If I want to Start Skating What Should I Do? (HELP PLEASE)

[marcelo777]

Hi Everyone
i have been thinking alot (well not to much :lol ) and i went to the conclusion that i want to skate but here is one problem :

Although i am a BIG Fan of skating i dont know what to do first
i am in BLANK .
if somebody could help me please telling where a could buy a pair of skates (by catalog,any store) i would really appreciatte that because i can wait to learn my basic and all other stuff.
so Thanks aveyone for the help. :)

[kwansong99]

marcelo777, im in the same boat as you! as soon as you find out, fill us all in! I keep wanting to start but i dont even have a rink around me to do so! i wonder if there are online lessons i could take?!? :rollin :rollin

[FKA Catchick]

First of all skating can be very expensive - lessons & skates etc. so start slowly and make sure you really enjoy it and want to keep doing it.

My advice is -

Don't buy your own boots until you are doing crossovers - you'll need the good ankle support right about then. Until then, unless your local rink has HORRIBLE boots, just use a pair of theirs.

Take group lessons for awhile before you go to private unless you just can't handle groups or you cannot get in an adult class and don't want to learn with children.

Ask your coach questions ALL THE TIME and feel free to change coaches if one isn't working for you, it's your money.

If you have any more specific questions I will be happy to answer them. I have been skating for less than one year and have learned alot in that time.

[nessie2002]

You do not need to worry about private lessons and owning your own skates until you get the basics of figure skating down. In the levels of the ISI, the group lessons are split into two groups: the basics and the freestyle classes. In the basic classes (i.e. beta, gamma), you learn to stroke, do edges, and skate in crossovers. Some people get private lessons and own skates while they're still at this level, but I find it unnecessary because new skates are usually for ankle support (something you don't really need until you learn jumps). In the freestyle classes, you start learning jumps, spins, and footwork.

I would first go to your local ice rink and sign up for group lessons. You can tell them that you've never skated before and would like to be placed in the beginners class. Most rinks offer adult classes and let you use their rental skates for free if you have lessons with them. In the beginner class, you learn the basics of stroking and stopping. Group lessons teach you the essentials. If you sign up for private lessons, the coach will work on perfecting your moves. Usually at this level, all it takes to perfect your skating is a lot of practice, so attend the public sessions every so often to practice the moves you learn in your group lesson. :)