For many roller skaters, an intriguing question eventually arises: how fast can you go on roller skates? Whether you lace up traditional quads or strap on inline roller blades, building momentum on wheels gives a uniquely thrilling rush. But what determines the top speeds those skates can reach?
In this article, we’ll break down the factors that affect how fast you can go on roller skates, look at records set by professional skaters, and provide tips to help recreational skaters get rolling faster. Before you know it, you’ll be cruising smoothly while your friends ask “How fast are roller skates anyway?”
A variety of factors go into determining how fast your skates can go, including:
Table of Contents
Factors That Influence Speed on Roller Skates
A variety of key factors go into determining how fast your skates can go, including:
Type of Skates
Quad Skates
The traditional 4-wheel quad skates provide excellent stability which is ideal for starting, turning, and stopping. Having all 4 wheels positioned in a box shape under the boot gives quads great maneuverability and balance. This allows quad skaters to easily perform dance moves, tricks, and artistic routines that would be difficult on inline skates.
However, having 4 wheels creates more rolling friction and limits the potential for reaching extremely high speeds. The stability and extra friction make quads best suited for recreational, artistic, and jam skating rather than competitive speed skating. But quad skates can still build up decent momentum in the hands of an experienced skater.
Inline Skates
Inline skates feature all wheels aligned in a single row under the boot. This linear configuration is engineered specifically to achieve the fastest speeds and momentum. By reducing wheel friction and improving energy transfer, inline skates allow skaters to reach much higher velocities than quad skates.
However, having all wheels in one line also requires greater skill to balance and control the skates at high speeds. The linear nature makes inlines less maneuverable for turns, stops, and artistic moves. But for straight-ahead speed, inline skates are unmatched in their velocity capabilities in the right conditions.
Wheel Size and Quality
Larger diameters like 70mm or 80mm hold momentum longer to maintain the fastest speed. Smaller wheels slow quicker after pushes. Softer outdoor wheels have less rebound and rolling resistance. Proper rotation and cleaning keep wheels fast.
The Impact of Wheel Materials
The material that roller skate wheels are made from plays a key role in determining both the speed and grip capabilities. Softer wheels provide more traction for gripping the surface, while harder wheels give more speed and momentum. Some common skate wheel materials include:
- Urethane – The most popular outdoor wheel material. Offers a good balance of grip and speed. Different urethane formulas allow flexible hardness ratings.
- Plastic/Polyurethane (PU) – Harder plastic and PU wheels prioritize speed over grip. Low rolling resistance. Best for very smooth surfaces.
- Rubber – Provides the softest ride for maximum grip. Not ideal for high speeds. Best for rough outdoor conditions.
Choosing the right wheel material means balancing speed vs control for your skill level and skating environment. New skaters may opt for softer wheels for stability, while advanced-speed skaters will prefer hard wheels that maintain momentum.
Plate, Truck and Bearing Quality
Aluminum or carbon fiber plates transfer energy efficiently for speed. Precision trucks and bearings minimize friction and vibration. Proper lubrication reduces drag. Quality parts enhance velocity.
Skill Level and Technique
Experienced skaters use proper form to generate power, maintain balance at speed, and roll smoothly. Poor technique wastes energy and slows you down. Lessons perfect form and confidence to go faster.
Fitness Level
Stronger leg, core, and cardio fitness allow you to apply power repeatedly, maintain faster paces, and control your body at speed. Interval training builds the needed endurance. Fitness is key.
Paying attention to these factors will help you choose gear that matches your skill level and maximize how fast your skates can ultimately go. But proper technique is most critical for achieving top speeds.
Speed Capabilities on Inline Skates and Roller Skates
Inline Skating
The top inline speed skaters can travel for 1 hour at average speeds of 25+ mph. Their top speed can exceed 40+ mph in the right conditions. On courses with downhill sections or wind assistance, elite skaters have reached astonishing speeds between 55-60+ mph. Of course, falling at such extreme velocities is incredibly dangerous and requires substantial protective gear.
For amateur inline skaters equipped with speed skates, a more realistic sustained speed is around 18 mph. Reaching the paces of professionals takes years of training, ideal equipment, and perfect technique. But with practice, intermediate-level skaters can work up steadily to speeds of 20+ mph. Knowing your limits and skating safely within them is key.
