I’m noticing that as I attempt to learn to backwards skate, that no matter how much I try to lean back, my body seems to lean forward (whether I’m using the bubbles method or lifting my feet straight up). As a result I’ve almost always fallen forward. Any suggestions on what I can do to correct this? It’s more prevalent when I’m using the bubbles because as KJ’s instructions say, when skating backwards to use the windshield wiper method pressing from the toes (opposite of going forward and using the heels). I feel like I’ve gotten the hang of going forward using the bubbles. Backwards is a whole other issue. 🫣😩😩😩😩 And I’ve been putting in practice for the past 3 days straight (no days off)!

Just got my setup from Riedell (they messed up the order). I’m ready to roll now! The setup: Riedell 120 Uptown PowerDyne Thrust Nylon Trucks (needed that flexibility for beginners) KwiK Swiss Nitride Bearings Sonar Demon EDM 95A wheels 62 x 43 Missing from order: Radar Varsity 62×31 (98A) wheels Have 85A wheels on the way for outside practice (tennis court).

I am not giving up! Little is better than none and even that is fun. Maybe I don't see or feel it, but the only me I can see is my shadow on a sunny day. No one skates with me, so I'm not hearing observations from other skaters. Only two things I can say: the pains I've had are slowly subsiding, and I can skate longer and without feeling as tired as I used to. I can only hope that by sticking with it, working on things I know I'm lousy at, incremental improvements are happening. They just have to be... at the moment I'm not feeling it and it's disappointing. Maybe this is that thing where when you learn something new you reach a plateau... then it picks up again after a while. Yeah... I'm going with that! Anyone else go through this? (This is where you say yes.)

What does everyone like to listen to while practicing?

Hey guys. Is there a video tutorial that goes over what you should do with your skates right out of the box? Just got mine and I know I need to check the wheels to see if they spin freely and loosen or tighten as needed. But I need to know how much free spin should they have. If they seem to spin indefinitely is that a sign to tighten them some (even if they’re not wobbly). Or should it be enough spin to go a around a few times before coming to a stop?