elements will help you create a plan as to how you will achieve most anything. Check out Mind Tools instructions on how to set SMART goals.

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

If your New Year’s Resolution is to form a certain daily habit such as stretching every morning or drinking more water, the best advice we can offer is to repeat, repeat, repeat! According to the European Journal of Social Psychology, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to form a habit. Set an alert on your phone if you have trouble remembering to do these things, and try to be as consistent as possible.

Whatever your New Year’s resolutions are in 2022, Skate Moore is here to help you accomplish your goals in any way possible.

Halloween Safety Tips

October 10, 2021 by Writers Leave a Comment

With all the spooky decorations, fun costumes, and candy, we can definitely say that Halloween is one of our favorite holidays! However, we always want to make sure our trick-or-treaters are safe during the most eerie night of the year. Here are a few Halloween Safety Tips to keep your kiddos safe while trick-or-treating, at a haunted house, and more:

Make Sure Everyone is Visible

Since trick-or-treating happens at night and in or on the side of the road, it’s important that trick-or-treaters are visible to anyone driving on the roads during this time. Attaching reflective tape to costumes and equipping everyone with glow stick necklaces and bracelets are a good way to ensure that everyone is seen from a distance.

Remind Them of the Rules

Before you set out to go trick-or-treating, remind your party that they need to look both ways before they cross the street, never enter a stranger’s home or car, and stay in well-lit areas. While we recommend that trick-or-treaters are always accompanied by an adult, these reminders are especially important for older kids who may be venturing out on their own. Additionally, remind the folks 16 and older in your life to be careful driving in neighborhoods on Halloween and watch out for little ones roaming the streets.

Costume Safety

Costumes may be the best part of Halloween, but there can be lots of hazards involved. Make sure that costumes fit correctly and do not have any hanging pieces that could be tripped over, ensure that all pieces of a costume are fire-resistant, opt for costume makeup over masks that may cause low-visibility, and be sure to remove all makeup before bedtime to avoid skin irritation.

No matter how you decide to celebrate Halloween this year, the folks at Skate Moore hope it’s a safe and spine-chilling holiday!

How to Keep Your Skating Gear at 💯

September 25, 2021 by Writers Leave a Comment

Once you get into roller skating, it’s almost impossible not to buy your own skates. Today there are just so many awesome styles to choose from, not to mention the variety of accessories you can use to personalize your pair. Owning your own skates isn’t just a way to express your personal style; it also saves you money on rental fees when you come to the skating rink. Of course, the tradeoff is that you have to do your own roller skate maintenance.

Fortunately, taking care of roller skates isn’t hard at all! You just need a few tips, some simple cleaning supplies, and of course, you can always turn to that helpful know-it-all, YouTube.

How to Take Care of Roller Skates

Boots

Boots are the “shoe” part of roller skates, and just like regular shoes, they can get a bit funky without proper care. The most important thing you can do to take care of your skate boots is to make sure they dry out after use. The key is for them to air dry naturally. You never want to expose your skates to heat, because that can irreparably warp the boot. Don’t ever place your skates next to a heater or fireplace, and don’t use a hairdryer on them either. Too many skaters have tried these shortcuts and learned their lesson the hard way!

Instead, loosen your skate laces enough that you can pull the tongue out, creating a wider opening and allowing more airflow inside the boot. You should also wipe your skates down with a soft cloth after each use to remove dirt and debris. If the boots are made from leather or suede, it’s also a good idea to condition them with a product made for that particular material.

Bearings

Bearings are what allow your skate wheels to spin, so they’re kind of a big deal. Don’t be intimidated by cleaning your bearings. All you need are some paper towels, a bearings cleaning container or small jar, and some type of solvent–you can use white vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, or even lemon juice! Check out one of the many YouTube tutorials on how to clean skate bearings for a full rundown of the process.

Trucks

After skating, you should wipe down all parts of your skates with a soft cloth, including the trucks. It’s also important to tighten them regularly, ideally before each skating session. If the trucks are too loose, or if one is loose and the other is tight, you can end up losing control and hurting yourself or someone else on the rink.

Wheels

As with the rest of your skates, your wheels should be wiped down after use to remove dust or dirt. However, the main thing you need to do is inspect them for wear and tear. If you use soft skate wheels, they’re likely to wear down very quickly and will need to be replaced more often. Harder wheels can last longer, but you should still keep an eye on them so you can switch to a fresh set of wheels when they start to get worn down.

If you have questions or need to buy supplies and accessories for your skates, we’ve got you covered! Come on over to the Skate Moore pro shop and we can help get you set up with everything you need.

Back to School Tips for 2021

August 18, 2021 by Writers Leave a Comment

Ahh, the smell of notebook paper and freshly-sharpened pencils is in the air. That can only mean one thing: It’s back to school time! Get your family’s school year started off on the right foot (or skate) with these tips.

Back to School Tips for Families in 2021

It’s always bittersweet to bid adieu to the lazy days of summer, but heading back to school has its own undeniable appeal. Kids are excited to be reunited with their friends and to meet new classmates and teachers, fall sports are back in the mix, and all sorts of fun extracurriculars make the season fly by. Of course, it can also be a little stressful for kids and parents, so here are a few back to school tips to help your family adjust to the school year with top marks.

Get Back On A Schedule

One of the most important things you can do for your health and happiness at any age is to get enough sleep. (Easier said than done for parents, undoubtedly.) That means it’s essential to get your family on a schedule that works for everyone, from babies and little kids to teens to parents. Life happens, so don’t feel bad if you fall off the schedule once in a while. Just keep tweaking until you find the right fit for your family. These are some great tips for creating and sticking to a family schedule.

