# In-Line Skating Overview

Part of the Skating Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/index.md)

*2. Option C — In-Line Skating*

> **2.** Option C—In-Line Skating. Do ALL of the following: **In-Line Skating**

Option C covers in-line skating — three to five wheels arranged in a single row, creating a profile similar to an ice blade. Work through all 16 subrequirements with your counselor. The skills build progressively, so complete them in sequence.

## What You'll Complete

- **[Req 2c1 — In-Line Safety & Courtesy](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c1/)**: Explain safety rules and courtesy guidelines for in-line skating.
- **[Req 2c2 — Parts of In-Line Skates](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c2/)**: Describe the components of an in-line skate and what each part does.
- **[Req 2c3 — Required Safety Gear](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c3/)**: Describe required and recommended protective equipment for in-line skating.
- **[Req 2c4 — In-Line Skate Care](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c4/)**: Explain four essential steps to good in-line skate care.
- **[Req 2c5 — Forward Skating](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c5/)**: Skate forward with smooth, linked strokes for at least 100 feet.
- **[Req 2c6 — One-Foot Glide](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c6/)**: Skate forward and glide at least 15 feet on each foot separately.
- **[Req 2c7 — Heel Brake Stop](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c7/)**: Stop on command on flat pavement using the heel brake.
- **[Req 2c8 — Forward Crossover](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c8/)**: Perform a forward crossover.
- **[Req 2c9 — Forward Swizzles](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c9/)**: Perform a series of forward, linked swizzles for at least 40 feet.
- **[Req 2c10 — Backward Swizzles](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c-10/)**: Skate backward for at least 40 feet in a series of linked backward swizzles.
- **[Req 2c11 — Lunge Turn](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c-11/)**: From a strong pace, perform a lunge turn around an object.
- **[Req 2c12 — Mohawk](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c-12/)**: Perform a mohawk.
- **[Req 2c13 — One-Foot Downhill Slalom](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c-13/)**: Perform a series of at least four one-footed downhill slaloms on a gentle slope.
- **[Req 2c14 — Passing from Behind](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c-14/)**: Describe how to pass a pedestrian or another skater from behind.
- **[Req 2c15 — Avoiding Obstacles](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c-15/)**: Describe at least three ways to avoid an unforeseen obstacle while skating.
- **[Req 2c16 — Curb Techniques](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c-16/)**: Describe two ways to get on and off a curb and demonstrate at least one.

## Before You Begin

You will need access to smooth, flat outdoor pavement or a paved path for most of these requirements. Some (like 2c13) require a gentle hill with a safe run-out at the bottom. Make sure your in-line skates fit properly — the heel should be snug with minimal movement inside the boot. Inspect wheels for wear and bearings for smooth rolling before any session.

> **Safety First!**
>
> Full protective gear — helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads — is required for all in-line skating requirements. Wrist fractures are the most common in-line skating injury. Do not practice any requirement without complete protective gear.

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- Previous: [Pick Your Option](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2/index.md)
- Next: [In-Line Safety & Courtesy](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c1/index.md)