Every sport has different accessories (balls, bats, sticks, protective wear, etc.) that help you participate in each sport. The materials you are playing with and on will affect any sport you play. For example, turf versus real grass will make a difference in lacrosse, football, or soccer players run, stop, and make moves around the field.
The same goes for roller skating. In addition to all of the types of roller skates and accessories, did you know that skating surfaces make a difference in how you skate? There are two main surfaces used when building a roller skating center. Which is the better material? Well, that depends on your preferred style of skating.
What to Know about Concrete Skating Floors
First, we will start with the concrete floor. This may throw some new skaters off a bit. Concrete floors are much slicker than people may imagine. And as you can imagine, it’s a lot harder when you fall. Skating centers with concrete floors are more popular among roller skaters who like to spin or perform other power moves, like jam skaters. The slicker floor provides easier momentum for spinning. When it comes to cost, the concrete floor costs significantly less to install than a wood floor. The upkeep on a concrete roller rink is less costly and they’re easier to maintain for a longer amount of time.
Concrete Roller Rink
The other kind of popular rink flooring is wood paneling. The wood floor provides a softer but stickier skate. What we mean is that if you are looking for grip, go with wood floor. Skaters who enjoy doing ground work tend to like the wood flooring more for its grip. People also tend to like the fact that it hurts much less to fall on than the concrete flooring. This makes it a good choice for new or casual skaters. The upkeep of wooden roller rinks takes care and attention. These roller rinks can last, but they need to be properly sealed and patched if broken. If not properly cared for, moisture can sneak in and ruin the entire rink.
Wooden Roller Rink
If you asked us, what is the better roller skating rink? We would have to say it is all up to opinion of the skater. People looking to speed skate, spin, and do tricks tend to enjoy a concrete roller rink more. While, skaters looking for more of a grip and softer landing in case of falling will much prefer a wooden roller rink. Whichever you prefer, and indoor skating floor will give you a smoother skating experience than asphalt or outdoor concrete.
Regardless of what kind of skater you are, we encourage you to check out our hours and enjoy some family fun with us at Skate World Center.