The parent's guide to inline figure skating.

The boots look familiar because they are usually the same boots used on ice. The difference is the equipment mounted underneath them.

Inline figure skating is different from artistic roller skating and recreational inline skating. The underlying movement patterns are built around figure skating.

The equipment matters because different frame geometries produce different results.

Transfer does not depend solely upon effort. It also depends on geometry.

Edges, turns, footwork, jumps and body position can transfer extremely well when the setup is designed specifically for figure skating.

Three wheels give two balance zones. Four wheels give three. Ice requires three.

EDGE™ | Inline Figure Skating System is a premium product designed for serious skaters.

The comparison is not between the cost of the system and the cost of nothing. The comparison is between the cost of the system and the additional training time it creates.

It is also worth remembering that your child already owns the boots.

If your coach understands inline figure skating, involve them from the beginning.

If they do not, that is normal. Inline figure skating is still developing as a discipline.

What matters most is whether your child is disciplined enough to train consistently away from the rink.

Find an appropriate surface. Encourage consistency. Be patient through the first few sessions.

You do not need to become a technician. You only need enough knowledge to make a good decision.

The most successful skaters usually have families who treat inline sessions with the same seriousness as ice sessions.