Aggressive Ice Skating
Short Answer:
Aggressive ice skating is an emerging sport where inline skate boots are converted into ice skates, offering greater control and stiffness than traditional ice skates. The unique design of aggressive inline skate boots makes them perfect for advanced ice skating tricks and maneuvers.
Aggressive ice skating is gaining popularity as skaters realize the advantages of converting their inline skates to ice skates. While many assume traditional ice skates are better for ice sports, this isn’t always true. Inline skate boots, particularly those designed for aggressive skating, have qualities that make them perfect for high-performance skating on ice. Let’s break down why you might want to switch to using your inline boots on the ice and how to get started.
Why use inline skate boots for ice skating?
At first glance, you might think regular ice skates are better suited for ice than inline skates. However, inline skate boots have a unique stiffness that makes them highly effective for aggressive ice skating. There are two key reasons for this:
- Durability: Aggressive inline skates are built to withstand hard impacts and grinds. The boot needs to absorb the forces from jumps and tricks, making it much tougher than standard ice skates.
- Steep angles: The angle at which inline skaters slide or brake is often more extreme than in traditional ice skating. The extra stiffness in inline skate boots gives skaters better control during sharp turns or slides.
Freestyle and aggressive ice skating
While ice skating and inline skating share similar techniques, the way you grip the ground differs. Inline skaters switching to ice often don’t realize that keeping your boot straight is key when sliding on ice. This is because of the square profile of the ice blade. As freestyle and aggressive ice skating grow in popularity, the hardware is also evolving. Skates are becoming stiffer and more durable, making them better suited for extreme ice skating maneuvers.
Differences between ice skate types
The main difference between a freestyle ice skate and a hockey skate is the stiffness. Freestyle skates are built for more advanced movements, and stiffness helps maintain control. Aggressive ice skates go even further by incorporating a soulplate, which allows for grinds on ice, similar to those done on rails in inline skating.
Converting inline skates to ice skates
If you’re excited about performing tricks on ice, you’ll want to use your inline skate boots at the rink. Converting your inline boots to ice skates is easier than you think. You simply need a blade that fits the boot. If you’re unsure which blade will work with your boots, feel free to contact us. Send us a picture of your skates, and we’ll help you pick the right blade.
Different setups for aggressive ice skating
There are several ways to convert your inline skates into ice skates. Below are some setups we’ve made in the past:
- Classic Roces boots: These can be converted with ice blades that attach easily, giving you a solid setup for the ice.
- Freestyle inline skates: These boots, such as the PowerSlide Next skate, can be fitted with Trinity-mount blades or other frame options like UFS ice blades.
- Aggressive setups: Brands like Them Skates and Rollerblade also have boots that are easy to convert to ice skates, perfect for aggressive skating.
No matter what inline boots you have, there is likely an ice blade option that will fit. Whether you’re into aggressive skating or just want to try something new, converting your skates opens up a whole new world of tricks on ice.
Conclusion
Aggressive ice skating is a thrilling way to bring inline skating skills to the ice rink. By converting your inline skate boots, you get the best of both worlds: the strength and stiffness of an inline boot with the glide and grip of ice blades. If you want to make the switch or need help finding the right blade, contact us, and we’ll guide you through the process.
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