Tactics

First, we've got tactics for skating steeps hills. The key is to try and maintain a constant speed.

Next, we look at some approaches you can use in rainy weather. The important point to remember in wet conditions is to adjust your stride.

Finally, we talk briefly about what you should do to avoid heat stress in extreme temperatures.

Steep Hills

The key is to try and go down the hill without accelerating. You want to maintain a constant speed, if possible. The following should help you to take the steepness out of the hill and keep your speed down:

If you intend to brake to slow yourself down, make sure you start early. Pump your brake repeatedly when you are at the top of the hill. Starting to brake when you are halfway down or near the bottom is too late. You can't apply enough friction to overcome the inertia you've built up on the descent.
If you want to skate all the way down, try rolling your edges from side to side in a slalom motion. This turn is borrowed from skiing. However, you need a hill with enough width so you can complete each turn successfully. The slalom turn allows you to keep your speed nearly constant because after you complete a turn and before you begin the next turn, you roll slightly uphill each time. Remember not to stride or lift your skates off the hill. You only need to roll your ankles and tilt your wheels to edge. Keep your wheels on the surface of the hill at all times.
If neither of the above tips agrees with you, side step down the hill on the side of the trail until you reach a position where you are comfortable with the slope. Then get back on the trail and skate down to the bottom.

Rainy Days

It is always a good idea when you set out on a long roll to carry a back pack with a pair of runners or sandals inside. A wet surface and inline skates are not a safe combination. If you encounter a soft rain and you are a couple of kilometres from your destination, you can usually ride it out.

However, if your skates start to slip especially on inclines you may want to try the following:

Shorten your strides. This way you won't be pushing your wheels out too far. This also means you're holding your wheels on the surface for a shorter period of time each stroke.
If the inclines become too slippery, side step on the side of the trail up or down the hill.
If the rain starts to fall harder, get off the trail. Put on your shoes and walk back.

High Heat

Extremely high heat is a common occurrence in July and August.

To avoid heat stress or stroke:

Carry at least two litres of water with you, especially on longer trails.
Wear a hat with a big brim.
Take periodic shade breaks to get out of the sun.
Realize that it's not going to be a normal roll. There will be a more breaks for shade and water.