Anyone else inline skate? (I don't have PIC Skates or anything...just your typical inlines.) Do you find it helps your technique on ice? Or is it not a good idea for off-ice because the skates are (definitely) not exactly the same?
I'm coming to this thread a bit late, but my thoughts, for anyone else wandering into this thread:
- You can rocker normal (i.e. non figure) inlines by simply using smaller wheels in the end positions, e.g. 76-80-80-76mm. It doesn't get exactly the same "ball = turny, heel = stable" feel that figure skates have, it's more like "toe wheel = turny, centre = stable", which is really just a weight positioning change. the same instincts to apply pressure to the front of the foot to turn still apply.
- Instincts in general are 95% the same, 4% benign differences, and only 1% of things will kill you. You'll find them soon enough
- The difference in feel is not insignificant, and things feel ODD going between them, but the more often you switch, the less you'll notice them. After 6 months of twice weekly switching I don't have any adjustment period.
- You can't cheat turn and edging mechanics on inlines. i.e. anything that scrapes on ice is not simply going to happen on inlines. Consider this a bonus to fix your technique.
- But you can cheat checking on inlines. It's too easy to kill rotational momentum with the skate alone.
- If anything edge drills (e.g. slaloms) are easier to learn on inlines because you get trustable traction all the time.
- Without picks, you risk falling off the front of the skate doing turns. Therefore good kneepads and wristguards are essential. Typical skateable surfaces are unforgiving on your extremities, so these will prevent VERY painful skin loss too.
- Jumps are very hard, but possible with some modifications without picks, (youtube: harry wing xanadu). The trick for pick assisted jumps in general I've been told is to use the whole of the "picking foot" skate planted sideways 4-wheels-down as "one big pick". I can't confirm this as I'm not jumping yet. Probably very ugly but hey whatever works.
- Spins are in general not a happening thing. Look at roller skating technique for spins if you're really keen. They rock back and forth to get their spins happening. You could conceivably do the same thing with inlines.
- Inline freestyle (i.e. cone slalom) is an interesting diversion, and the set moves are a goldmine of useful drills. Anything "wheeling" clearly isn't directly transferable to figure skates, but there's hundreds of moves (youtube: munobal) and they'll all teach you something useful.
- Skating in the sunshine and fresh air is glorious!