Yes, rollerblading can significantly help with ice skating by improving your balance, edge control, stride technique, and overall body coordination. The two sports may take place on different surfaces—wheels versus blades—but they share more mechanics than most people realize.
Have you ever wondered why some ice hockey players train off-season with inline skates? Or why figure skaters often hit the pavement in summer with their rollerblades? That’s because the skills in rollerblading directly transfer to ice skating, especially when it comes to body posture, pushing mechanics, and stopping techniques.
For beginners trying to get a grip on the ice, rollerblading is a great way to build foundational skills in a more forgiving environment. And for seasoned ice skaters, it’s a solid way to stay sharp when the rinks close or during warm months.
Best Inline Skates for Ice Skating Cross-Training
If you’re serious about improving your ice skating through rollerblading, choosing the right pair of inline skates makes all the difference. Whether you’re aiming to mimic hockey moves, figure skating footwork, or just improve balance and control, these three skates stand out for performance, build, and user satisfaction.
1. Marsblade O1 Off-Ice Inline Skates
Designed specifically for ice hockey players to mimic the feel of ice blades on pavement.
👉 Why we picked it:
The Marsblade O1’s patented Flow Motion Technology lets you train with the same balance and stride mechanics used on ice—perfect for developing muscle memory.
2. Rollerblade Macroblade 100 3WD
A top-tier fitness skate great for speed, endurance, and full-leg engagement.
👉 Why we picked it:
The Macroblade 100 offers a longer frame and larger wheels, ideal for developing stride power, edge control, and balance over extended sessions.
3. Jackson Ultima Mirage Inline Figure Skates
An inline skate built for figure skaters, simulating toe picks and edges.
👉 Why we picked it:
Mirage skates feature a rockered frame and toe stop to help figure skaters practice spins, jumps, and balance without stepping on the ice.
Does Rollerblading Help With Ice Skating?
The debate about whether rollerblading helps with ice skating has been a topic of discussion among athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts for years. The short answer is yes, rollerblading can improve ice skating skills, but the transition isn’t seamless.
Both sports share similar fundamentals, but due to key differences in the mechanics and environment, each sport requires distinct techniques and adjustments.
Key Similarities Between Rollerblading and Ice Skating
Both rollerblading and ice skating require athletes to master the art of gliding, turning, and stopping. The basic skating mechanics are fundamentally the same in both sports, which is why practicing one can help build strength and balance for the other. Here are some aspects of rollerblading that directly translate to ice skating:
- Muscle Memory:
Rollerblading and ice skating both demand the engagement of core muscles and the lower body. Rollerblading helps develop leg strength, coordination, and core stability, which are essential for ice skating. The movements in rollerblading—whether forward, backward, or while crossing over—are similar to those in ice skating. - Balance and Posture:
Maintaining balance is crucial in both sports. In rollerblading, skaters need to adjust their posture and body weight to maintain stability on wheels, which translates to better core strength for ice skating. Similarly, the knee bend, keeping the head up, and maintaining a low center of gravity are also common practices in both disciplines. - Forward Crossovers & Backward Skating:
The skills used in forward crossovers and backward skating in rollerblading carry over quite well to ice skating. The fundamental movement and mechanics of turning using crossovers on inline skates help athletes develop the muscle memory needed to perform crossovers on ice, which is essential for hockey players and figure skaters alike. - Head Control and Vision:
Both sports require the ability to keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings. In rollerblading, you’re often focusing on your environment while keeping a steady rhythm, which helps you react quickly when transitioning to ice. The same principle applies to ice skating, where being aware of your surroundings and staying focused on your movements helps prevent falls and improve performance.
Where Rollerblading and Ice Skating Differ: The Challenges
While there are benefits to rollerblading for ice skaters, the transfer of skills isn’t flawless. A few critical differences between the two skating forms make it harder to move fluidly from one to the other without some adjustment.
- Edge Work vs. Wheel Work:
One of the most significant differences between rollerblading and ice skating lies in the edge work. Ice skates have sharp metal blades that dig into the ice, while rollerblades have rubber wheels that roll over solid surfaces. In ice skating, edge control is essential for turning, gliding, and maintaining speed. Rollerbladers, however, don’t experience the same need for edge control, which is why ice skaters often struggle initially when transitioning to rollerblades or vice versa.
