Your Complete Guide to Roller Skating in 2026

At SkateHut, we’re rolling straight into 2026 and welcoming a brand-new year full of fresh starts, big goals, and exciting hobbies to discover. A new year is the perfect time to try something different, challenge yourself, and find activities that keep you moving while having fun and roller skating ticks all those boxes and more.

Whether you’re completely new to skating or you’ve been inspired by seeing skaters glide effortlessly through parks, rinks, and streets, there’s never been a better time to get started. Roller skating isn’t just a great way to stay active; it’s also a creative outlet, a confidence booster, and a chance to express your own unique style on wheels. Plus, it’s an activity that people of all ages can enjoy, whether you’re skating solo or with friends.

In this blog, we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know to begin your roller skating journey the right way. From essential beginner tips and must-know techniques to advice on staying safe and looking stylish while you skate, we’ve got you covered. So if you or someone you know is interested in learning how to roller skate, look no further, let's lace up, roll out, and learn how to skate in style in 2026.

Starting off:

So you just bought your first pair of roller skates, where do you start? First you need to stand, which is easier said than done with skates. First you want to position your feet and legs in a V-shape. Slowly stand up and sit back down until you get used to it. 

From here, you want to practice a move called ‘forward bubbles’. It is when you make bubble shaped circles with your feet by swiveling inwards and outwards. This can be done whilst moving or standing still. Another thing you can do is known as ‘train chugs’. This is when you move one foot backwards at the same time as moving one foot forward. This move will help you to get used to moving forwards and backwards on skates.

Now that you are up on your feet and ready to start skating, here are some tips to remember:

• Don’t face down. You must keep your head facing forward with your chin up, not only because it helps you to see where you're going, but also to keep you from losing balance

• Keep your legs a shoulder width apart so that you don’t fall. If they are too close or too far then it will make it harder to balance. 

• Keep your core tight to help you find your centre of gravity. 

• Remember safety gear! Safety gear is the most important thing when it comes to skating as it protects you and the people around you when you fall

Here are some items of safety gear that we offer at SkateHut that all skaters need:

SFR Youth Ramp Triple Pad Set - Black

The SFR Youth Ramp Triple Pad Set is a complete junior protection kit designed to keep young riders safe and confident while skateboarding, scootering, rollerblading or just cruising around. This set includes knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards, giving full coverage for the key impact zones that beginners are most likely to bang or scrape. Built with durable SFR impact caps and heavy-duty fixing rivets, the pads absorb knocks and abrasions so kids can push their skills with extra peace of mind. Soft, comfort-lined interiors and elasticated socks help make them comfy for longer sessions, while secure hook-and-loop (Velcro) straps keep each guard fitting snugly without restricting movement.

SFR Essentials Helmet - Matt Black

The SFR Essentials Helmet – Matt Black is a versatile and affordable protective helmet designed for riders of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re cruising the streets, hitting the skatepark, scootering or cycling, this helmet delivers dependable safety with a sleek matte finish. Built with a tough high-impact ABS outer shell and EPS foam inner core, it absorbs impacts effectively while remaining lightweight and comfortable to wear. A series of ventilation holes keeps airflow flowing to help you stay cool during long sessions. The helmet includes dual foam padding inserts that let you fine-tune the fit for snug, secure comfort, and adjustable chin straps make it easy to lock in your ideal position.

CORE Mouth Guard

The Core Mouth Guard is a mouldable gum shield designed to help protect your teeth, gums and jaw while taking part in skateboarding, scootering, BMX or other action sports. Made from impact-absorbing materials, it helps reduce the risk of dental damage from knocks or falls that are sometimes unavoidable when riding hard or pushing your limits. This mouth guard features a mouldable design that lets you custom-fit it to your own bite for a comfortable and secure feel, and its shape also allows for unobstructed breathing even when it’s in place. A premium dual-layer construction adds extra durability and protection, while the classic CORE logo across the front gives it a sporty look. It also comes with a plastic carry case with air vents so you can store it hygienically between sessions, making it a practical addition to your protective gear bag.

