Inline Skating - The Retro Activity Making a Come Back

Today, we're diving into the world of inline skating, where wheels meet adrenaline, and also exploring the new upcoming Barbie movie. What’s that you say? How is inline skating and the new Barbie movie connected? Well read on and you’ll find out!

The History

In the 1760s, John Joseph Merlin is recognized as the first inventor of inline roller skates. His innovative creation laid the foundation for the development of this unique form of wheeled footwear.

A significant milestone in roller skate history was reached in 1863 when James Plimpton introduced quad roller skates. Plimpton's invention offered improved manoeuvrability and control compared to the earlier inline models, making them much more user-friendly and enjoyable.

In 1876, William Brown obtained a patent for a design that revolutionised roller skate wheels. Hailing from Birmingham, England, Bown's ingenious concept aimed to maintain a separation between the fixed and moving bearing surfaces of an axle. This development contributed to enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of roller skates.

During the 1980s, the concept of modern inline skates emerged as a training tool for hockey players during the off-season. The Olsen brothers are credited with pioneering this innovation. Recognizing the potential of inline skates beyond hockey, RollerBlade became the first company to manufacture and market inline skates commercially. Their product quickly gained popularity among snow skiers, hockey players, and figure skaters alike.

It is worth noting that while roller skates had garnered some level of popularity from the beginning, their usage was initially limited to isolated pockets, often among more affluent individuals. However, with the introduction of modern inline skates and the efforts of RollerBlade, roller skating began to transcend these isolated pockets and became more accessible and popular among a wider range of people.

RollerBlades revolutionised their marketing approach by showcasing their product to the masses at popular beach destinations. They formed a dedicated demo team that skillfully demonstrated their abilities, employing a captivating strategy aimed at astonishing the crowd and enticing them to join in on the fun by hopping on wheels. Rollerblades quickly gained a reputation as a versatile choice for both fitness enthusiasts and those seeking recreational enjoyment.

They strategically targeted prominent beaches in Florida, such as Miami, and Southern California, particularly Venice Beach, as these locations epitomised the preferred lifestyle of active Americans who craved light-hearted amusement. The association of Rollerblades with these beach scenes significantly contributed to the widespread adoption and popularity of the activity.

Venice Beach, in particular, played a pivotal role in propelling the rollerblading movement forward. It served as a dynamic catalyst, capturing the attention and interest of locals who embraced rollerblading as a means of convenient transportation and personal expression.

Barbie

Barbie Inline Skate, previously known as Rollerblade Barbie, was a beloved Barbie skates doll introduced by Mattel in 1991, alongside Rollerblade Ken and several other characters in the Barbie lineup. These iconic dolls perfectly captured the prevailing trend of inline skating that had taken the nation by storm during that era. Barbie was all set to hit the streets in style, sporting a sporty outfit complete with a helmet, knee pads, and a pair of Rollerblade skates. Rollerblade Barbie quickly gained popularity among Barbie collectors and children alike, offering them the opportunity to engage in imaginative play and vicariously experience the thrill of inline skating through their beloved doll.

Prepare yourself to relive the nostalgic rollerblading craze of the 1990s through the upcoming Barbie movie featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. This highly anticipated film brings back the exhilaration and cherished memories of that iconic period. Rollerblading takes centre stage as the characters effortlessly glide on wheels, capturing the essence of freedom and pure enjoyment. Rollerblading plays a recurring theme in the movie, enhancing its vibrant visuals and overall aesthetic. As fans immerse themselves in this film, they will delight in the nostalgic joy of rekindling their childhood rollerblading adventures.

Impala, in collaboration with the upcoming Barbie movie, has partnered to release a limited edition skate and capsule collection inspired by the film's inline skating theme. The collection includes the exact same skating gear donned by Margot Robbie's Barbie and Ryan Gosling's Ken characters, featuring the Bright Yellow Lightspeed Inline Skates and a matching Bright Yellow Protective Set comprising elbow pads, wrist pads, and knee pads. These items will be available in both adult and youth sizes, allowing individuals of all ages to embrace the fantasy of Barbiecore. Don’t miss this in theatres from 21st July 2023.

Difference between quad and inline skates

Inline skates, also known as rollerblades, feature a line of wheels arranged in a single row along the bottom of the skate. They resemble ice hockey skates in their design. Inline skates offer the following characteristics:

a. Wheel Configuration: Inline skates typically have four to five wheels aligned in a row. This configuration provides better manoeuvrability and a smoother glide.

b. Stability: Inline skates offer a lower centre of gravity, which provides increased stability during forward motion. They are generally preferred for speed and long-distance skating.

c. Control: Inline skates offer more precise control over movements due to their responsive design. This makes them suitable for activities like aggressive skating, speed skating, and inline hockey.

d. Skill Level: Inline skates are often favoured by experienced skaters who are comfortable with maintaining balance and executing advanced manoeuvres

Quad skates, also known as roller skates, have a traditional design with two wheels on the front and two wheels on the back of each skate. The wheels are arranged in a square or rectangular pattern. Quad skates possess the following characteristics:

a. Wheel Configuration: Quad skates have a two-by-two wheel configuration, providing a wider wheelbase. This design offers more stability and better balance, making them suitable for beginners and recreational skating.

b. Manoeuvrability: Quad skates are known for their manoeuvrability, especially when it comes to lateral movements and turning. They are commonly used in artistic roller skating, roller derby, and recreational skating.

c. Versatility: Quad skates can be used for various activities, including dancing, jam skating, and outdoor cruising. They offer a more versatile experience compared to inline skates.

d. Retro Appeal: Quad skates have a classic and nostalgic aesthetic that appeals to many skaters. They are often associated with a vintage or retro style.