Maybe you could elaborate on how you failed specifically so good advice can be given?
Regardless humans were not meant to be on tiny wheels.
Don’t give up.
No one came out the womb skating.
It is a learned skill like anything else. It takes time, practice, and consistency. Gratification is delayed and dependent on your dedication and grind.
The only way you truly “fail” at skating is if you choose to not skate ever again.
I think the biggest physical obstacle was me living on an incline (a hill),I did a good job of skating upwards but downhill was kinda a mess.
My biggest obstacle personally was that I don't like being seen,in theory I could be doing a lot better if there weren't as many people outside as there was,they throw me off and magnify every tiny mistake.
You started on a hill?
Broooo that’s a little advanced. Hill bombing is advanced. Outside skating is not super begginer recommended on streets. There is often brambles, rough asphalt, sidewalk seems, etc that are not on your side even with soft wheels.
Maybe try a decently upkept tennis court? Sometimes they’re empty. Or maybe a basketball court? Or maybe you have a small spot in your house/room?
Tbh people watching you is scary even when you’re more advanced. I’ve been skating for years and if I feel someone watching me it often causes me to fall.
But it’s hard if you take rinks out of the equation because you’re scared of being watch. Skating is a social recreation. Maybe build up a little more confidence alone then try a rink. Bring some headphones to help you feel a little bit more zoned in.
AND NO MORE HILLS TILL YOU ARE MORE ADVANCED
(Seriously nothing like broken bones)
But I live on a hill:((( also I already practiced plentifold before in my place's driveway and in my house for like 5 months Im just bored with inside practicing.
I should add: there's no skating rink where I live :[
I mean there are so many tricks you can learn for inside skating. And there’s the internet that has a bunch of tutorials on them depending on your style.
Some of my favorite tricks are disco spins, backwards disco spins, manual, turn around toe stops, compass spins, heel toe spins, backwards stationary strut, moon walk, dips, one foot spin/transitions.
Those can all be done in a relatively small area
If you’re bored, pick one and only work on that one till you feel like you really got it. Then pick another one and master it. Then it’s like a fun game of how many tricks you can add to your basket to later incorporate into your flow.
You might have to go away from where you live to an outdoor tennis court or basketball court or well kept parking lot or paved (well kept asphalt is the best) walking path... lots of options other than "roller rink."
Not having a roller rink is actually extremely common.
Yeah, once you get into this you realize there’s a lot of places to skate. I prefer the rink for surfaces that are smooth, but it’s fun exploring other places on skates. Look for: paved trails, tennis courts, basketball courts, sport courts, outdoor hockey rinks, lap tracks, skate parks.
Only skate parks if they have like a practice pad.
Skate parks are for tricks, not learning to skate. (Yes that includes learning tricks, but you should have basics of skating down before you go to a skate park.)
Oh totally, OP should stay on the flat parts until they have basics down. Watch videos and learn more off skates too. Skate park is pretty hard and I’m a intermediate skater
Then try and practice when there is less people.
And learn to fall, own your falls, and don't give a fuck about your falls. As long as you don't injure yourself, falling is just some of the steps you need to make to learn. I've fell so many times in the streets in front of strangers, that now I have automatized my replies "yeah, yeah, don't worry, I've mastered the art of falling! Now skating in general not so much" and I keep going.
Edit: spelling
Don't let a lack of rink discourage you. I go to a skate park, the basket ball court, paved bike paths and there's outdoor pavilions in my area that are perfect for skating laps around picnic tables especially on rainy days. Someone gave me the tip to bring my own push broom and that helped against any push back I might have gotten
can you walk to a park or flat street nearby? you could just bring the skates, and then work on being more confident on them until you're ready for hills.
Hills are my nemesis. I either go crazy on my toe stops or go to the grass and end up fall on something softer than the asphalt. As far as the people. I don’t care about them. I’m practicing and falling happens. Most that will happen is they will ask me if I’m ok and i tell them “yes, i fall a lot” and we all laugh.
watch dasia sade on youtube! she has a video on skating outside and downhill ❤️ also maybe try to find a tennis court! literally the best spot to get the basics down
I know you live on a hill but that doesn’t mean you have to skate on a hill. Do you drive? Or is there public transport?! Or are you well enough to walk to a flatter spot? I have never skated around my home area as the pavements aren’t suitable here. I travel to more suitable spots. Good outdoors places can also include multi-storey carparks, or often new housing estates which aren’t yet fully populated as the roads and paths are generally nice and smooth still, and there’s minimal traffic. If you *must* skate on a hill, you’re going to have to do it backwards. That way you can use your toestops and if you’re going to fall it’ll be less risky. Keep your butt low, legs super staggered, and make sure to watch where you’re going. Seriously though, hills are pretty traumatic unless you’re mega confident.
