THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 27, 1995 TAG: 9507270043
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E6 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: FITNESS QUEST
SOURCE: BY STEPHANIE STOUGHTON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
BUYING IN-LINE skates:
In-line skating is often called ``Rollerblading'' after skate maker Rollerblades, which dominates the market. But there are several other brands, such as Bauer, which retailers say is just as good. Some other tips before buying in-line-skates:
Consider renting in-line skates for the first several occasions to see if you'll get the hang of it. Many retailers, especially at the Oceanfront, will rent skates.
Be sure to buy protective gear. A good helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards are a must to help avoid injury. Expect to spend about $100 for everything.
Don't buy high-tech, speedy skates for $200 or more when you're a beginner. You can get good skates for under $150.
In-line skates should fit snug and support the foot. Try on several models before deciding.
Don't buy skates without trying them on. Skate sizes vary.
Some places to buy in-line skates:
Colley Avenue Bike Shop, 2620 Colley Ave., Norfolk, 622-0006
Corner Twenty-Four Surf Shop, Pacific Avenue and 24th Street, Virginia Beach, 428-3389
East Coast Skate Connection, 3972 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, 631-0666
Ski World, 5369 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, 499-4533
Virginia Beach Sports, 5070 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, 490-0336
A few places to in-line skate:
Indoors:
Haygood Roller Skating Center, 8 to 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 1036 Ferry Plantation Road, Virginia Beach, 460-1138. Regular admission is $5.25.
Plaza Skating Center, 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday. 1050 Hodges Ferry Road, Portsmouth, 488-7751. Regular admission is $3 to $4.
Outdoors:
Oceanfront Boardwalk, Virginia Beach.
Tarrallton Park, 2100 Tarrallton Drive, Norfolk. Also includes area for in-line skating hockey.
Bike path along General Booth Boulevard in Virginia Beach. (Be careful to heed traffic signs. Also keep a sharp eye on turning vehicles.)
Matteson Trail, about 3 miles long, behind the Magruder Golf Course at 320 Butler Farm Road in Hampton. Park in big lot near Sentara Fitness Center.
Chesapeake Skateboard Park, inside the City Park, 500 Greenbrier Parkway. Visitors must wear helmets, elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards. Also, they must have passes, which can be obtained from city's community centers. The closest is the Indian River Community Center, 2250 Old Greenbrier Road, 424-4238. The center's hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Passes cost $8 for adults and $3 for children. MEMO: [For a related story, see page E1 for this date.]
by CNB