Inline Skates trace their history to the original rollerskate. Rollerskating was a great hobby that consisted of four wheels, two in the front and two in the back. Inline Skates consist of wheels that are in a single line, and can vary from two to five wheels. The first skates were invented in the 1700's but it took a while before the design was mastered.

It wasn't until 1863 that the quad rollerskate was designed. The wheels ensured that the skater would have freedom to move in all directions and brakes were added. The rollerskate had quickly grown into a popular hobby and in the 30's a number of roller skating rinks had opened and formed the official Roller Skating Rink Operators Association (later to become the Roller Skating Association) was formed.

During the 50's rollerskating escalated to new heights. People began to learn that rollerskating was a great family activity and attended rollerskating rinks regularly. Teens, kids, and adults all took part in the fun created by moving and gliding on wheels. Fast food restaurants opened up and waitresses served food while skating.

Throughout the 70's rollerskating continued its success as many rollerskating rinks began to refurbish their rink floors. Skaters began to combine disco music with their newfound sport and the disco dance craze boomed. Rollerskating continued to thrive and then began to slow down during the 80's. Although rollerskating has always been a popular activity for kids, many adults began to focus on other sports- until the Inline skate emerged on the scene.

In 1980 two brothers in Minneapolis, Scott and Brennan Olson, found an antique model rollerskate that bore the inline skate design. Being hockey enthusiasts as they were, they decided to revamp the rollerskate and invented the Rollerblade. Rollerblade became the official trademark name for the inline skates that the brothers had invented and soon America took notice. By the mid 1980's everyone had heard of Rollerblades, and rollerblading became the new fad. In fact, many people refer to inline skating as "rollerblading" when Rollerblading is the registered trademark used to describe the invention the Olson brothers created.

The Date Activity

Today, rollerblading rinks abound and enjoying an afternoon or evening rollerblading is an excellent date activity. If your date isn't an experienced inline skater, you can arrange to take a beginner's class then try your moves outside. There are many great inline skate parks, boardwalks, and rinks that are perfect for the novice as well as the expert rollerblader.

Rollerblading is great for the first date because it is an activity that really lets your hair down. You may fall, stumble, trip and need the steady arm of your date to help regain your balance. It is a lot of fun, and the environment makes for a great time, whether you are skating outdoors in a park, on a boardwalk by the beach, or in an inline skating rink with great music and refreshments.

On Your Own / With Friends

Whether you are looking for a great afternoon activity for yourself, or something that you can do with your pals, inline skating continues to be one of the best social activities for friends. Rollerblading is healthy, fun, and a great sport. If you don't know how to rollerblade and would like to learn, consider taking a class with a friend. However, the great thing about inline skating is that you don't have to be a pro to skate. Just grab a few buddies, your skates, and get out there and have some fun.