Ice skating requires a higher level of precision when it comes to controlling the direction of the skate and carving the ice with the edges. Rollerbladers, on the other hand, are more accustomed to pushing off with wheels and often find it challenging to make smooth, sharp turns on the ice when they first switch.
- Stride Mechanics:
Rollerblading involves shorter, quicker strides, while ice skating demands longer, more powerful strides. The stance and muscle engagement required for each are different, making the transition from one to the other a bit tricky. For example, rollerblading can be more upright, while ice skating requires a deeper knee bend to engage the skate edges properly. Ankles also play a significant role in ice skating, as they need to be more flexible and stronger to maintain stability on the ice, something rollerbladers may need to adjust to when transitioning. - Stopping Techniques:
Stopping in rollerblading and ice skating requires different techniques. While rollerblading commonly uses the T-stop, the hockey stop is the primary method for stopping in ice skating. This difference can cause confusion for beginners who might try to apply rollerblading stopping techniques on the ice, which often results in less control and safety. Likewise, skating on wheels does not provide the same friction and edge drag that ice skating does, making stopping harder for rollerbladers in the ice rink.
Success Stories: Rollerblading and Ice Skating Athletes
While some coaches argue that rollerblading might interfere with ice skating technique, there are numerous examples of high-level skaters and hockey players who swear by rollerblading as an off-season training method.
Connor McDavid, an NHL superstar known for his remarkable speed, is a prime example of someone who believes in the crossover benefits between rollerblading and ice skating. As a child, McDavid spent a significant amount of time rollerblading, which he credits as one of the key reasons behind his explosive skating ability on ice. His experience highlights how rollerblading can enhance skating technique, particularly for speed and agility.
Similarly, many hockey players incorporate rollerblading into their training during the off-season to maintain fitness and build endurance. Since rollerblading and ice skating require similar movements, these athletes find that their skating stamina and muscle memory improve, making their on-ice performance better after the transition back to skating on ice.
Conclusion
Overall, rollerblading can undoubtedly help improve ice skating skills, particularly in terms of balance, agility, and endurance. However, the key to making the most of rollerblading as a training tool for ice skating lies in the ability to adjust techniques when switching between the two disciplines.
While rollerblading doesn’t perfectly mimic ice skating, the benefits from training on inline skates can accelerate learning for ice skaters, especially for those who don’t have regular access to an ice rink.
To get the most out of both sports, athletes need to spend time on both ice and wheels to develop the necessary skills. Consistent practice, along with an awareness of the key differences between the two, will allow skaters to successfully bridge the gap between rollerblading and ice skating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rollerblading and Ice Skating
Can I learn to ice skate faster if I already rollerblade?
Yes, if you already rollerblade, you’ll likely find it easier to learn ice skating. The balance, leg strength, and stride mechanics from inline skating carry over, so you’ll already be familiar with the basic posture and movement techniques.
Are rollerblades a good substitute for ice skating when rinks aren’t available?
Absolutely. Rollerblading is one of the best dry-land training methods for ice skating. Many hockey players and figure skaters use inline skates to keep their skills sharp during off-seasons or when they can’t access ice time.
Do rollerblading stops work on ice?
Not exactly. The technique for stopping is different due to the friction differences between wheels and blades. While T-stops and power slides in rollerblading help with control, ice skating stops like the hockey stop must still be learned separately.
Are there specific inline skates designed for ice skaters?
Yes. Brands like Marsblade and Jackson offer skates that replicate the feel of ice skates. These models feature rockered frames and pivot points that mimic blade curvature and ice-edge control.
Is rollerblading easier than ice skating?
Generally, yes. Rollerblading tends to be more stable because wheels have more surface area than a thin blade. It’s a great way for beginners to gain confidence before transitioning to ice.
Can figure skaters practice spins and jumps on rollerblades?
Yes, but only with skates designed for figure skating. Skates like the Jackson Ultima Mirage include toe stops and curved frames that allow figure skaters to replicate key movements off-ice.