As the weather starts to heat up, it’s time to get your roller skates prepped for summer! Before you hit the pavement, it’s important to ensure that your roller skates are in good condition and properly maintained. Regular roller skate maintenance will not only help extend their life but also provide you with a more enjoyable skating experience. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing how to prep your roller skates for summer, including cleaning your skates, what maintenance needs to be done, and the difference between indoor and outdoor wheels. So, let’s get started!

Cleaning Your Roller Skates

If you’re planning on taking advantage of the summer break to get more skating in, it’s important to make sure your roller skates are clean and well-maintained. Dirt, debris, and moisture can all cause damage to your skates, so taking the time to give them a thorough cleaning will help them last longer and perform better.

To clean your skates, start by removing any outdoor debris, such as grass or dirt, from the wheels and boot. You can use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub away any dirt, being careful not to damage any of the moving parts or components. For indoor skating, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth should be enough to keep your skates clean between sessions.

It’s also a good idea to periodically lubricate any moving parts or bearings in your skates to keep them running smoothly. This will help reduce wear and tear on your skates, and ensure that you can continue to enjoy them for years to come.

What Skate Maintenance Needs To Be Done

If you’re an avid roller skater, then you know the importance of keeping your skates in good condition. Not only will this extend their life, but it will also provide you with a smoother and safer skating experience. 

Here are some skate maintenance tasks to keep in mind:

1. Check the wheels: Over time, your roller skate wheels can become worn down, uneven, or even cracked. Take a close look at each wheel to ensure they are still in good condition. If you notice any issues, it’s time to replace them.
2. Tighten loose bolts: After frequent use, the bolts on your roller skates can become loose. Check each bolt and tighten as needed to prevent any wobbling or instability while skating.
3. Clean the bearings: Roller skate bearings can collect dirt and grime, leading to slower speeds and a rougher ride. Use a bearing cleaner and lubricant to clean and maintain your bearings for a smoother ride.
4. Check the toe stop: If you’re into indoor skating, your toe stop is critical for quick stops and turns. Check the toe stop to ensure it’s still firmly in place and functioning properly.
5. Prepare for summer break skates: As the weather heats up, many people take their roller skates outside for some fun in the sun. If you’re planning to skate outdoors, consider changing to outdoor wheels for a smoother ride on different surfaces like concrete or asphalt.

By keeping up with these skate maintenance tasks, you’ll be able to enjoy your roller skates for years to come.

How To Change Your Skates To Outdoor Wheels

If you want to take your roller skates outside for some outdoor skating, you’ll need to switch out your indoor wheels for outdoor wheels. This process is actually quite simple and can be done at home with the right tools. 

Here’s how to do it:

1. Gather your tools: You’ll need a skate tool, which can be purchased at most sporting goods stores or online, and your new outdoor wheels.
2. Remove the indoor wheels: Use your skate tool to loosen the nuts that hold the indoor wheels in place. Once they’re loose, you can slide the wheels off the axles and set them aside.
3. Install the outdoor wheels: Slide the outdoor wheels onto the axles and secure them in place with the nuts. Be sure to tighten them enough so that the wheels don’t wobble, but not so much that they can’t spin freely.
4. Check for proper fit: Make sure that the outdoor wheels are properly aligned and don’t rub against the bottom of your skate boot. If they do, you may need to adjust them slightly.
5. Test your skates: Take your newly outfitted skates for a spin to make sure that everything feels good. You may notice that the ride is a bit smoother with outdoor wheels, since they’re designed for rougher terrain.

By following these simple steps, you can easily switch your roller skates to outdoor wheels and enjoy some fun in the sun! Just remember to keep your skates clean and well-maintained, so that they’ll last you through many seasons of outdoor skating.

Outdoor Wheels vs. Indoor Wheels For Roller Skates

One of the most significant differences between outdoor and indoor roller skating is the type of wheel you use. The wheels are not interchangeable, and it’s essential to know the difference between the two. Indoor roller skating rinks have smooth surfaces, making the wheels harder, while outdoor surfaces are rougher and more varied, requiring softer wheels.

Indoor wheels are harder, and typically, have a durometer (hardness) rating between 88A-95A. They provide better grip and speed on the smooth surface of the rink. However, these wheels won’t last long outdoors, and you’ll quickly wear them down. You might even feel unstable and find it challenging to control your movement outdoors.

Outdoor wheels, on the other hand, are softer with a durometer rating of 78A-85A. These wheels provide more grip and are designed to absorb the bumps and cracks on the outdoor surface. This type of wheel also comes in larger sizes to increase the surface area, allowing you to glide more smoothly over rocks and bumps in the road.

