Bubble wrap and a big front wheel (for rec skating)
John Doe
skate yesterday. Also recently bought another 300' x 6" roll of
self-adhesive bubble wrap (the maker calls it "Bubble Mask"). It
is great for padding when you need ultra light weight, extreme
comfort, and coolness (with the bubbles facing inwards). Being
self-adhesive makes layering the bubble wrap very easy. I get it
online here in the USA for about $45.
As an insole, bubble wrap does not last forever, but it is cheap
enough to regularly replace. I put three layers inside the boot
under the lining, and then added three more layers in the heel
area. So I was skating on six fresh layers of bubble wrap... I am
sure it would be unacceptable to a speedskater or some other
expert skater (or maybe anyone over 250 pounds), but it was fun
here. It felt something like springs when pushing off. I am sure
it helps prevent strain on my ankles and knees. But like memory
foam, it will adapt to the pressure points. Then, I will probably
replace the three layers in the heel area once or twice before
replacing the layers that go from heel to toe.
I use bubble wrap for an ankle wrap too. Also use small pieces for
extra helmet padding.
One trick with using the self-adhesive bubble wrap on odd surfaces
(like Styrofoam) is to first apply packaging tape, and then apply
the bubble wrap on top of that. That is because the packaging tape
sticks better to ordinary things, but the bubble wrap sticks well
to the packaging tape.
The combination of bubble wrap insoles and the big front wheel on
my skates makes for fun street skating. I am still daydreaming
about a new electric motor power mechanism for my skates. The
combination of those three would be a riot. The weak point would
be the electric power, given current motor weight and rechargeable
battery technology. But who knows, a major battery breakthrough
might be right around the corner. Again, not talking about expert
skating, just comparing that to any other ultralight mode of
transportation. I cannot imagine a funner, lighter, and more
versatile/flexible form of transportation.
Good luck and have fun.
--
Land Skis (rough terrain skates). The first rollerblades with a
big front wheel and small trailing wheels, to help roll over
obstacles while maintaining a low stance.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27532210@N04/3056505603