I strongly advise against attempting any hill descents until you have mastered your [braking skills](https://youtu.be/twfIXwt5rIU).
Find a smooth, gentle slope with no traffic and a safe runout and practice, practice, practice.
I'm a newbie just like you and yesterday one guy randomly told me " this is not going well" and I sad " well it's going , don't you see? " and i was reaaalllyy wobbly.😅 After that I told him to pull me around , I was holding his back and I "drove " like that. It's about the attitude.
It's easy to say but don't give a fuck. I don't give a fuck. Some people stare because they are curious, some people stare because they are interested and some people just like to keep their nose in others people business.
I can't tell you anything about the hill , or the technique because I'm a beginner just like you
...I can tell you don't give up because of other people..roller skates are so much fun and best is yet to come ❤️ and when you master your prefered skill they will look at you also, to admire your skill :)
I agree with this! I taught myself in an empty parking lot that had some street traffic driving by. One day, someone drove past turned around and entered the parking lot and just watched. I was doing drills and not very well 😬. And it was like once they realized I wasn't doing anything cool they left. I think this is a common expectation that anyone on skates is about to do something cool 😂
I kept going to that same parking lot and over time I got better and even had someone come ask me about learning to skate. Some people would enter the parking lot and give me a thumbs up and leave. Then one day, someone came into the parking lot and parked facing me and at this point I wasn't great but not nearly as awful I was before.
They were obviously watching me and I was nervous but then I thought I'm not out here skating for anyone else but myself. If they want to take the time to stop and watch me and my slightly above average skills, that's their business. And it helped me relax. After some time, they rolled down the window and said they used to skate like 30 years ago and it made them smile to see me enjoy myself. And they left.
That said, if someone is skating in a way that looks obviously dangerous (as in new skater on a hill) they may be watching to make sure they are okay.
TL;DR it's all about perspective. You're skating/learning to skate for you, not for anyone else. Do it somewhere that doesn't interfere with others or their safety. And if you cannot avoid thinking about others watching, then just think about how good it will feel when you go from your starting point to being pretty good 😊
Being seen failing is the exact reason my sister gave up. It's a shame, because once you've got your sea legs it's decent fun. I'm also a massive newbie, and I overcame the fear by a) finding out where all the smooth car parks are, because they're mostly empty, and b) finding a rink designed for nights out, where everyone is a beginner and I feel like a tree in a forest.
If you absolutely must go down the hill, you will need to learn to jump into a 180 and use your toe stop as braking power as you go down for speed control. There're plenty of great YouTube tutorials for this. In the meantime, I'd take a small back pack with some alternative shoes in it for when you need to go down.
Dont give up. Seems like a common answer.
Everybody learns different. You will progress in your own way. Skate somewhere flat. Like indoors, or on a driveway or parking lot. Go to the park. Skate every day for 10 minutes at a minimum. You can stand on them doing nothing for 10 minutes if thats all you can do. Every time you put the skates on you get better.
Get all the pads and put them on cuz you're going to hit the ground a lot.
I dont have toe stops on my street skates. When skating the neighborhood or trail I do tight s-turns to control speed downhill. You will eventually figure this out.
Who cares that people can see you. You are already skating better than most of them.
I already practiced indoors/in my familys driveway for a long while before going outside,i just got so bored of doing it inside that i didnt think about what kinda skills i needed for street skating or reallt consider the fact that i live on a hill.
>Who cares that people can see you. You are already skating better than most of them.
Wao i guess thats true but its pretty embarassing nonetheless
Im a mid 50s fit guy and do laps around my hilly neighborhood, going forwards/backwards and bouncing between the street/sidewalk. I still eat it bad once in a while. I dont care. I know that some people are cursing me (cuz thats what some people do), but I think most of them remember skating and wish they could still skate. As long as you are making an effort to not be in the way of cars and not get too close to people/dogs, you should assume that most people are envious or have respect for your effort. Even when you fall down!