It’s essential to have the appropriate wheels for each activity, so if you plan to skate outside, consider switching to outdoor wheels to avoid wearing out your indoor wheels. Don’t forget that outdoor wheels have their limits and will wear out more quickly than indoor wheels if used on smooth surfaces like a skating rink.

So if you love to roller skate both indoors and outdoors, make sure to switch out your wheels as needed to get the best performance and longevity out of your skates. By doing this, you can enjoy the summer months while ensuring your skates stay in top shape.

Overall, cleaning and maintaining your roller skates is an important part of getting the most out of your summer break skate sessions. With a little bit of care and attention, your skates will be ready to roll whenever you are so you can skate all summer (and year) round!

Are you looking for fun and exciting staycation ideas for this summer? Look no further! Lockport, New York has plenty of entertaining activities to keep you and your family busy all season long. Whether you’re looking for a day out roller skating or want to host an unforgettable party, Rainbow Skateland has you covered. Keep reading to find out more about summer staycation ideas in Lockport, New York!

Roller Skating

Roller skating is a great way to have family fun during summer break! Whether you’re looking for an activity for spring break or a day of fun during the school break, Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, New York is the perfect place. The roller rink offers a range of family-friendly activities to make your summer break one to remember. From lively music and flashing lights to delicious snacks and drinks, Rainbow Skateland has something for everyone. You can even join in on special themed nights like Rock n’ Roll Monday, Throwback Thursday, and Friday Night Glow Parties. So lace up your skates and get ready for some fun!

Mini Golf

For some fun in the sun, mini golf is a great way to enjoy your summer staycation in Lockport, New York. Mini golf is a great family-friendly activity, perfect for a spring break or school break. With plenty of mini golf courses around the area, you’re sure to find a place where you and your family can have a blast. Each course offers its own unique challenges, from winding obstacles to undulating greens, so you’re sure to get a new experience every time. Plus, with the beautiful scenery surrounding each course, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical paradise. So grab the family and head out for a day of fun, and of course, friendly competition!

Water Slides

Get ready for a splashing good time at the local water park. Water slides are the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day. Whether you want to relax in a lazy river or take on an adrenaline-filled waterslide, this spot is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy the twists and turns of the slides and splash down into the water below. Make sure to bring your swimsuits, sunblock, and towels for a day full of family fun.

Arcade

The arcade at Rainbow Skateland is the perfect place for kids to have a blast this summer. With over 60 different games, there is something for everyone. Some of the popular arcade games include air hockey, skee-ball, basketball, and pinball. Plus, you can pick your prizes from all the tickets you win! We have all kinds of great prizes from stuffed animals to electronics. Our at Rainbow Skateland are always friendly and helpful, so you can be sure your family will have a safe and enjoyable experience.

We hope you have an amazing summer break and get into all the amazing things Lockport, New York has to offer, including roller skating and our arcade at Rainbow Skateland!

February is Black History Month, so at Rainbow Skateland we wanted to take time to celebrate Black roller skating culture and roller skating history.

The Beginning Of Roller Skating As We Know It

You may be surprised to find out that the first pair of roller skates came out in the 1760s and were inline skates. It wasn’t until 1819 that quad skates came to be!

• The 1950s: Skating rinks offered one night per week for Black individuals to roller skate.
• The 1960s: Black roller skating rinks were popular during the Civil Rights Movement as a pastime. It became a place for Black individuals to skate freely away from discrimination and express themselves.
• 1963: One of the most popular integrations of the Civil Rights Movement and roller skating can be attributed to Ledger Smith. He skated 685 miles to attend Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
• The 1970s: Roller dancing can be traced back to Bill Butler, a black skater.

Black Roller Skating Culture Today

Now, we see tons of popular Black roller skaters on TikTok like The Griffin Brothers, @griffinbrothersskating and so many more! Another fun account where you can even see some of your favorite celebrities like Usher and Jermaine Dupri skating is @lifeoftheskateparty.

Being able to recognize the rich Black culture and history is so important, not only during Black History Month. Roller skating has given the opportunity for many to express themselves even through the most challenging of times.

At Rainbow Skateland, we celebrate all of roller skating’s history including the tremendous impact the Black community has had within it!

So you’ve decided to take on roller skating as your new hobby, now what? Learning a new hobby can seem a bit overwhelming. You have to think about what you need to have to have fun and be safe. We’re here to help you with all the things you need to properly get started on the rink safely! 

Here’s our beginner’s skate gear checklist:

1. Roller Skates

Obviously you need a pair of skates that are reliable to start roller skating! You can buy your own pair or rent them from us at Rainbow Skateland.

      2. Wrist Guards

Wrist guards may be one of the least common safety gear items we mention here, but they are definitely helpful in protecting your wrist in case of a fall. New skaters tend to fall forward instead of falling to their backside, so it’s important to keep the front of your body protected.

