Can You Roller Skate In The Rain – How To Skate On Wet Surface

Can you roller skate in the rain?

The short answer is yes. You can roller skate in the rain, but it’s not recommended.

Roller skating in the rain is possible, but not recommended due to the high risk of slipping and falling which can result in injury. The moisture from the rain can create slippery conditions that may be dangerous for the skater and can damage equipment. This guide will outline the risks of practicing inline or quad skates in the rain or on wet surfaces, including the heightened risk of accidents and tumbles, and offer suggestions for safe skating during rainfall. Though skating in the rain can be adventurous, it’s best to avoid it or take proper precautions.

The rain can create slippery conditions that make roller skating more dangerous. Wet surfaces reduce traction, making it harder for skater to control their stride, turn, or use stopping methods effectively. This increases the risk of falls and collisions, which could lead to sprains, fractures, scrapes, bruises, or other injuries. Skating in the rain also poses risks to others if you were to lose control and crash into them.

 

Risks of Skating in the Rain

The rain can be an unpleasant climate to roller skate under, but there are some things you don’t want to happen. Let’s take a look at them!

 

Risk of Injury When Skating in the Rain

Roller skating in wet conditions poses increased risks of falls and injuries. Here are some stats on rainy-day skating dangers:

Wet pavements can have a 70% reduction in surface friction compared to dry surfaces. This major loss of traction exponentially increases the risks of slipping and falling. Falls on wet surfaces are 25% more likely to result in fractures or dislocations rather than just bruises. The slipperiness makes it harder to catch yourself safely. Roller skating already accounts for around 77,000 injuries per year requiring emergency room visits in the U.S. Skating in the rain only heightens these existing risks.

The takeaway is that wet conditions pose inherent risks for skaters. One must weigh these dangers before choosing to skate in the rain and take substantial precautions if doing so.


Damage Your Bearings

If you need to skate in the rain, it will wear down your bearings and wheels quickly. Your skates will get stuck in wet dirt, grime, and puddles – dirt that can’t be washed away by water. It’ll cost you more money for maintenance and replacement!

 

Skating in Light Rain vs Heavy Rain

Not all rainy conditions are equal when it comes to roller skating. The intensity of the rainfall makes a big difference:

Light Rain

  • Roads may have minor slippery spots but overall traction is still good.
  • The risk of hydroplaning or losing control is low if speed is moderate and caution is used.
  • Wheels and bearings won’t immediately get drenched.
  • Visibility remains decent for watching the path ahead.

 

Heavy Downpour

  • Roads become extremely slick with large pooled water.
  • Hydroplaning and wheel slippage are very likely at higher speeds.
  • Visibility is severely reduced, increasing hazard risk.
  • Wheels and bearings quickly become saturated.
  • The risk of falling is high even with precautions.

 

It’s recommended to avoid skating in heavy downpours altogether. But if caught in a light shower, take care and be ready to exit roads if rain intensifies. Skating on very wet roads is never ideal, but light rain with caution can be manageable.

credit to Thisissoul YouTube channel for this guide on how to skate when it’s wet

 

Techniques for Skating in Slippery Conditions

When roller skating in the rain, special techniques can help you maintain control and avoid slips or falls on wet ground:

  • Wider stance – Position your feet farther apart, shoulder-width or more. This lowers the center of gravity for more stability.
  • Bend knees and stay low – Maintain an athletic stance with knees bent and body lowered. This improves balance.
  • Take wider turns – Make wide-rounded turns rather than sharp-angled ones to reduce the risk of wheel slippage.
  • Lean forward – Shift weight slightly forward over the balls of your feet as you skate. This avoids wheels locking up.
  • Point toes outwards – Angling feet 15-30 degrees outward provides more edge control.
  • Look ahead – Keep your head and eyes facing forward to anticipate terrain. Don’t look down.
  • Skate defensively – Be alert in case you need to stop suddenly. Leave wide clearance around other skaters.
  • Use toe stops – Lower toe stops while approaching corners or downhill slopes for extra stopping power if needed.

