Learners skates

Question
HI

My 9 yr old son has started learning using learner's skates(Quads roller skates). His tuitor is saying that he has learnt Level 1 well and to go for Level 2 and level 3 he needs to buy different set of roller skates which comes with Rubber carboned wheel. Later for level 4 he will start with Inline skates(speed skates). I am novice in this area of skates so want to validate(what his tuitor is saying) before I take a decision. Please help us understand from learner's point of view - how and what type skates we shud be going for.

Thanks for your help
Vaishali

Answer
Hi Vaishali,
  I'm not exactly sure what Level 1, 2, 3 or for is for.  Does he take group lessons or private lessons?

  Beginner skates are fine at first until the child learns how to balance and push.  Once they can do that they really need a skate that rolls more freely.  

  Depending on what you want your child to learn makes a difference if he sticks with quads or moves on to inlines.  It's good to learn both and your tutor is correct in putting inline skates last.

  Some kids are happy just knowing how to skate on quads but if there's a chance that your son would want to compete in speed skating, then the inlines would most likely be required.

  Skating is like any other sport.  You start with beginner equipment and once you get a little better and are ready to learn  more challenging skills, better equipment is always a plus.

  If I haven't answered your question, please feel free to write again with a little more detail so I can answer you more clearly.

Pat