I thought I'd spend a few posts looking at videos based around a theme so, for the first month, lets take a look at downhill skating. The concept is pretty simple: find a really big, preferably steep, hill and go down it as fast as you can. The motto of this skating discipline seems to be "Tuck. And go." With speeds reaching 95kph (60mph in old money) you don't have to imagine how dangerous this stuff can be.

One place to find information, if you can read French, is Roller En Ligne.com. The site has a section dedicated to downhill, along with other disciplines, and seems to be pretty up-to-date.

There are plenty of videos on YouTube (in particular you might want to check out Rollo6991, who has put up a lot of videos on the subject) that show how this all works, probably including some pretty major crashes to prove it is dangerous, but here are a few of my favourites:

Due to credit to Roller En Ligne.com for this video of the World Cup in Italy this year. You'll notice that the frames on the skates are probably much longer than those on your skates, unless you're a speed skater, and typically have 5 wheels, as both of these give the skater stability at speed. Watch out for the guy going backwards near the beginning!

Found via Roller En Ligne.com.

I don't recommend doing this kind of thing in traffic unless you really are as good as these guys. They take a load of risks that most of us would shy away from, but you can tell by the way they react and deal with the traffic that they are in control.

Here's a good example of how to do this stuff properly: they've closed the road to traffic; padded corners; and are wearing full protection, including full face helmets. This is probably about as safe as this extreme sport could be.

You've got 8, or maybe 10, wheels under your feet but what happens when you have an entire body suit of them? Yep, Rollerman does his thing but I don't think I've ever seen him going this fast!

If you want to suggest a video topic feel free to contact me, especially if you have some good examples.

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This is the website of Matthew Denner, a UK based inline skating instructor. If you're looking to start skating, or improve your current skills, you should take a look around to see what I have to offer.

I try to make my courses goal oriented, whether that is being part of the larger street skating community, or just getting a number of skills that combine well together. I cater for all skill levels, from complete beginner through to competent skaters. When teaching private lessons I treat you as an individual, catering for your abilities and learning rate. And with those courses and lessons my students get their own students area page with access to notes, tips and drills.

For information on the lessons and courses I teach, or advice on skating in general, please feel free to use the contact form.

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