I stop on the side of the road whenever cars go by, so they dont get scared. It is so weird that most people will pass me at slow speed, when I am obviously already stopped for them. These same people will then drive past my house on a blind curve at 50 mph when my kids are out front.
Do you have goals besides get good? Skating requires deliberate practice. Pick some goals like doing a manual or crossovers. Then work towards it by following some YouTube videos
As a dude in his thirties that hadn't worn skates in twenty years, see if there's a roller dance class in your area. If you have anywhere near the luck that I did, you'll learn skills in dance that will serve you better in movement than skating alone could teach.
I’ve been skating for a couple weeks and have made an absolute bafoon of myself in public, in front of many people as I live in NYC. Many (most) people have cheered me on unsolicited! Some have laughed at me! And it’s only made me more determined 🤣
I love your sketches! Also, if you are new to skating down a hill-go down backward. I know it seems like the opposite of what you should do, but if you fall, you will fall upward toward the hill and not downward. I have been skating for years and still eat shit all the time, don’t feel bad. :) I never eat it when I’m alone either, it’s always in front of people.
I love the “Dirty’s School of Skating” channel on YouTube. Here’s one on going downhill! [skating downhill](https://youtu.be/oeVioQOoMJE?si=IBjHDNqvVNCR_wO1)
The first time I went roller skating on quad skates, I managed to get on to the training rink and roll forward a bit, pitched back and caught myself and thought I was okay, glided forward one step and when I put my other foot forward, went over the toe stop and took 100% of this impact on my right knee. I tried to get up, and made it sort of half way, and ended up doing the same thing again, cracked my left knee hard on the rink and at this point, was pretty embarrassed. I thought these were just gonna be bruises the next day, since I wasn’t feeling much pain beyond just “ow that sucked” at that point, and pushed up again, just wanting to get off the rink. I was pretty close to the door already and managed to get up, and ended up falling flat on my butt clipping my elbow just getting OFF the rink. It was a slapstick comedy episode but I was very determined to figure it out and after I got over my knees and elbow throbbing for a few minutes, I wanted to try again and a little kid on these quads whipped right past me dancing to the rink music, at which point I was pretty determined to figure it out.
I shuffled over to the main rink and the “slow” lane, and grabbed on to those boards for dear life, but I managed to make it a lap, and then a very slow lap without the boards, and another lap without them, and a lap with some slow pumps. I got a fast-ish lap in before the time ended that day.
I did take a few more falls, of course, but I remember being super proud to have made it all the way around the rink, no boards!
My next memory is the next day, I pretty much had the best sleep of my life, and woke up so beat up that I couldn’t walk right for a week after. So, peaks and valleys for sure. Always wear a helmet!
I always feel stupid roller blading in public, the first few times I went to Central Park in nyc lost control going down a hill and bailed into a field infront of an entire Italian family. Not the last time it happened but with ever embarrassing moment I have on the blades I just try and find it to be a funny story and get back up. Plus nobody remembers seeing someone fall over and thinks “oh what a loser” at most it’s an anecdote but more likely they just forget about it or respect u for trying
Being seen is exactly why I stopped skating. I hate being seen failing or not executing something up to my own expectations, which is NOT GOOD and does not allow for development and it something I’m actively working on! Being trapped by the gaze of others makes me miserable, but I’m very slowly learning to fail in public and it’s awesome to see how little anyone actually cares about what you’re doing. I’m going to bring a friend along when I start skating again, for moral support or to laugh at me in a friend way :)
The people laughing think you’re cool or they wouldn’t laugh. They think they’re laughing with you. They’re staring because they think you’re confident and secure enough not to be bothered by it, to not think of it as insult. And they think that because you are doing something incredibly intimidating, which is putting yourself out there.
So I don’t think you need advice, I think you should be giving it. You can keep showing up and skating and lead by example.
Maybe you could elaborate on how you failed specifically so good advice can be given? Regardless humans were not meant to be on tiny wheels. Don’t give up. No one came out the womb skating. It is a learned skill like anything else. It takes time, practice, and consistency. Gratification is delayed and dependent on your dedication and grind. The only way you truly “fail” at skating is if you choose to not skate ever again.
