The use of inline skating as a complement for ice skating brings a big debate in the speed skating community. Some skaters and trainers are saying that it could be bad for an ice skater to practice inline skating during summer.
By Jackob Savard
Photos by Carl Savard and Karine Maltais
Photos by Carl Savard and Karine Maltais
Inline speed skating is not really developed in Canada where ice skating is king. One of the reasons of the slow development of this sport is that some trainers and skaters think that practicing inline speed skating during summer could be bad for the on ice performances. Is the use of inline speed skating as a complement is automatically negative for a short or long track speed skater? I don't think so.
Agility gains
Agility gains
Inline speed skating allows skaters to gain a lot agility and this should not be underestimated by the community. Short track requires a lot of stability to be able to make moves in high speed situations and react to unexpected race incidents. Small details like jump above bumps and cracks on wheels can improve confidence and agility on ice. Inline speed skating will also help reinforced the ankles and the back which can prevent on ice injuries.
In short track speed skating, reactivity is one of the most importants thing. A good short tracker should be able to react fast to the others skaters' moves. The pack is huge in inline speed skating competitions and the moves are endless. This force the skaters to be alert all race long and take the in a lot of informations to make sure no one is about to launch an attack. Short track speed skaters could improve their reflexes by doing some inline competitions.
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| The start of the 2016 Marathon of Laval. Photo: Karine Maltais |
With the arrival of the mass start in long track speed skating, inline skaters like Olivier Jean, Alexis Contin and Joey Mantia are happy. The tactical aspect of the mass start is already acquired by the inline speed skaters. Be prepared to see a lot of them on podiums during on ice competitions.
Increased endurance
Cycling has always been prioritised for summer aerobic and endurance strenghtening, but inline speed skating can have the same benefits with movements and strategies that are similar to the on ice techniques.
The actual trend in short track is to start every endurances races with a pace. The sprinters will start to be left behind in the next few years. Inline speed skating forces the skaters to develop their endurance and it will help them follow a fast 1500m on the ice and have the ability and energy to still make moves at the end.
The use of inline during summer doesn't have to be a must, but it certainly have big qualities that should not be dismissed.
Increased endurance
Cycling has always been prioritised for summer aerobic and endurance strenghtening, but inline speed skating can have the same benefits with movements and strategies that are similar to the on ice techniques.
The actual trend in short track is to start every endurances races with a pace. The sprinters will start to be left behind in the next few years. Inline speed skating forces the skaters to develop their endurance and it will help them follow a fast 1500m on the ice and have the ability and energy to still make moves at the end.
The use of inline during summer doesn't have to be a must, but it certainly have big qualities that should not be dismissed.
You see this in sport all the time, those in the high positions refusing to change as it threatens their niche authority that they hold over the whole sport. The end result is holding the developement of the sport back, its their way or no way. Well let's look at life realistically, all new training ways should be explored until proven right or wrong, not just pushed to one side, the future developement of the sport is innovation in every aspect. Look what was said about the use of clap skates for example. Move on !!!
RépondreEffacer(C.S.) Thanks for your input! You bring some valid points. Change takes time. Perseverance will be the key here.
Effacergreat article. already the bar has been raised in both sports. there have already been champions of both inline and ice in the same season... to stay competitive in both, skaters must partake in both, and each sport is very much complementary to the other. but still today we hear such comments as "inline will ruin your ice form" so ice skaters shy away form rollers. these comments are usually coming from ice-purists, with no experience with inlines,and as touched on by wildskaters, that may also be due (in part) to ice coaches feeling apprehension with less control over their skaters in the roller environment, or simply not having experience and unable to offer coaching on rollers, perhaps they shun or dismiss inline as a viable cross-sport for ice (long track or short track). yes, time move on, and learn one does not have to give up one sport for the other. one can actually become highly successful at both!
RépondreEffacer(C.S.) You are bringing valid points that are totally "inline" (pun intended) with our vision on the subject. I think some coaches will use excuses until a short tracker actually becomes a top inline skater. Right now, those who do both are mostly in long track.
EffacerThe Dutch have scientifically analyzed muscle mechanics and inline is closer to ice than biking is to ice (no surprise there). But I noticed that Short track requires more G forces on the corner than in line usually does so the cross training leaves a gap in that specific aspect. Probably better for Long track.
RépondreEffacer(C.S.) But they don't get that G force feeling on the bike either. I think we all agree inline is closer to long track, but it is still closer to short track than cycling. Are you a skater yourself Mr Martin?
EffacerMostly Short track. Did a little in line years ago following my sons when they would train for cross country running at night on our local streets. I am luck that I can skate at our local rink year round. http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/park-ridge/news/ct-prh-shout-out-martin-tl-0413-20170405-story.html
Effacer(C.S.) That is great Mr Martin! Have you had the opportunity to read our two articles written by Julie Doyon about masters skater?. Here are the links
Effacer"Up to speed at 65 years old"
http://passionpvss.blogspot.ca/2017/02/up-to-speed-after-65-years-old.html
and "Our masters at the MIST"
http://passionpvss.blogspot.ca/2017/04/our-masters-at-mist.html
Thanks a lot for your interest and congratulation for taking care of yourself through speed skating.
Nice! Thanks. I made it to MIST 2 in Ottawa and "pseudo" MIST 3 in Quebec city during the Winter master games in 2015. Could not make it to the MIST this year. Glad you had a great Canadian team there.
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