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Although it isn't in every race, it seems to be a staple of the Salomon X-Adventure series. Once you figure out how to do it, it's a fun way to burn some calories and cover some distance. If you are a skier - some of the turning techniques translate directly to how you should execute parallel turns using shaped skis. You'll feel the effort of inline skating in your flexors and rear-end. Although I don't skate-ski, I do skate on my alpine skis on flat parts. It feels like the same muscles and motion there, too. So, all around, its a worthwhile sport to learn. We noticed that folks with an ice skating or hockey background picked this up rather quickly, and that doing it with a pack was harder than you'd think - lots of rear-end falls. (-Helen)
You can get inline skates at several local sporting good stores. Check Gart's, skateboard shops, REI, and places that cater to hockey players. You can also find used skates at places like Play it Again Sports. Rather than suggest specific brands, instead there are some features to look for for fit. Read the links from the SkateFAQ.com site on fit, but here are some highlights from trial and error.
You want a snug fit - think running shoe or ski-boot. Your ankle and heel should be very snug and comfortable. If you stand fully upright, your toes will be ALMOST at the end of the boot - but when you lean forwards, bending at the ankle and knee, your toes should pull back and your heel should be snugly in the pocket. If your skate is too loose, you'll likely get blisters and not have much confidence that the skate will go where you want it too. Newer skates are coming in running shoe type fabrics that are lightweight and breathable. They also have ratchet or velcro straps to really hold your foot in. These are good! Most will have a combination of laces and straps. You definitely want a heel brake -make sure you don't get hockey skates that don't have brakes. As far as types of wheels - read the links on SkateFAQ.com and Skategrrl. that debate the finer points of wheels.
While you are buying your skates, go ahead and get some decent pads. They usually come in sets of wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads. Make sure you get ones that fit, and that have plastic shells to cover the knobby parts that are being guarded. You can get a really good set for $25 or so. When you first start skating - it's easier to learn when you are all padded up. The first time you inspect the pads after a crash, and see the gouges from the concrete in them, you'll appreciate it. After you are more confident, you'll might be tempted to leave all the protection at home and not look so nerdy - I'd recommend wearing the wrist guards at a minimum. They've probably kept me out of the emergency room, and they don't look too dorky.
In a race you'll be required to wear a helmet. As for just dinking around in your neighborhood, I guess it's up to you. But, when you are first learning, definitely wear it. John was trying to speed up around a corner when we first started - caught a rock and ended up just about kissing the curb. If he'd gone without the helmet I might be spoonfeeding him right now and teaching him to walk again. So, it's worth it, and you'll set a good example for all the kiddies in your neighborhood.
Rather than explain it all here, I'll just list a sensible order of things to learn - the links below have very good instructions so there's not much sense in repeating them here.