      3. Knee Pads

Keep your knees protected as you learn to skate and properly fall. 

      4. Elbow Pads

Like wrist guards and knee pads, elbow pads help protect your elbows in case of falls. 

      5. Helmet

When learning a new hobby on wheels, helmets are absolutely needed. You may feel silly wearing it, especially if you’re the only one with a helmet on at the rink, but trust us your head and brain will thank you for it as you learn to skate!

       6. Long, Cushioned Socks

Long and cushioned socks can help protect your feet as you get used to the roller skate’s boots, especially if you’re breaking in a new pair!

       7. Patience

Learning any new hobby takes patience, patience, and more patience! Skating may come to you naturally, but it may take a little more time.

That covers all the essentials to get started roller skating. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and have all the gear you need to get started. It may be difficult in the beginning, but just keep on practicing. It will be worth it! You’ll be skating like a pro in no time with enough practice. We can’t wait to see you out on the rink with us at Rainbow Skateland!

Ready to get your body in tip-top shape? We highly suggest starting to incorporate roller skating in your workout routine! Skating is a great full body workout, and also does a lot for your mind!

Here are our 4 main reasons why roller skating is the perfect exercise to keep your body (and mind) in tip-top shape:

1. The gym is way less fun than the roller skating rink!

How many people do you see with a smile on their face at the gym? We’d be willing to bet probably not many if any! However, pop into a roller skating rink and you’re guaranteed to see a smile on everyone’s faces.

      2. You can stay healthy while having fun!

Who knew you could possibly stay healthy and have fun? With roller skating, you can! Movement is also so good for your mind so it can help keep your mind healthy too.

      3. Skating helps keep your muscles toned and strong!

Like we stated above, skating is a full body workout. To keep your muscles toned and strong, you have to have a workout regimen that you can stick to consistently. Good news, skating is so much fun that you won’t want to miss a day!

      4. Skating works those tiny muscles that can sometimes be challenging to work.

It can sometimes be difficult to find a way to work certain muscles if you’re not super knowledgeable in the gym. Don’t spend your time researching the best weight lifting workout, just roller skate! 

Come see all the health benefits roller skating can offer you at Rainbow Skateland! Check out our hours of operation for more information on hours and pricing. 

Date nights with the one you love are always fun! Whether it’s just you and your special someone or a group date, it’s always a great time doing something exciting with your favorite company. The month of February is the month of love! Do you know what your plans are for the day of love, Valentine’s Day? If the only thing that comes to mind is the typical dinner and a movie date night, just know that isn’t your only option for this Valentine’s Day!

Add some fun and excitement to your Valentine’s date night by going roller skating! It’s a great activity for people of all ages to enjoy. Skating gives you the opportunity to get active, have some fun and laughs, and connect in a way that the typical dinner and a movie date night doesn’t let you! If you’re in the Lockport, New York area and looking for something different to do this Valentine’s Day, you should come hit the rink with us at Rainbow Skateland!

If you’re looking for a memorable and entertaining date night this Valentine’s Day, look no further than a roller skating date! When you come to Rainbow Skateland, you’re guaranteed a great time. Don’t let the fear of doing something different for date night hold you back. Skip the dinner and movie this Valentine’s Day, and hit the skating rink! Plan a date night you’ll never forget at Rainbow Skateland. Start planning your perfect Valentine’s Day today and be sure to include a stop by the skating rink in your plans!

Are you ready to throw the best birthday party of the year? Whether it’s for your child, your friend, or even yourself, we have the perfect place in mind… Rainbow Skateland, of course! Roller skating is the perfect idea for any birthday party.

Here are 4 reasons why we think you should celebrate the next birthday in your life with a party at Rainbow Skateland:

It’s fun for everyone!

It’s hard not to smile or have fun when you’re skating, even if you’re not the best at it! Everyone will have so much fun and love the party. Plus, all the kids can burn off some energy on the rink!

Think of all the fun skating party favors!

There are so many skating party favor ideas you can include in your birthday party. From fun matching socks to glow sticks, the options are endless. And if you book our Super Glow Party Package, we take care of the goody bags and a glow pack for you so you don’t even have to think about it.

No clean up for you, mom!

Okay, let’s be honest that’s the part of a birthday party parents look forward to the least. It’s all fun and games until clean up time comes. However with our parties at Rainbow Skateland, we handle all of that for you! Now you can sit back, relax, and just host away, mom. You can even hit the rink to skate! We have this covered.

It’ll be the birthday they remember forever!

That’s what you want, right? They’ll love their celebration and this will be a special memory for the rest of their lives!

So, are you ready to book your next birthday bash at Rainbow Skateland? We’d love to have you! Come by or contact us today to schedule your party so you can start inviting all your friends and family to come hit the rink with us!