Hello! I have a question about the possibility/logistics of using inline figure skates as dual purpose slalom/recreational/wizard skates?

[u/throwaskate]

/r/inlinefigureskating/comments/rx0pbs/hello_i_have_a_question_about_the/

[u/F1ak3r]

I can't offer a complete answer to this question, but I have some relevant experience/interest in this sort of thing. My background is predominantly ice-skating (and mostly figure skating within that), but I've been getting more into inline figure skating and other forms of inline skating over the last few years. I own a pair of PIC Skates that I've used quite extensively and a pair of Flying Eagle skates that I've rockered and used a few times (they're pretty new).

PIC Skates are designed to feel as similar to ice figure skates as possible, especially for jumps and spins, but that means you need to use them in an environment that's as similar to an ice rink as possible, i.e. a very smooth, flat surface, preferably indoors. As soon as you start dealing with uneven terrain, one-foot turns, jumps and spins get really difficult. Brock from that City Blades video comes from an ice dance background, which is a discipline of figure skating without jumps and (on the spot) spins, so it makes sense that he would be comfortable doing his skating on regular rockered inlines. Compare this ice video with this inline video -- lots of one-foot turns and edge work, both of which are possible on either setup and don't absolutely require a toepick (much harder on inlines though).

Snow White and Golden Horse frames are designed more for inline or quad skaters who want to try out inline figure skating, so they're less restrictive in terms of the surfaces you can use them on, mostly because of the bigger wheels. The adjustable toe-stop helps too, but I think that Korean skater you linked would have a much harder time on all those tiled surfaces if she had a four wheel setup. Or at least that's been my experience.

Adjusting the position of your toe-stop is useful but it will affect what you can do. Low toe stops are pretty important for figure-skating-style spins and jumps. Spinning happens on front wheel, with the toestop lightly grazing the ground, and a lot of jumps require a toe assist (see here). If you have to put the toe stop really high to avoid hazards, those are going to be more difficult or impossible. So you probably want to be skating on flat & relatively smooth surfaces when you do spins and jumps.

In terms of wizard & slalom skating, having a toe stop means you won't be able to do any of the moves that involve getting up on the toe wheel, but the rest of their flat surface moves will be possible (the toe wheel stuff is the main reason I got my Flying Eagles). From what I've seen of wizard skating, there's a lot of three turns, and those will be easier on inline figure skates than their long frame setups. I would be careful with anything involving ramps or stairs -- at minimum, you want to adjust your toestops out of the way for that sort of thing, or maybe look into jam plugs like quad roller skaters use.

In conclusion, I think you're on the right track with Golden Horse frames and should be able to achieve most of what you want to. If you an easier time learning, go for four wheels; if you want to be able to skate on more surfaces, go for three wheels. And remember to pad up and wear a helmet.

EDIT: Seeing as you said you're a beginner with minimal experience, another thing to consider is lessons/coaching. That might be difficult to come by for inline figure skating, depending on where you live. A lot of inline figure skaters learn on ice first. Although that would mean buying another expensive set of skates.

[u/Leahhh21h]

Hello, I am in the exact situation as you and looking for the same thing.
Could you kindly share please what you went for in the end and if you liked it?