@Natasha Smith I feel unworthy of the title Queen, but I graciously accept it🥰. I've got wide feet and have previously gone up a size to compensate, but I don't think that's necessary now, so I tend to get my regular size and break them in. I found the Riedell R3s and suregrips a tad narrow in my size though, but the rest are a bit more comfortable. I think it's always best try them on first, even if you have to borrow from someone who has a pair you like.

@Natasha Smith Hey hun, great to hear from you. I have been well and good to know you are too. I wear a size 6 and try to get the same size in skates, but it's been a trip because they don't always fit well from brand to brand. I've got wide feet and my suregrips derby skates are a 6, but I still struggled with foot slip and them being loose and then foot cramps after tightening the laces- i just didn't know how i was gonna get on from session to session. The Riedell derby skates were a size 7- if the boots are narrow, i tend to go a size up, but I didn't use those much/at all, and gifted them to a team mate. I have 2 pairs of Edeas- the Rondos are 265 (6.5), and fit well with insoles, thick or thin socks, but it's taken me a while to feel this comfortable in them-i could probably go down a size in these. These replaced a pair of 275 (7.5) which were way too big, but I still managed in them for the most part. My Edea Overture ice skates are also 265, but they are narrow and the foot cramps are real 😫, even after getting them stretched. I feel like I'm being punished for trying to do 2 different disciplines at the same time🤣. I've also got Moxis and Rookies in size 6 and these also fit well and are comfortable. I'm not familiar with VNLA- have you checked reviews on Youtube or if anyone else in the group has them and can give you some feedback? With regards to falling, it's something you just have to accept and get used to-there's no way around it. I can go months without a fall, but when it happens, it's spectacular, and as long as I'm not hurt too bad, I just get up and go again. I have 2 sore knees right now from my last fall🤣. Get the full protective gear, including crash pants if it'll help, and practice falling- i find this hard to do deliberately 😂. I'm usually thankful for the extra ass padding when I have one of those falls😅, but if you do it enough, it'll help build some killer quadriceps and that's important too.

@Lisa Ray That's a great suggestion, but the anchor towns have old cobbled streets with uneven surfaces, so that's not even an option.

@Mary Love yeah fingers crossed. Sometimes these people need convincing otherwise. I also asked at my previous gym to use the fitness studio and the owner said no. He used to skate when he was younger and it sounded like he was a menace at the rink, I guess he thinks I'll be the same😅

@Rhianna Barrett the skate scene in Northampton can only be described as none existent, at least from my perspective. There is a weekly Friday night family and adult roller disco and another on Saturdays and that's about it. I've not been to roller jam before, but I think you should just turn up and skate😊

@Rhianna Barrett 🥳🥳🥳 excellent, so glad to hear you went. Yes, they went bust end of last year, and I was disappointed because I didn't get a chance to go, but I'm glad they're up and running again. Did you enjoy it? Please don't be afraid to try things-especially those outside your comfort zone. It's better to try and fail than to not try at all😊.

@Natasha Smith I have/have had 2 pairs of Edea Rondos Suregrip Rebels, Riedell R3, Antik AR2 (from my roller derby days) Chaya Lifestyle Melrose Rookie Artistic Moxie Lolly Rio Roller Pure Red Rio roller canvas Oxelo MF900 inlines No fear inline skates I give skates away on a regular basis, but I always seem to acquire a replacement🤷🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️. I currently have 8 pairs-having donated the Rio rollers, chayas and Riedells to loving homes (I hope).

@Natasha Smith 🤣🤣 to pro skater, I wish. I'm just a collector🫣. If I put more effort in I guess I would be by now😅. I don't do derby anymore due to injuries so I swapped it for artistic skating, still hard work but less injuries.

@Melissa Peters Same reason I no longer go to my local adult skate night. It used to be a fun, chilled out night with great music. Now it's just speed skating and the same play list every single week. You'll be lucky to not get mown down by the marshals whizzing around in convoy to drum n bass/jungle.