How to flow


Short Answer

Learning how to flow on skates involves mastering smooth movements, using the right techniques, and controlling your speed.


How to Flow on Skates

Flowing on skates is all about smooth movements and maintaining constant motion. Once you've learned basic skating techniques, such as the penguin steps, it’s time to move on to the next challenge: flowing like a fish. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started with flowing on skates.


Hardware

One way to cheat a little and make it smoother is by adjusting your rocker. A long rocker is best for flow skating, while a short rocker is great for slalom skating. Experiment with your setup to find what works best for you.


Surface

The right surface is key to your flow. A smooth, flat surface will help you maintain control as you practice. Start on a good surface where you can skate comfortably. Before you start, practice your fall in case you lose balance. It’s important to bend your knees to reduce the impact when you do fall.


Lemon Flow

To start flowing, get some speed and begin rolling. Open and close your legs a few times until you feel the speed increase. The goal is to go as wide as you can and then as small as you can. Try to build speed by pushing when you move out and pulling when you get back in.


Lemon Still

The key to controlling your flow is maintaining a stable position. Keep your toes together and heels together. Use a 90-degree angle to create a strong stance. Push with your heels to go wider and use your body to control the flow. Most skaters get stuck when they go too wide, so be mindful of adjusting your foot angle.


Lemon Stop

To stop while flowing, you’ll need to make speed first. Begin by turning your toes inwards, then resist the motion to get smaller. The wider you start, the easier it will be to control. As you get smaller, don’t keep rolling – this technique also transitions into the snowplow brake, which is a great way to stop while flowing.


Other Exercises

To improve, practice these additional exercises:

  • Half lemon: A variation that focuses on smaller movements.

  • Fish/slalom/ski: These movements can help you improve control.

  • Lemon cross: Cross over a spot on the ground to build precision and control.


Advanced Flow Skating

As you get more comfortable, you can advance your skills by practicing different types of flow skating. This can involve increasing your speed, adding more complex movements, and working on maintaining control during tight turns. With enough practice, you’ll be able to skate smoothly through any skate park.

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