Blade skates hit the streets

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 7, Issue 353, 11 September 1990, Page 16

Blade skates hit the streets

Rollerblading could well be the next sporting craze to hit Ohakune. Graeme Jackson of Ski Shed, Ohakune is the first in town to provide the alternative activity.. He imagines that skaters will use them to cruise around town on footpaths, particularly between the shopping centre and The Junction. Originally from California, Rollerblades are a cross between a rollerskate, a ski-boot-and an ice skate. Attached to a sturdilybuilt boot is a row of four wheels in a single line configuration. The wheels are larger than roller skating wheels and made of a similar nylon/plastic compound. Because of the stability of the boot, learning to use these skates is easy for anyone who has the basics of either skiing, ice or roller skating or skateboarding behind them. Since Rollerblades were introduced to the New Zealand market last August, the well-known athlete Simon Poelman, world one-hour decathlon record holder, has taken up the sport to keep his body in tune for important assignments in the northern hemisphere. Mr Jackson, who works with Edwards Sports Corporation, operaters of the Cheapskates retail network, says national skiing champions Simon wi Rutene and Kate Rattray were also

fitted for Rollerblades last week as the sport is an excellent training exercise for skiers. In the United States and Australia Rollerblades are a popular recreational activity with many users regarding them as a means of light exercise on beach fronts and pavements, while many younger, users can perform tricks on them including aerial stunts and manoeuvres on skateboard ramps. When Cheapskates first brought the skates to New Zealand, the world champion, Bruce "Action" Jackson, came with a few pairs and gave demonstrations in Christchurch's Cathedral Square. Later this year several dother top skaters will be coming to New Zealand to promote the sport. Rollerblades have another advantage over other forms of skating in that they can be used over rough terrain and even down stairs. The larger wheels make for skates that glide freely. Many experienced riders have achieved speeds on streets and roadways of up to 60 miles an hour. Mr Jackson says on the flat pavements of Ohakune it is possible good riders will reach up to half that speed. He does not envisage a need for any special permits because technically people should be able to use them on the footpath. Rollerblades come in five different models ranging from $275 to $699.