Inline skating

Disciplines

Aggressive inline

Aggressive inline skating (referred to by participants as rollerblading, blading, skating or rolling) is a sub-discipline primarily focused on the execution of tricks in the action sports canon. Aggressive inline skates are specially modified to accommodate grinds and the jumping of large gaps. Aggressive skates are identifiable by a prominent gap in between the second and third wheels (known as the H-block) which allows for grinds perpendicular to the direction of the wheels.

A hard plastic surface on the sole of the boot known as a "sole plate" or "soul plate" allows for grinds parallel to the wheels. From these grind surfaces comes a lexicon of well-known grind stances, though sliding can occur on any surface of the boot or wheels. Aggressive skates typically have much smaller wheels than regular inline skates. The small size allows for more freedom when grinding as there is less risk of catching on obstacles. These smaller wheels feature a flat profile to accommodate the impact from jumping tall heights.

Vert skating

A term used to refer to inline skates on a vert ramp–a half pipe with some vertical in it–usually between 6 and 24 in (15 and 61 cm). The intent of the skater is to build speed until they are of sufficient height above the edge of the ramp to perform various aerial acrobatics. In competitions, skaters have limited time, often less than a minute, to impress the judges by landing numerous difficult tricks. Vert skating may occur in competition and was once part of the X Games. Vert ramps are also present in many skate-parks.

Inline figure skating

Inline figure skating is similar to its counterpart on ice, but it is more affordable in warmer climates. Inline figure skating has been included in the world championships since 2002.

Fitness/recreational skating

Recreational skaters usually skate on roads, bike lanes, or paved trails. They might be skating solo for transportation, fitness, skating with friends, or participating in an organized event. Because urban areas tend to have more hazards from traffic, many cities have organized social groups to make skating safer.

Fitness skaters tend to skate more frequently and go longer distances. Fitness skates typically have faster bearings and larger wheels to generate speed and cover ground more efficiently. Skaters in this category tend to skate 10–15 miles per hour (16–24 km/h) on average. Some challenge themselves to feats of endurance skating for over 30 miles (48 km).

Urban skating is a variety of recreational skating.

Freestyle skating

Freestyle skating is a form of inline skating performed on flat ground and refers collectively to the disciplines for which competitions are organized by the World Skate. Currently World Skate has defined six disciplines which must be offered by any competition they sanction:

• Freestyle slalom classic
• Freestyle slalom pair
• Freestyle slalom battle
• Speed slalom
• Freestyle slide
• Free jump
  

Three additional disciplines, team speed slalom, high jump and jam, are also defined, but are at present considered optional.

Skate cross

Skate cross is an inline skating discipline in which four skaters start side by side and race around an indoor or outdoor track with turns and obstacles, similar to a BMX racing track. It is part of the World Skate Games since 2023.

Like ski cross and kayak cross, each skater wears a different color bib. The two first skaters to cross the finish line advance to the next round, until the final round. In team cross, two teams race each other and the team with the last skater to cross the finish line is eliminated from the next round.

Speed skating

Roller speed skating is the roller sport of racing on inline skates. The sport may also be called inline racing or speed skating by participants. Although it primarily evolved from racing on traditional roller skates, the sport is similar enough to ice speed skating that many competitors are known to switch between inline and ice speed skating according to the season. Some of its variants include track, road and marathon.

Downhill skating

A time trial event held in roads or in concrete bobsleigh courses in summertime. Downhill inline racers usually wear skates much more like "regular" inline skates than inline speed skates, along with extensive body covering and protective gear, and strong helmets.

Off-road skating

Off-road skating is a form of inline or quad skating performed on unpaved surfaces. It typically uses skates with larger, pneumatic wheels, often three per frame for inline skates, allowing travel on surfaces such as hard-packed dirt, gravel, and forest trails, including in wet conditions. The larger pneumatic wheels and uneven terrain, however, create greater rolling resistance and make off-road skating more physically demanding than conventional skating.

Wizard skating

Wizard skating is a progressive style of inline skating that emphasizes fluidity, edge control, and creative movement. Unlike traditional aggressive or urban skating, which focuses on grinds, jumps, and rigid tricks, wizard skating incorporates deep carving, edge transitions, and dynamic footwork to create a smooth, flowing style.

The discipline was pioneered by Leon Basin, the founder of Wizard Skating and Wizard style frames, a specialized rockered frame system that enhances maneuverability and control. Wizard skating blends elements of freestyle slalom, artistic skating, and urban exploration, allowing skaters to navigate open spaces with seamless, dance-like motions.

Since its rise in the early 2010s, wizard skating has gained popularity worldwide, attracting skaters from various backgrounds, including aggressive, urban, and freestyle disciplines. Its emphasis on edge control and fluid motion has made it a distinct and evolving art form within the broader inline skating community.

Goal sports

Hockey

Inline hockey is performed in a special rink on inline skates and was originally thought of by ice hockey players who wanted to continue training in their off season. Hockey rollerblades have wheel sizes generally between 72–80mm. The toe end of the boot is characteristically squared off. The feel of the boot is generally the same as ice skates, so the switch off between hockey skates and hockey is diminished, leading to better in-training simulations of ice hockey.

Roller soccer

Similar to soccer, football skating involves five players with skates on each side and takes place in an indoor sports hall or outside space with appropriate boundaries. Players need to score as many goals as possible with an official football skating ball size 5.5, and the team with the most goals wins the match.

Roll ball

Skiing inspired

Alpine skating

Alpine skating, also known as inline slalom, on inline skates owes its existence to skiing, enabling skiers to train in the off-season despite a lack of snow. Skaters complete a course marked by gates while descending at high speeds. Its basic movements are therefore similar to those of downhill skiing and many athletes regularly practice both modalities.

Roller skiing

Roller skiing is an off-snow equivalent to cross-country skiing. Roller skis have wheels on their ends and are used on a hard surface to emulate cross-country skiing.

The skiing techniques used are very similar to techniques used in cross-country skiing on snow.

Law enforcement

Inline skates are used for law enforcement by police and military around the world.