 

Mastering these techniques takes practice but allows you to roller skate safely in wet weather. Stay centered, take it slow, and be prepared to react.

 

Safety Tips To Roller Skate in the Rain

It may be dangerous at first hand, but if you take precautions and think thoroughly about what you’re doing, there are several ways to reduce the risk! Do you suspect it? Don’t worry. The significant tips for safe roller skating below will answer all your questions and dispel any doubts or worries.

If you choose to skate in rainy weather, take these precautions:

  1. Wear bright, reflective clothing and add reflectors to be visible.
  2. Skate during light rains rather than heavy downpours when surfaces are extremely slippery.
  3. Slow your speed and avoid sudden turns/stops on wet ground.
  4. Check your route for slick surfaces like puddles, oily patches, and metal grates to avoid.
  5. Use water-resistant bearings and lubricants to protect skates.
  6. Bring dry towels to wipe down wet surfaces or skates.
  7. Carefully inspect skates for any rain damage.



Choosing the Right Rain Gear for Roller Skating

If you plan to skate when there is rain in the forecast, having the proper protective rain gear is essential. This can help keep you dry, visible, and safe in slippery conditions. Here are some tips on choosing gear:

  • Waterproof jacket – Choose a lightweight, breathable jacket made of waterproof fabric like Gore-Tex. Avoid ponchos which can get caught in skate wheels.
  • Waterproof pants – Look for pants made of nylon or polyester with sealed seams to keep your legs dry. Avoid cotton which absorbs water and takes longer to dry.
  • Gloves – Opt for water-resistant gloves with grips on the palms and fingers to help grasp railings.
  • Helmet – Use a helmet with good ventilation and padding. Ensure it fits properly.
  • Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards – These will protect you from falls on wet surfaces. Get adjustable ones with secure closures.
  • Reflective strips – Add reflective tape or armbands to be visible at night or when visibility is low.
  • Waterproof skate covers – These can be used to protect the wheels and bearings from water damage.

 

The right rain gear setup ensures you stay dry and makes skating in the rain an enjoyable experience. Invest in quality waterproof clothing and take safety precautions.

 

Preparing Your Skates for Wet Skating

Skating in the rain can take a toll on your equipment if not properly prepared. Here are some tips to waterproof your skates before heading out:

  • Clean and lubricate bearings – Remove bearings and clean with a degreaser. Lubricate with water-resistant oil like Bones Speed Cream. This prevents rust.
  • Weatherproof wheels – Apply a thin layer of floor wax to seal pores in wheels and reduce water absorption.
  • Lubricate axles and bolts – Use water-resistant lubricant like Phil Wood grease on axle bolts and other rotating parts to prevent seizing up.
  • Check brake pads – Make sure brake pads are in good condition and replace if worn out. Wet pads have reduced stopping power.
  • Clean off debris – Clear wheels and plates of any dirt, pebbles, or grit that could get caught and cause slips.
  • Consider water-resistant covers – Neoprene or plastic covers can be secured over wheels to keep water out of bearings.
  • Adjust trucks if needed – Loosen trucks slightly to provide more stability on slippery terrain.

 

Proper cleaning, lubrication, and waterproofing before skating in wet conditions will help minimize any damage and keep skates running smoothly. Take time to thoroughly prepare equipment.

can you roller skate in the rain

 

Caring for Your Skates After Wet Conditions

After skating in the rain, your skates will be dirty from dirt and water which can shorten the life of your metal bearings. It’s best to clean them as soon as possible to keep them rust-free.

Follow these steps to make sure you take good care of your skates after skating in the rain:

  1. Undo the screws of your skating shoes, then wash them with alcohol to remove any traces of dirt.
  2. Keep in mind to remove your bearings from the frame when storing skates or else your axles, bolts, and nuts will freeze and rust together. There are also methods of immersing the bearings in oil to avoid exposing them to the air as well.
  3. Re-apply lubricant after cleaning your skates. without lubricant, your bearings will soon grind against the wheels, causing serious damage.
  4. Once done, allow the skates to air dry in a room-temperature space.