Roller Skating (Quads)
For recreational quad skaters, average speeds typically range from 5-10 mph. With experience and good technique, sustained speeds of 10-15 mph are achievable. Brief bursts of maximum effort could potentially reach 20 mph, but this is risky for beginners. Elite artistic and speed quad skaters can hit speeds of 25+ mph in competitions with extensive training.
Most quad skate wheels are simply not designed to handle extreme speeds – they are made for stability, turns, and dance moves. Attempting high velocities as a novice can easily lead to falls and injuries. While quads will not match the raw speed of inline skates, focusing on smooth strides and proper form allows you to gradually build speed safely. With some practice, hitting 10-12 mph on quads can give a fun adrenaline rush. Just take it slow and steady as you improve.
Tips to Go Faster on Your Skates
Want to pick up more speed when you’re zipping around on your skates? Here are some tips:
Take Lessons
Taking instruction from experienced coaches is the best way to improve your skating skills and technique. In group or private lessons, instructors can observe your form, identify problem areas, and provide specific drills to help you master skills that translate into increased speed. For example, they may focus on proper striding, weight transfer, balance, and posture. Lessons teach you how to use your edges effectively and add power with each push-off. Nothing substitutes proper training for boosting your velocity on skates.
Upgrade Your Wheels
Larger outdoor wheels around 70-80mm in size will maintain momentum longer once moving at high speeds. Softer wheels (82A-86A durometer) also have less rolling resistance, allowing you to go faster. Just don’t make huge leaps in wheel size as a beginner for safety reasons. Outdoor wheels need to match your skill level. Rotate and clean wheels regularly to reduce friction and keep them fast.
Build Endurance
Improving overall leg strength, cardio conditioning, and muscular endurance will help you maintain faster paces for longer durations. Interval training that mixes high intensity with recovery is excellent for skating endurance. Do plyometrics and squats to build explosive power. Go for longer skates to increase stamina. Proper fitness prepares your body for the demands of speed.
Use Proper Technique
- Lengthen your stride – Taking longer, more powerful strides with each push will help build momentum faster. Drive through the push-off.
- Use your arms – Drive your arms in opposition to your leg pushes. This engages your upper body and generates more power.
- Maintain good posture – Stay low in an athletic stance. Bend your knees and ankles for shock absorption at speed. Keep your head/chest up.
- Develop core strength – A strong core rotates your upper body to add force as you stride. It also helps balance at speed.
- Point your toes slightly outward – This improves balance and stability during push-offs. Avoid inward-pointing toes.
Mastering these technique components will help you transform effort into efficiency, optimizing your speed.
Choose Good Surfaces
Seek out smooth surfaces like bike paths, tennis courts, or smooth paved roads to maximize speed. Avoid cracked asphalt, debris, sticks, and other hazards. Indoor wooden skating rinks can work, but outdoor pavement gives the best results. Look for any slight downhill grades to assist with momentum. Avoid steep hills as a beginner though.
Maintaining Your Speed
Once you’ve built up momentum, using proper techniques will help you maintain your speed without slowing down:
- Use crossovers – Transferring your weight from one skate to the other in a continuous, rhythmic pattern smooths out your strides and conserves energy. Keep your hips and shoulders aligned with the direction of travel as you push side to side.
- Execute heel taps – Lightly tapping your heels between strides keeps the momentum going. Lift your skates slightly and tap down quickly without stepping wide. Keep it compact.
- Avoid extra movements – Any extraneous upper or lower body motion that doesn’t contribute to your forward momentum will waste energy and reduce speed. Keep movements crisp and intentional.
- Maximize downhill momentum – When skating down gentle slopes, gravity will help maximize your velocity. Crouch low in an athletic stance to stay stable and don’t resist the pull. Let the hill speed you up.
- Rotate wheels and bearings – Rolling resistance will gradually reduce your speed. Frequently rotating and cleaning wheels and bearings reduces friction.
Mastering a smooth, rhythmic, and efficient stride will enable you to keep rolling at top speed over long durations. Consistent technique defeats inertia.
The Thrill of Speed on Wheels
For skaters who carefully progress, achieving faster paces brings huge rewards. Feeling the wind and momentum satisfies a thirst for adventure we all have. Gaining competency at high speeds on skates also builds legitimate skills and confidence. But exercise caution when adrenaline tempts risky behavior. With proper precautions, skating delivers joy through the liberating thrill of speed!
So lace up those quads or strap on your inline blades, feel those wheels under your feet, and chase new thrills! When friends ask “How fast can you go on roller skates?” you’ll have some impressive answers.