Stay (Or Get) Active

It’s easy to be active in the summer, but the demands of school and work during the fall can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Combat the couch-potato-appeal by finding fun ways to move for you and your kids. One of the reasons we’re so passionate about roller skating is that it really is an incredible way to stay fit, and unlike high-impact forms of exercise, roller skating can be a healthy activity from childhood to senior citizen years.

One hour of skating burns up to 600 calories, giving you an aerobic workout while also strengthening the calves, glutes, quads, arms, and abs. Of course, exercise only helps you if you actually do it regularly. Fortunately skating is so fun, it feels more like a party than a workout! Whatever type of activity you do, staying active will help you and your kids sleep better and feel more energetic, so you can give it your all in the office or the classroom.

Make Time for Family Activities

Another challenge many families face during the fall is lack of quality time together. Hectic schedules, homework, and never-ending to-do lists can get the best of anyone, and before you know it, you and your loved ones are like ships passing in the night. Keep those relationships strong by carving out time for rest and relaxation together. It will not only help you keep your stress levels down, but also makes space for you to create important family memories that you’ll always cherish. Join us at Skate Moore for family-friendly fun in OKC during our public roller skating sessions, and get the academic year rolling on the right skate!

Tips for Purchasing Your First Pair of Roller Skates

July 15, 2021 by Writers Leave a Comment

There comes a time in any skater’s life when they must decide: To buy, or not to buy? That is the question. And—spoiler alert—the answer is almost always going to be a resounding “BUY!” While paying to rent roller skates every time you visit the rink isn’t particularly expensive, it does add up over time. And if you love to skate, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth out of a pair of skates. Before you buy, check out these tips for purchasing roller skates to find the right pair for you.

How to Choose Which Roller Skates to Buy

There are several factors to consider when choosing roller skates. First, think about what type of skating you enjoy most. Are you primarily into dance skating (like rhythm skating, shuffle skating, or JB skating) or are you a speed demon? Do you want to learn how to own the rink like a jam skater, or do you dream of playing roller derby? Just like you’d need specialized gear for any other sport, the type of skating you plan to do will inform what type of skates you should buy.

Inline or Quad Roller Skates?

If you plan to do a lot of outdoor skating or vert skating (think half pipe grinding at your local skate park), you might want to opt for inline skates. Just like the name implies, the wheels on inline skates (usually 3-5) are in a line one after the other underneath the skate boot.

If you’re more interested in dance skating, rink skating, speed skating, jam skating, or roller derby, quad skates are the way to go. Quad skates are the “classic” skates you probably think of when you hear “roller skates.” Instead of the wheels being aligned under the boot, quad skate wheels are set up like a car, with two wheels side-by-side in the front and two side-by-side in the back.

Hard or Soft Boots?

Once you’ve decided on the type of skates you want to buy, you’ll need to choose between a hard boot (the part your foot goes into) or a soft boot. Hard boots provide more stability and ankle support, which makes them great for outdoor skating and vert skating. You can cruise for miles in hard boot skates. On the other hand, soft boot skates offer more flexibility, which is important if you want to be able to dance in them. Soft boots are also more breathable, allowing air to circulate, and they’re much lighter weight than their hard boot counterparts.

What Size Roller Skates Should I Buy?

Just like any other clothing or accessories, you should always try on or measure skates to determine the correct size. However, in general, you should be able to wear a skate that is the same size or slightly larger than your shoe size, as long as it’s laced properly.

If you need some guidance on selecting your roller skates, we’re here to help! Give us a call, shop our online store, or swing by and see us in person during an open skating session.

Skating Games to Play with Friends

June 27, 2021 by Writers Leave a Comment

Summer break is always a welcome reprieve for kids (and adults, if they get one), but this year the freedom to get out of the house and have fun with friends is even better! Summer 2020 was basically canceled, so there’s a sense of making up for lost time. Here at Skate Moore, we’re so glad things are getting back to normal and we’re seeing more familiar faces back at the skating rink. If you’re looking for things to do with friends this summer, visit us for one of our public skating sessions. Play one of these roller skating games, or just groove to the music—whatever floats your boat!

Roller Skating Games

Some of these skating games are great for the skating rink (you may even see us start them here at Skate Moore!) while others might work better in your driveway or another safe outdoor skating area. Remember to be aware of your surroundings and respect other skaters while playing.

Follow the Leader

This game is just what it sounds like, and the only way to lose is to not play! Get your crew out on the rink and take turns being the leader. As the leader, it’s your job to come up with your own signature moves, which everyone behind you imitates. Think line dancing, but on skates, and way more fun because you can put your own spin on it!

Limbo

If you’ve ever played limbo at a party, you know how fun this game is! Just remember, unlike normal limbo in which you lean backwards to walk under the limbo pole, you’re going to lean forward on skates. (Unless skating while bent backwards is your special talent, in which case, go off!) After each round, once everyone has had a turn, the pole lowers slightly. How low can you go without touching the pole?

Shoot the Duck

If you’ve been around the rink a time or two, you might know that “shooting the duck” is a roller skating move in which you glide forward on one foot in a squat position, with the other extended straight out in front of you. Yes, it sounds weird! However, it’s actually not that hard if you’re flexible enough, and once you see a demonstration you should be able to get the hang of it fairly quickly.

So what makes this a game? Well on its own, nothing. But once you turn it into a race, the competition is on! See who can roll the farthest while shooting the duck, or set start and finish lines and see who wins in a speed race.

Freeze Tag

Once again, if you’re familiar with normal freeze tag, you should be able to jump into a game of skating freeze tag with no problems. Split into teams of “it” and “not it.” The “it” team has to tag the other team, and if they get tagged, they have to “freeze” in place until one of their teammates comes along and tags them to “unfreeze.”