Continuing on:

Now that you are up and moving around, where do you go from here? Well now you can move on to some more movements to try when you feel comfortable. For example turning. When turning it is important to realise that your whole body goes in to this movement. You want to start by scissoring your skates, the direction you want to turn is the foot you lead with, (e.g. if you want to turn right, you must lead with your right foot). You then turn your shoulders in the direction you are going and place your weight on the outside edge of the leading foot and the inside edge of the back foot. And lean in the direction you want to go. And there you go! Remember to constantly practice your movements and get comfortable on your skates. 

Another basic move you need to know is how to stop. There are three main ways to stop, the T-stop, the scissor stop and the two toe stop.

T-stop:

For this stop you basically make a T shape with your foot. You place your left foot sideways behind your right foot, which stays directly forward. This creates drag and you should do this until you come to a complete stop. 

The scissor stop:

With this stop, you need to scissor your feet by swiflty moving your left foot back behind your right with about a shoulder width distance in between. You then move on to your toe stop and wait until you come to a stop. 

Two toe stop:

This stop is slightly more advanced as you can really easily lose balance. For this you need to simply switch to using your toe stops on both of your skates as it will create friction, therefore making you come to a complete stop. However, be careful as if this one is done wrong, it will send you flying. 

Here are a few helpful roller skating videos from our YouTube channel:

To finish off,we want to show you some skates that we currently have in stock on the SkateHut website: 

Rookie Rosa Quad Roller Skates - Black

Add style and comfort to your skating journey with these eye-catching black quad skates from Rookie. Designed with a classic figure-style soft boot, the Rosa skates feature rose embroidered detailing that brings a trendy, floral vibe to your ride. The Rookie Rosa Quad Roller Skates combine comfort, performance, and eye-catching design, making them a fantastic first pair or a great upgrade for regular rollerskaters. Inside, the boots are padded and lined with cosy fleece, giving you great comfort and support whether you’re cruising the park, hitting the rink or learning your first moves. The secure lace-up design helps you dial in the perfect fit every time.

Moxi Rainbow Quad Roller Skates - Sunset Yellow

Get ready to skate in vibrant style with these stunning quad roller skates that combine fun design with beginner-friendly performance! The Moxi Rainbow Rider Quad Roller Skates – Sunset Yellow are perfect for anyone looking to dive into outdoor skating with confidence and comfort. These skates feature a high-top, drum-dyed vinyl boot in a cheerful sunset yellow colour, complete with eye-catching rainbow-themed graphics and matching rainbow laces. Inside, you’ll find foam-backed lining, ankle padding and a curved collar that make every stride supportive and comfortable,  ideal for longer cruising sessions. Overall, these skates strike the perfect balance of comfort, performance and playful design, making them an excellent choice for beginner and casual skaters excited to explore the outdoors with flair.

Rio Roller Signature Quad Roller Skates - Yellow

Step out in style with these vibrant and eye-catching yellow quad skates from Rio Roller — perfect for beginners and casual riders alike! Designed to blend classic skating comfort with a bold look, the Signature skates make cruising, learning, and day-to-day rolling fun and confident. The first thing you’ll notice is the vibrant yellow colourway, giving off serious feel-good, summer vibes. Designed with a traditional figure-style boot, the Signature skates offer excellent ankle support to help build confidence as you learn. The reinforced PVC leather upper is durable and easy to maintain, while the soft brushed velvet lining and cushioned insole keep your feet comfortable during longer skating sessions.

Thank you so much for reading, and here’s to embracing a new hobby in 2026! Whether you’re taking your first wobbly steps on skates or perfecting your tricks at the skate park, every little moment is a chance to learn, grow, and have fun. We hope this year brings you plenty of confidence, laughter, and adventure on wheels. Skate at your own pace, enjoy the journey, and don’t forget to celebrate every little victory. From your first glide to nailing that tricky turn.

We can’t wait to see you dominating the skate parks, making new friends, and having the absolute best year possible. So lace up, roll out, and make 2026 your most exciting, active, and stylish year yet!