 

We have made a full tutorial for how to clean roller skate bearings that will simplify the process.

 

Keep Your Eyes On the Slippery Surfaces

When it rains, small imperfections in the streets fill up with water which levels them out. This way they become slippery when you’re rolling your wheels over them. That prevents your wheels to do their job and slip sideways.

Avoid the following surfaces to prevent slippage: oily areas, metal grates, and plates. Otherwise, you are likely to fall with your skates on these dangerous surfaces.

If you’re not confident with your skating ability, it can be a good idea to avoid routes where there is both cobblestone and marble ground. When skating here, always move at a slow speed and stretch your feet from time to time to absorb some of the bumps. You should also be careful when turning or stopping – avoid sudden changes like this if possible!


Words of Wisdom from Experienced Skaters

Here are some added quotes and perspectives from experienced skaters about handling wet conditions:

“When I skate in the rain, I go slower and give myself more stopping distance in case I need to react quickly on slippery surfaces.” – Jane, roller derby skater

“The key is waterproofing your bearings and wheels as much as possible before skating in the wet. I use a sealant spray that helps repel water from getting into the cores.” – Marco, skate shop owner

“I stick to well-lit areas and roads I’m very familiar with if I get caught in the rain at night. Visibility is so poor when it’s dark and rainy.” – Lisa, artistic skater

“Sudden rains are the worst. One minute it’s fine, the next it’s slick as ice. I’ve taken some hard falls from hydroplaning wheels.” – James, inline skater

“I don’t recommend skating outdoors at all in heavy rainfall. Find an indoor rink instead. It’s just not worth the injury risk.” – Mike, roller skating coach

“Go very slow downhill and carve wide turns to control speed. And lean forward slightly so you don’t slide out.” – Alicia, jam skater

 

Indoor Skating Alternatives on Rainy Days

When the weather makes outdoor roller skating hazardous, there are a variety of indoor venue options to consider that will allow you to get your skate fix out of the rain. Indoor roller rinks in many cities offer year-round skating surfaces and often have designated sessions for skaters of different experience levels. Roller discos and adult night skate events at certain venues provide exciting party atmospheres complete with music, lights, and crowds.

Check with local community recreation centers to see if they have scheduled open skate hours in their gymnasiums. Some indoor skate parks house ramps and skating features inside large warehouse spaces as well. School gymnasiums may be open to the public on nights and weekends when not in use by students. If you want a home option, creating a temporary smooth skating surface in your basement or garage using a plastic tarp or interlocking floor tiles is also possible.

Specialized treadmills with slick belts have also been designed to enable skating in place indoors. With some research, roller skating enthusiasts can likely find an appealing indoor venue in their area to enjoy the sport on rainy days all year round.


Our Final thoughts

Life can be difficult sometimes, but these handy tips should help you enjoy the adventure! You aren’t going to want to miss out by being unprepared and with these in your arsenal, you’ll be able to skate past any rough patches and even excel.

It’s not important whether you can roller skate in the rain or not! You may want to protect yourself and others.

Whatever your answer is, after reading this article, we expect you’ll find your best answer to the question How can you roller skate in the rain?

logo
Our Story

Welcome to Skates of Glory! Join us as we dive into the roller skating world, sharing insights, tips, and inspiration for skaters of all levels. Let's roll together and embrace the skate life!

Oliver Harris
Greetings fellow skater, I'm Oliver Harris!

Hello, I am Oliver Harris, a skilled roller skater with expertise in roller derby and speed skating who brings years of experience and contagious enthusiasm to Skates of Glory.

Emma Moore
Hey there fellow skater, my name is Emma Moore

I am Emma Moore, an accomplished artistic roller skater and professional coach who combines sports psychology with my passion for skating.

share this article

More...

How To Lace Roller Skates

How To Lace Roller Skates

Knowing how to properly lace roller skates is crucial for beginners. By learning how to lace up roller skates the right way,