Heelychat, the forum for heelys, the shoes with wheels - View topic

Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 9

I recently purchased a pair of Octanes, and that's basiclly where I'm at now. I've been trying to find my balance point as per the video instruction. I've never been able to rollerskate, rollerblade, or ice skate. I haven't tried much at all, but let's just say this is not natural. I can walk on the wheels on a carpeted surface, at least balancing. On a flat smooth surface, I have to hold onto something, and usually my feet end up either moving apart, or coming together and stopping me. Any advice on how to very basically get started?

Team Heelys - SoCal Joined: 26 Dec 2006 Posts: -123845

Well, I don't know how old you are, but I was in third or fourth grade when I learned. My mom held my arm and pulled me along so that I could find my balance point. If you're beyond your parents holding your arm, try using a shopping cart. I've heard of people using that to learn.

Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 9

Yeah, I'm 23, and just getting started into this. The only smooth surface I have unlimited access too is my kitchen floor. It's not exactly flat...it's warped in some areas, so while holding onto the counter, my heelys want to go backwards. Shopping cart might work, but I don't think I'm ready for Walmart just yet. How do you keep your feet close, but not too close and keep them from drifting apart?

Team Heelys - SoCal Joined: 26 Dec 2006 Posts: -123845

Mmm. Well, it's been about four years since I learned to heel. I had to teach my brother recently, so I'll tell you what I told him. It's pretty natural for your feet to want to spread, so you just have to not let them. I'm not exactly sure how. Once seth finds this, he'll maul you with tips. He's freaking amazing.

Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 9

I'm a nervous wreck on them actually. Too afraid to fall, so I keep things very plain jane, trying nothing fancy unless I have a strong hold on something. Even then, cautious. But bring on the tips, and possibly a place I might go for help? I don't think the roller rink has heely training, but perhaps they might be apt to teach me how to balance and such?

Waiiiit a minute. RF, you're not trying to Heel with your feet side-by-side, are you?

i found it when it got here but you had already said my tip use a shopping cart.

just practice the stance without moving (one foot in front of the other) and in a bit try putting your front foot up and push of on your backfoot.

dont be scared to lift your back foot think of it this way if you fall back you only hurt your butt but if you dont lift your backfoot then you'll end up in a split that usually results into dead children o.o (if you get what i mean)

Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 9

No, I start out with my strong foot in back, my weaker foot in front. But as I just try to balance, they either get to be side by side, or they drift apart. I haven't tried just using one foot yet.

Team Heelys - SoCal Joined: 26 Dec 2006 Posts: -123845

Oh yeah. And if you fall backwards, don't throw your hands out to catch yourself. It cause sprained wrists. I would know.

Team Heelys - Northeast Joined: 15 Dec 2006 Posts: 1803

Shopping cart, buddy.

Step - Plant - Roll - Shop.

Pwned Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: -1 Location: New Jersey

when i started i just tryed to look at my feel while holding on to my mom (or shopping cart) and go along. Good luck gettin it and dont give up!

Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 36