Kwanluv hits the ice, advice please

[kwanluv]

I'm 32 year old male, and am not going to put this off anymore ;)

I been practicing several jumps off the ice with some success (as far as singles :lol ) but I don't want to practice jumps on the ice until I've trained really well with the basics. I'm more concerned with getting comfortable with everything other than the jumps at first.

I've been doing Yoga for about 2 months to help with my stretching and flexability. After Thanksgiving, I'm going to take skating lessons :) I haven't been on skates for about 12 years :lol , but when I was on skates, I wasn't too bad.

Sooooo..... I have 3 questions:

1) Any advice on lesson styles, what I should focus on?
3) Any work-out style that could help me?
2) Should I get my own boots, or wait?

I'd appreciate any advice anyone can offer, thanks!!! :)

[Jackylutz]

Oh...Great news.....I am so glad you are going to join the adult skating level. I have been skating from time to time about 2years ago and I started from scratch. I plan on competing in the adult level in 3yrs because the minimum age requirement for adult level is 25. I think skating is a great sport for everyone.

Anyway, about your questions:
I think its best to start taking group lessons, you save a lot of money while you learn the simple things. When you're ready for the next level such the single axel or double jumps, take private lessons. I think you should also invest in a decent pair of skates. And finally, Yoga is just great for you stretching techiques and great flexibility.

You are ready to skate!!!! Let us know how you progress.
Good luck!

[kwanluv]

Thanks Jackylutz, I appreciate that!

I'm really looking forward to it and I'll take your advice. The local rink does offer good group lessons, so I'll start with that.

I'll keep ya posted as I get going ;)

[axelkid]

Hi Kwanluv,

YIPPEE! Yay for the adult skaters!

I've been skating for about 5 years (started in Sophomore year college) so I guess you'd consider me an adult. I got through the basics on rentals, but honestly, the sooner you can get yourself a pair of skates that you can call your own the better. It's worth the investment! Rentals vary in how sharp they are, sometimes you will even skid sideways trying to go forward. And forget about trying to do decent spins or jumps (though it IS possible). I started out with a pair of Reidells that cost about 200 bucks. They lasted a good four years and then I traded them in for Harlicks (I won't tell you how much they cost but I was working at the time so it came out of my paycheck!). I can't tell you how wonderful it is to glide on a clean edge that is silent, fast, and secure. I could never go back to rentals.

I was always one to jump ahead to fun stuff. Jumps, spins...in retrospect I should have mastered the basics first. But I say, Hey...if you're doing this for fun...you do it the way you want to do it! But when you learn the proper techniques then you have last backtracking to do in the way of correcting bad habits.

I think adult group lessons are a great way to start. They usually aren't HUGE and sometimes the instructors even get some time for individual instruction.

Yes, and if you move onto double jumps, go with a private instructor. It's not necessary, but you'll probably fall less and that's a good thing.

Good luck!!

[jkovner]

I'd recommend something totally different:
Take lessons with a very solid coach once a week working almost exclusively on stroking until you've got it: its just a good investment!! You might want to take notes from your lessons. Additionally you're gonna want to practice on your own a bunch, obviously. I think at this point in your skating career, what you need is good technique + a few key points to remember, and a lot of practice. You should get your own skates, because rental skates are inconsistent and unhelpful--every time you have to change your technique slightly to compensate for different edges, etc. I hope that was somewhat helpful.

[Deetlebug]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!Welcome to the wonderful world of adult skating. I am 35 years old and I just started skating a year and a half ago. It is a blast. I skate 5-6 days/week and have an hour's worth of lessons with a private coach each week. She is FANTASTIC for basics, good edges, stroking, technique. All the basics which will only make the "fun stuff" easier to do later on. That is especially important as an adult to avoid serious injury....LEARN THE BASICS UNTIL YOU HAVE THEM COLD!!!! They are not boring and only make the rest of your skating more fun. I am learn four different half jumps and I can't tell you how secure they feel with good edge technique!!

Also, I can totally vouch for all the recommendations to get your own skates. BUY AS MUCH SKATE AND BLADE AS YOU CAN AFFORD. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER SKIMP ON EQUIPMENT. Again, as an adult you need to take every precaution to avoid injury. Good boots and blades are a must. I am about to order my second pair of skates and I am looking at, between boots and blades, about $700. It will be well worth it. I am skating in about $225 Reidells which have been great. But I can already feel my skating skills outgrowing these boots and will appreciate a better boot to support me as I continue to progress.

So, good skates, great coaching and lots of practice. Which won't be hard, because once you step on the ice, it is VERY ADDICTIVE FUN!!!! :)


d . . b

[axelkid]

Your post got me thinking a little bit. How does one go about getting a coach? And how does one know if a certain coach is right for them? I am considering doing this myself.

[kwanluv]

Thanks to all for the great advice, I will digest it all over the next week, but one thing for sure, I'll buy my own boots ASAP.

Thanks again, and I'll fill you all in as things start to unfold (or my body unfolds on the ice :lol )

[jkovner]

axelkid:
There are bunch of ways to find a good coach. First of all, chat w/ others around the rink who you believe are knowledgeable. Second, look at the students of coaches, and see their strengths and weaknesses. If you have a way to check out their resume or see them skate definetly do so, because that is the key. Its also good to know whose technique they believed in. I'm not really sure of what the options are @ your rink/s, but you want your coach to have passed all their tests and competed at the national level (preferably).

[susan ba]

absolutely get your own skates! great to hear you doing this! check out the thread about boot brands..

jkovner:thanks for the coach search advice because like axelkid, i'm going to get a coach soon too

[axelkid]

Thanks a bunch for the advice! I really appreciate it. I'm gonna go a hunting as soon as this silly test is over. It's tomorrow. Yippee!!