Basic stroke is what you would think; right foot push combined with a left pole push, then vice versa, alternating. Your goal should be a long pole push starting beside your foot and extending back 4-5 feet.

With a dozen or so stroke combinations, you can exercise most muscle groups and your core. For example, progressing from the basic stroke, you can move to double pole/no leg pushing, which builds abs, pects, delts, triceps and biceps, and the long muscles of the abdomen and back.

Number one is don't put your pole down in front of your skates-or do it once because then you'll never do it again. As with all skating, knee elbow wrist protection and a helmet. Cars are the major problem so stick to bikepaths or empty roads.

Besides the all-around aerobic workout, the sport can be a rush and a real benefit for alpine ski training. I plan my routes to start with an uphill or upwind leg, so the return trip includes some exhilirating carving.


SKATER'S HEIGHT		SUGGESTED POLE LENGTH

		ADVANCED	NOVICE
Inches (ft)	Cm	Cm	Cm

74 (6'2")	188	175	170
72 (6'0")	183	170	165
69 (5'9")	175	165	160
67 (5'7")	170	160	155
65 (5'5")	165	155	150
62 (5'2")	157	150	145
60 (5'0")	152	145	140
58 (4'10")	147	140	135
56 (4'8")	142	135	130

Increase your skating speed, guaranteed

Stiletto skating pole

Entry level pole; basic grip & strap. Tops out at 165 cm and lighter duty. Recommended for shorter, lighter skaters.

Katana skating pole

Deluxe grip with padded strap, lightweight 7057 aluminum. Good for hundreds of miles of skating.

Video: Starting an inline skate Descent from Sandia Crest

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