Caster Skates are an emerging rollerskates product that is hybrid between a casterboard and freeline skates.
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Most caster skates have two identical skates. Each skate has a foot pad where a rider can place their feet. Underneath the skate are two free-spinning wheels connected by casters, which allow the skates to turn in any direction. Each skate also has two brake pads, which are generally used for holding the skates steady while starting rather than to slow or stop the rider.
The primary distinction between caster skates and a casterboard is that caster skates are two separated pieces and do not require a center bar to keep the two sides together. Caster Skates are different from roller skates (and inline skates) because the rider's foot is not placed inside a shoe or boot, but rather placed on top similar to a skateboard or casterboard.
Caster skating involves riding with one foot on top of each skate. Similar to other boardsports, the rider moves sideways perpendicular to the direction they are facing.
Before attempting to begin caster skating, the rider must first know which direction they plan to go (left or right). Most people will naturally have a left or right stance footedness, which will determine the direction they will move. For beginners, the best way to start is from behind the caster skates. With the toe edge pointing down, the rider would step on with each toe facing downward. Next, the rider would lift the front skate and push off the back.
A rider can maneuver their caster skates in many different ways to generate momentum. The more effort that is exerted, the faster the rider will go.
Turning is accomplished by either changing the direction of either skate or shifting weight back and forth from the toe-edge to the heel-edge. Stopping involves either making a single sharp turn, or facing each skate in opposite directions (which uses more leg muscles). Despite the existence of brake pads, it is best not to use the brakes to slow or stop because the foot can slip off the skate.
One of the things that makes caster skating unique is the ability to travel up and down hills.
Caster skating is no more difficult than casterboarding or skateboarding. All boardsports require balance and the ability to move sideways (which is often not a natural feeling). One common assumption is that the two skates will spread, causing the rider to do the splits. This is often true for beginners, but not a common problem for most riders. Some manufacturers include detachable straps or bars, which are generally never used.
Because the rider is not strapped to (or buckled in) the skates, the rider can simply jump off without having to fall to the ground. This makes caster skating much safer than in-line skating.
As with all outdoor and action sports, it is always best to wear appropriate safety gear while caster skating. This includes helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Wrist guards are often the most important, since most beginners have a tendency to fall backwards instead of forwards.
The first casterskates were produced by Tasem Co.Ltd. in Korea.
Skurf branded casterskates are produced by Ride Skurf USA and are designed specifically for caster skating.
The RipSkate is produced by Razor USA, the RipStik casterboards company. Each of RipSkates can be connected like a snakeboard for beginners.