Aggressive inline skating (referred to by participants as rollerblading, blading, skating, street skating, rolling, or freestyle rolling) is a sub discipline of inline skating
in the action sports canon, which emphasizes the execution of tricks.
Aggressive inline skates are specially modified to accommodate grinds
and jumps. Aggressive skating can take place on found street obstacles
or at skate parks.
While the photo to the right may be of a
recreational skate, the boot, wheels, and frame are essential traits of
any skate, regardless of its type. The brake pictured on this skate is
optional, meaning that it can be removed if desired. Brakes are
typically only found on recreational and fitness skates. It is uncommon
to find a brake on a roller hockey or aggressive skate. You may already
know the skate type that is correct for you, but if you do not, the
first question you must ask yourself to determine the skate type that is
best for you is: What kind of inline skating will I be doing most? To
help you answer this question, review the following sections that
describe each of the inline skate types. Once you have done so, you
should be able to determine the most appropriate skate type for you.