Roadskater Resources

The WAR Rock Creek Park Clinic
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What better way to learn how to skate than WAR's free clinic? While not intended to be a full service skating school, volunteers including certified instructors teach basic and intermediate skills and useful stopping and skating techniques. Lessons are capped off by a short skate in the park where we review the "rules of the road" to prepare students for our Friday night skates.

Volunteer instructors are always in demand. Think about participating; we will train you. Contact Joe Kramer for more information.

When:
Saturdays at 12:15pm during Daylight Savings Time (April through October). Arrive by 12:00 to have time to put your skates on, stretch, and be ready.

Weather permitting: See the Skate Page for the Weather Policy.

Hosted by:
Uniformed Volunteers from The National Skate Patrol (NSP). The DC Chapter of the NSP directs the clinic in cooperation with the National Park Service.

Where:
Meet at the first parking lot (picnic area #6) North of Military Road and Beach Drive. Go to the Rock Creek Park page for directions and information about where to meet.

Before you come out:
Bring the following to the clinic:

  1. Helmets are mandatory.
  2. Wristguards
  3. Elbow and knee pads
  4. Skates that fit. You won't have a good time if your feet hurt.
  5. Read, print, and sign the Liability Waiver then bring it with you.
  6. Water, sport drinks, etc. especially on hot days. Also bring healthy snacks (Powerbars, bananas, nuts, cookies) if you get afternoon munchies.
  7. An expectation that you will learn, have fun and meet our volunteer instructors!

picture of local cert. instructors
The Clinic Instructors participate in the National Skate Patrol (NSP). NSP Volunteers are trained and certified.

break demo
Joe practices heel breaking with skaters.You are in good hands with the skate clinic's volunteer instructors thanks to Joe's supervision. He is the DC area's fearless IISA National Skate Patrol representative.

snowplow demo
Stopping and controlling your speed are important skills. The snowplow stop requires putting outward pressure on both skates at once. While it is an effective way to stop it is difficult move to execute. It requires strong legs, and a delicate balance.

Contact Joe Kramer for more info about the clinic.

Please email the webmaster if you have pictures or material to contribute.
Last Update: 1/9/2007