In the simplest form skate sailing is anyone who wears skates and is letting wind that is being caught in a sail that they are holding propel them.  It is a sport that can be enjoyed anytime of the year, just by changing skates.  This is a sport is enjoyable no matter if you chose to do it solo or with friends.  It is also a great way to get out of the house no matter what time of year it is, allowing you to enjoy nature year round.  One of the best aspects is that it is an inexpensive sport when compared to most.  All you need is a pair of roller or ice skates and you are on your way.

In your first attempts remember as in anything else it will take some effort to become as graceful and smooth as someone who is experienced.  They do make it look effortless, but they started out on the same level as you at one time.  They had the same hurdles, setbacks and frustrations that you may encounter.  Just don’t get discouraged or feel this isn’t for you.  Practice makes perfect.

Common sense is the biggest suggestion given to new comers by avid participants of the sport.  There are not any other real rules to observe.  Some things to think about as you start.

Safety gear is a good start and highly recommended.  Kneepads, elbow pads, and helmet would be a good idea; however a pair of long pants and safety glasses will be sufficient in most cases.  You also want to dress for the weather.  If it is winter you will want to dress in layers.  This is so that you can add or remove articles to regulate your temperature.  You want to avoid cotton as that material retains moisture and will stick to your skin.  This can actually make you colder than you would be.

The biggest obstacle encountered normally is learning to handle the sail while keeping your balance.  Learning to stop and make turns holding on to the sail is the most important skill to master.   This can be learned fairly quickly, with in a few hours, and will make it easier for you to navigate without going to places you didn’t intend to or losing your grip.

Get to know your limit on speed and how and when to slow down.  Slowing down and stopping can be mastered by putting your hands on the front edge of the sail, then moving it to a position above your head in a horizontal direction.  You do this heading into the wind and with the sail in this position the wind is unable to add momentum.  You then stop your movements with skating which will then slow you down or stop you completely.

Sailing is accomplished by moving the sail to the shoulder that is exposed to the direction of the wind (that is between you and the wind like a barrier).  To turn you want to switch sides by bringing the sail back to the above mentioned stopping position.  This lets you do things without jerking.  This also helps make the movement easier on your joints and much more graceful looking.
If you think you are losing control or if you have already lost control let go.   There would be no reason to make a bad situation worse by breaking the sail, hurting yourself or others by holding on no matter what.  By letting go you stop your forward momentum and then you can just pick up the sail and start over.

Last very important suggestion is, pay attention to others around you.  You want to be sure not to run into other people or things.  You also do not want to have anyone run into you.