Local rollerblader savors sport

By Roderick Boone
Poughkeepsie Journal

What's the interest level in rollerblading these days?

''I think it's pretty popular. A lot of older, middle-age people enjoy it. It's easier on the body than running or anything else like that. You can throw on a pair of rollerblades and it's a really low impact on the knees as opposed to running for physical fitness.''

Is there anything you'd recommend to a beginner who's just starting to learn how to rollerblade?

''The best thing you can do is pretty much put them on and just try. There's no right or wrong way. It can be taught, but it's different for every person.''

Exactly what's the best kind of rollerblades to get and where's the best place to get them?

''If you are really starting out, go to Dick's or some other sporting goods store. You can go somewhere else and get a pair of skates that are really more inexpensive. But in the long run, it's better to get an expensive pair because the parts are interchangeable. The bearings are better quality and can be replaced really easily. Any cheaper quality skates would have plastic wheels or a hard compound.''

Where can rollerbladers go to enjoy the activity without any hassles, like traffic?

''It also really depends on the type of skating they are looking to do. There is fitness skating and aggressive skating, which is what I do.

"For fitness skating, the Harlem Valley Rail Trail would be a good place or any local park. A lot of local parks have trails that are paved that you can skate on. For aggressive skaters like me, I'd recommend the Beacon skate park. We have everything; we can go from beginner to advanced.''

How much exercise can you get by rollerblading?

''You get cardiovascular, indefinitely. But as with anything, you have to keep your heart rate up by just keeping constantly moving, and try to push yourself.

"Skating at a nice pace is good if you are going out for a leisurely skate. But if you want to get a workout, you have to keep moving. You get muscle tone in your legs and abs (abdominal) muscles also.''