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Freeline skaters resting in Seoul.
Freeline skates are a pair of skates designed to give the feeling of skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, and inline skates all in one.[citation needed] They consist of two separate metal or wooden plates with two wheels attached by a form of “truck” designed specifically for the skates.[citation needed] The technique used to skate with Freelines is unique to the skates, and is a challenging wave-like motion.[citation needed] The individual skates, when ridden together, produce speed, agility, and natural self-propulsion, allowing for uphill motion.[citation needed]
Freeline skates were developed in 2003 in San Francisco, California when Ryan Farrelly was attempting to design a better way for downhill skating. His prototype for the skates was a row of four wheels in the center of a wooden board. After test runs and adaptations, Farrelly realized he could simply stand on each set of wheels and not bother with a board. The skates combine elements of both skateboarding and in-line skating, and can be ridden on flat land as well as downhill or uphill. Out of this idea, Freeline skates were born.[1]
There are currently three different models of Freeline skates:[2]
Freeline OG - the original model, made out of reinforced aluminum.
Freeline Pro - a hybrid model consisting of the traditional "S-frame"-style truck and a redesigned wood deck. Freeline Pro is actually supported by two C-shaped steel rods arranged into an S-shape outer skin.
Freeline Cruiser - a newer, light-weight model designed for beginners, which supports a set of training wheels.