2.  27 million participants today  Purchase more than $300 million  14 million skaters in 1994  Purchased $250 million  3 million skaters in 1989  Purchased $20 million

3.  Females: 52 percent of all skaters  Youths 7 to 17 years old: 58 percent of all skaters

4.  Wear full protective gear  Helmet, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads  Practice basic skills in parking lot or flat surface  Braking, turning, balancing

5.  Always skate under control  Avoid hills until able to master speed