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I'm a passable ice skater, tried roller blading, but am super scared of falling down and hurting myself. I feel way less stable on roller blades, or perhaps it's the fear? On ice, one just falls on ice... on roller blades, one can fall down the stairs etc, it just seems much scarier.. any advice?

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On ice, when you fall, you slide and it's not so bad as a lot of momentum is transferred to the sliding movement. On inline skates, you don't have that benefit. Definitely wear wrist guards, knee guards and a helmet like heavenlyblue has already suggested. Also, if you can find someone who teaches inline skating, take some lessons in stopping. If you are 100% comfortable and confident in being able to come to a halt safely or slowing down safely, you will skate with more confidence. Also, taking lessons might help improve your technique. Some aspects of efficient movement on inline skates (or on ice) are typically not instinctive.

Wear guards, wrist guards, “Bumsavers” for times when you’re planning to fall on your back.

Before going down the stairs make sure you have fallen enough times to understand the physics of falling in such a way that you always end up on the guards. Learn how to never use the wrists for falls.

Guards most of the time are just like ice - while they have some cushioning, they are mainly supposed to make any surface slippery so that you could just slide your body energy away.

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