My advice on equipment is to go to a reputable sports store, such as Sport Chek or Sporting Life, and to buy a major brand of skates, such as Rollerblade, K2, Salomon or Nike. Buy the best possible skates you can afford. Cheaper skates have less support and are harder to use. Spending close to $200 and up is best. There are some articles about it on my web site. You don't have to buy the best padding, or helmet - use the extra money toward the skates. Look for a helmet with lots of ventilation, it gets hotter all the time out there.