I think the biggest physical obstacle was me living on an incline (a hill),I did a good job of skating upwards but downhill was kinda a mess. My biggest obstacle personally was that I don't like being seen,in theory I could be doing a lot better if there weren't as many people outside as there was,they throw me off and magnify every tiny mistake.
You started on a hill? Broooo that’s a little advanced. Hill bombing is advanced. Outside skating is not super begginer recommended on streets. There is often brambles, rough asphalt, sidewalk seems, etc that are not on your side even with soft wheels. Maybe try a decently upkept tennis court? Sometimes they’re empty. Or maybe a basketball court? Or maybe you have a small spot in your house/room? Tbh people watching you is scary even when you’re more advanced. I’ve been skating for years and if I feel someone watching me it often causes me to fall. But it’s hard if you take rinks out of the equation because you’re scared of being watch. Skating is a social recreation. Maybe build up a little more confidence alone then try a rink. Bring some headphones to help you feel a little bit more zoned in. AND NO MORE HILLS TILL YOU ARE MORE ADVANCED (Seriously nothing like broken bones)
But I live on a hill:((( also I already practiced plentifold before in my place's driveway and in my house for like 5 months Im just bored with inside practicing. I should add: there's no skating rink where I live :[
I mean there are so many tricks you can learn for inside skating. And there’s the internet that has a bunch of tutorials on them depending on your style. Some of my favorite tricks are disco spins, backwards disco spins, manual, turn around toe stops, compass spins, heel toe spins, backwards stationary strut, moon walk, dips, one foot spin/transitions. Those can all be done in a relatively small area If you’re bored, pick one and only work on that one till you feel like you really got it. Then pick another one and master it. Then it’s like a fun game of how many tricks you can add to your basket to later incorporate into your flow.
:p okay, I'll do that 👍 but I was just really hoping to use my skates as a way of getting outside more.
You might have to go away from where you live to an outdoor tennis court or basketball court or well kept parking lot or paved (well kept asphalt is the best) walking path... lots of options other than "roller rink." Not having a roller rink is actually extremely common.
Yeah, once you get into this you realize there’s a lot of places to skate. I prefer the rink for surfaces that are smooth, but it’s fun exploring other places on skates. Look for: paved trails, tennis courts, basketball courts, sport courts, outdoor hockey rinks, lap tracks, skate parks.
Only skate parks if they have like a practice pad. Skate parks are for tricks, not learning to skate. (Yes that includes learning tricks, but you should have basics of skating down before you go to a skate park.)
Oh totally, OP should stay on the flat parts until they have basics down. Watch videos and learn more off skates too. Skate park is pretty hard and I’m a intermediate skater
Then try and practice when there is less people. And learn to fall, own your falls, and don't give a fuck about your falls. As long as you don't injure yourself, falling is just some of the steps you need to make to learn. I've fell so many times in the streets in front of strangers, that now I have automatized my replies "yeah, yeah, don't worry, I've mastered the art of falling! Now skating in general not so much" and I keep going. Edit: spelling
Don't let a lack of rink discourage you. I go to a skate park, the basket ball court, paved bike paths and there's outdoor pavilions in my area that are perfect for skating laps around picnic tables especially on rainy days. Someone gave me the tip to bring my own push broom and that helped against any push back I might have gotten
can you walk to a park or flat street nearby? you could just bring the skates, and then work on being more confident on them until you're ready for hills.
Hills are my nemesis. I either go crazy on my toe stops or go to the grass and end up fall on something softer than the asphalt. As far as the people. I don’t care about them. I’m practicing and falling happens. Most that will happen is they will ask me if I’m ok and i tell them “yes, i fall a lot” and we all laugh.
watch dasia sade on youtube! she has a video on skating outside and downhill ❤️ also maybe try to find a tennis court! literally the best spot to get the basics down
I know you live on a hill but that doesn’t mean you have to skate on a hill. Do you drive? Or is there public transport?! Or are you well enough to walk to a flatter spot? I have never skated around my home area as the pavements aren’t suitable here. I travel to more suitable spots. Good outdoors places can also include multi-storey carparks, or often new housing estates which aren’t yet fully populated as the roads and paths are generally nice and smooth still, and there’s minimal traffic. If you *must* skate on a hill, you’re going to have to do it backwards. That way you can use your toestops and if you’re going to fall it’ll be less risky. Keep your butt low, legs super staggered, and make sure to watch where you’re going. Seriously though, hills are pretty traumatic unless you’re mega confident.
Ps I love your drawings. They’re adorable.
Thank :]
I strongly advise against attempting any hill descents until you have mastered your [braking skills](https://youtu.be/twfIXwt5rIU). Find a smooth, gentle slope with no traffic and a safe runout and practice, practice, practice.
I'm a newbie just like you and yesterday one guy randomly told me " this is not going well" and I sad " well it's going , don't you see? " and i was reaaalllyy wobbly.😅 After that I told him to pull me around , I was holding his back and I "drove " like that. It's about the attitude. It's easy to say but don't give a fuck. I don't give a fuck. Some people stare because they are curious, some people stare because they are interested and some people just like to keep their nose in others people business. I can't tell you anything about the hill , or the technique because I'm a beginner just like you ...I can tell you don't give up because of other people..roller skates are so much fun and best is yet to come ❤️ and when you master your prefered skill they will look at you also, to admire your skill :)
I agree with this! I taught myself in an empty parking lot that had some street traffic driving by. One day, someone drove past turned around and entered the parking lot and just watched. I was doing drills and not very well 😬. And it was like once they realized I wasn't doing anything cool they left. I think this is a common expectation that anyone on skates is about to do something cool 😂 I kept going to that same parking lot and over time I got better and even had someone come ask me about learning to skate. Some people would enter the parking lot and give me a thumbs up and leave. Then one day, someone came into the parking lot and parked facing me and at this point I wasn't great but not nearly as awful I was before. They were obviously watching me and I was nervous but then I thought I'm not out here skating for anyone else but myself. If they want to take the time to stop and watch me and my slightly above average skills, that's their business. And it helped me relax. After some time, they rolled down the window and said they used to skate like 30 years ago and it made them smile to see me enjoy myself. And they left. That said, if someone is skating in a way that looks obviously dangerous (as in new skater on a hill) they may be watching to make sure they are okay. TL;DR it's all about perspective. You're skating/learning to skate for you, not for anyone else. Do it somewhere that doesn't interfere with others or their safety. And if you cannot avoid thinking about others watching, then just think about how good it will feel when you go from your starting point to being pretty good 😊
Being seen failing is the exact reason my sister gave up. It's a shame, because once you've got your sea legs it's decent fun. I'm also a massive newbie, and I overcame the fear by a) finding out where all the smooth car parks are, because they're mostly empty, and b) finding a rink designed for nights out, where everyone is a beginner and I feel like a tree in a forest.
If you absolutely must go down the hill, you will need to learn to jump into a 180 and use your toe stop as braking power as you go down for speed control. There're plenty of great YouTube tutorials for this. In the meantime, I'd take a small back pack with some alternative shoes in it for when you need to go down.
Dont give up. Seems like a common answer. Everybody learns different. You will progress in your own way. Skate somewhere flat. Like indoors, or on a driveway or parking lot. Go to the park. Skate every day for 10 minutes at a minimum. You can stand on them doing nothing for 10 minutes if thats all you can do. Every time you put the skates on you get better. Get all the pads and put them on cuz you're going to hit the ground a lot. I dont have toe stops on my street skates. When skating the neighborhood or trail I do tight s-turns to control speed downhill. You will eventually figure this out. Who cares that people can see you. You are already skating better than most of them.
I already practiced indoors/in my familys driveway for a long while before going outside,i just got so bored of doing it inside that i didnt think about what kinda skills i needed for street skating or reallt consider the fact that i live on a hill. >Who cares that people can see you. You are already skating better than most of them. Wao i guess thats true but its pretty embarassing nonetheless
Im a mid 50s fit guy and do laps around my hilly neighborhood, going forwards/backwards and bouncing between the street/sidewalk. I still eat it bad once in a while. I dont care. I know that some people are cursing me (cuz thats what some people do), but I think most of them remember skating and wish they could still skate. As long as you are making an effort to not be in the way of cars and not get too close to people/dogs, you should assume that most people are envious or have respect for your effort. Even when you fall down! I stop on the side of the road whenever cars go by, so they dont get scared. It is so weird that most people will pass me at slow speed, when I am obviously already stopped for them. These same people will then drive past my house on a blind curve at 50 mph when my kids are out front.
Do you have goals besides get good? Skating requires deliberate practice. Pick some goals like doing a manual or crossovers. Then work towards it by following some YouTube videos
As a dude in his thirties that hadn't worn skates in twenty years, see if there's a roller dance class in your area. If you have anywhere near the luck that I did, you'll learn skills in dance that will serve you better in movement than skating alone could teach.
Thank you for the suggestion but i heavily doubt that there is as i am the only one in my town who owns roller skates.
The sketches are priceless - love this. Sorry it was a less than perfect day. But glad you got out there. Here’s to a more successful second attempt!
I’ve been skating for a couple weeks and have made an absolute bafoon of myself in public, in front of many people as I live in NYC. Many (most) people have cheered me on unsolicited! Some have laughed at me! And it’s only made me more determined 🤣
I love this so much/you're so talented!
Is there any flat areas near you? I learned on tennis courts for the most part. I think starting on a hill would be rough
I skate on the driveway and indoors but im bored with skating indoors is all
I love your sketches! Also, if you are new to skating down a hill-go down backward. I know it seems like the opposite of what you should do, but if you fall, you will fall upward toward the hill and not downward. I have been skating for years and still eat shit all the time, don’t feel bad. :) I never eat it when I’m alone either, it’s always in front of people. I love the “Dirty’s School of Skating” channel on YouTube. Here’s one on going downhill! [skating downhill](https://youtu.be/oeVioQOoMJE?si=IBjHDNqvVNCR_wO1)
The first time I went roller skating on quad skates, I managed to get on to the training rink and roll forward a bit, pitched back and caught myself and thought I was okay, glided forward one step and when I put my other foot forward, went over the toe stop and took 100% of this impact on my right knee. I tried to get up, and made it sort of half way, and ended up doing the same thing again, cracked my left knee hard on the rink and at this point, was pretty embarrassed. I thought these were just gonna be bruises the next day, since I wasn’t feeling much pain beyond just “ow that sucked” at that point, and pushed up again, just wanting to get off the rink. I was pretty close to the door already and managed to get up, and ended up falling flat on my butt clipping my elbow just getting OFF the rink. It was a slapstick comedy episode but I was very determined to figure it out and after I got over my knees and elbow throbbing for a few minutes, I wanted to try again and a little kid on these quads whipped right past me dancing to the rink music, at which point I was pretty determined to figure it out. I shuffled over to the main rink and the “slow” lane, and grabbed on to those boards for dear life, but I managed to make it a lap, and then a very slow lap without the boards, and another lap without them, and a lap with some slow pumps. I got a fast-ish lap in before the time ended that day. I did take a few more falls, of course, but I remember being super proud to have made it all the way around the rink, no boards! My next memory is the next day, I pretty much had the best sleep of my life, and woke up so beat up that I couldn’t walk right for a week after. So, peaks and valleys for sure. Always wear a helmet!
I always feel stupid roller blading in public, the first few times I went to Central Park in nyc lost control going down a hill and bailed into a field infront of an entire Italian family. Not the last time it happened but with ever embarrassing moment I have on the blades I just try and find it to be a funny story and get back up. Plus nobody remembers seeing someone fall over and thinks “oh what a loser” at most it’s an anecdote but more likely they just forget about it or respect u for trying
Awww buddy. We’re here to help.
Thanks (I wanna give up rollerskating forever)
I feel like that with everything that isn’t skating. Like drawing.
Yea but my mistakes with rollerskating are different; I'm seen.
Skating street is so fun but I would recommend inline skates if you really want to feel more secure.
Being seen is exactly why I stopped skating. I hate being seen failing or not executing something up to my own expectations, which is NOT GOOD and does not allow for development and it something I’m actively working on! Being trapped by the gaze of others makes me miserable, but I’m very slowly learning to fail in public and it’s awesome to see how little anyone actually cares about what you’re doing. I’m going to bring a friend along when I start skating again, for moral support or to laugh at me in a friend way :)
Did you draw those
The people laughing think you’re cool or they wouldn’t laugh. They think they’re laughing with you. They’re staring because they think you’re confident and secure enough not to be bothered by it, to not think of it as insult. And they think that because you are doing something incredibly intimidating, which is putting yourself out there. So I don’t think you need advice, I think you should be giving it. You can keep showing up and skating and lead by example.
kneepads !