FSWer's Training Reports

[FSWer]

That's right Kids!!!!! I just thought I'd start up this thread to keep you ALL uupdated on what happens, and how I do a Public Skate at Newington Ice Arena. So here is todays post. I got to the Rink and we went first to apply for Public Skate passes. 50 of them. However they won't have them until tomorrow. As the people who get them weren't there,and you can only get them in the Daytime. BTW. it is reg. $6.00 to skate. I then went into the Rink and got my skates on. Yes they are Hockey Skates. LOL,so yes I did cloplop a lot easier on them,as both them AND the blades are new and need to be broken in. (The boots for my feet,and the blades for being able to start digging into the ice). I did however make a couple of new friends. Their names were Janet and Jennifer. I can only say one thing. They were both really nice. As I was on Hockey Skates and not Figure Skates, and was falling more as I'm not used to them yet,she took me by the arm and gided me along. They both even told me how to stop and go on them. I know I'm just not used to them yet. As it's MY first Public skate,and OTHER skaters DID have Hockey Skates on. So I know in time I will be able to do it with them. I'm a trooper. LOL. I also got the Public Skate schedule and they say it changes every month. So I need to get next months too. LOL,hopefully they wil have a good Daytime schedule in the future. BTW. they close at 9:00. I also don't know how often I'll be skating. So all that depends on when I update this thread. So I just ask everyone to just please hope to see something at anytime,and to please always keep checking back on this thread for updates. So that's FSWers first Public Skate.

[Isk8NYC]

Good for you, FSWer! You sound so excited - that's wonderful.

How many times did you go around the rink?

[FSWer]

Good for you, FSWer! You sound so excited - that's wonderful.

How many times did you go around the rink?


Actually I didn't go around it. As I still need to get used to balancing on Hockey Skates,VS. Figure Skates which I can. Though I haven't gone in a while either.

[Isk8NYC]

I would have recommended that you stay with the figure skates until you were gliding, but I guess the rentals weren't working for you. You're wearing a helmet and gloves/mittens, right?

[FSWer]

I would have recommended that you stay with the figure skates until you were gliding, but I guess the rentals weren't working for you. You're wearing a helmet and gloves/mittens, right?


LOOOOOOOOOOL,right

[Isk8NYC]

LOOOOOOOOOOL,right
Bravo - smart man! :bow:

[Morgail]

Have fun skating! I hope you get to go as often as you'd like:)

[FSWer]

Have fun skating! I hope you get to go as often as you'd like:)


HEY!!!!!! It you guys who give and gave me encourgement. I think of everyone here whenever I go. LOL.

[winziped]

it sounds like that you found it an eden, i will have present when someday i will go to Conneticut , the problem is that i no know skate :( but i will learn .

[FSWer]

Say everyone. I just thought I'd add this to my annual thread and not only say that Sat. will be my next Skating day. But if ANYONE has some advice on how to get my feet and balance used to Hockey Skates VS. Figure Skates, so I would really appreciate it. Because I know I CAN balance on one blade FIGURE Skates. But when I got on the Hockey ones I fell all over the place. Is this to be expected as part of a Novice Skater trying to master those blades? As they aren't diging into the ice yet? How long should it be from being new before they dig the ice? Am I out of my mind? Should I expect by use of the skates that it will come natually?

[Isk8NYC]

If you haven't had the blades sharpened yet, get it done before you use them again.

[FSWer]

If you haven't had the blades sharpened yet, get it done before you use them again.


There wre when I brought them.

[Isk8NYC]

Good. Sharp blades bite the ice more than dull ones.
Sometimes, skates come dull and the pro shop has to sharpen them before you can use them. (I don't know about hockey skates, though.)

[Skittl1321]

Am I out of my mind? Should I expect by use of the skates that it will come natually?

I think so. Practice makes better.

I don't know how to recommend you get better at balancing on hockey skates other than keep trying. It's a very different feeling than figure skates. I know I couldn't do much in hockey skates!

[flo]

Good for you! I'd like to try hockey skates once - it would be comical.
Have a great time!

[FSWer]

Good for you! I'd like to try hockey skates once - it would be comical.
Have a great time!


How do you glide on Hockey Skates?

[CanAmSk8ter]

On figure skates, if your weight moves back or forward a little bit, it won't matter as much because the blades are longer and flatter. But because the blades on hockey skates are shorter and rounder, you don't have that flexibility and you have to keep all your weight over the balls of your feet. Make sure you bend your knees and keep your head up. To go forward, just take small steps or do swizzles.

Also, I don't know where you got the skates, but if it was Sports Authority or Play-It-Again Sports or one of those type of places, a) they're notorious for selling people skates that are too big, and b) they often do a really bad job with sharpening. It sounds to me like one of those is the problem.

Put the skate on, and push your toes all the way to the front of the boot so that they touch the end. Now put your finger down the back of the skate behind your heel. Can you get your finger all the way to the bootom of the skate, and can you move it at all? If so, the skates are too big for you. Get a set of Dr. Scholl's innersoles from the drugstore and put them in the skates to take up the extra room (do NOT wear extra socks!) If your blades feel like they're moving sideways on you at all, take them to the shop at the rink and ask somebody there if they thinks the skates should be sharpened again. (Always take your skates to a good pro shop to be sharpened, never somewhere like Dick's or Modell's).

[sk8er1964]

I've skated on hockey skates, and you are right FSWer! They are quite different from figure skates. I found when I skated on them I had to really bend my knees, and my weight was farther forward than on figure skates. I've been figure skating for many years, but in hockey skates I fell over several times because the blade was so curvy :lol: You'll probably get used to it, though. I did, and I liked how fast I could skate on them (as long as I didn't have to go backwards). :mrgreen:

[FSWer]

So the only difference is to just bend my knees while doing swizzles? Right?

[Clarice]

You should bend your knees when doing swizzles in figure skates, too. I've never skated in hockey skates, but it sounds like everybody's saying you should bend your knees even more. Tell you what - maybe tomorrow I'll try skating in hockey skates on the public session and I'll tell you what I had to do different. My daughter's boyfriend plays hockey - he'll give me some tips (and will probably laugh at me very hard!).

[FSWer]

LOL,well kids!!!!! I just got back from going all the way down to Newington Ice Arena, to find that todays Public Skate was canceled due to both Rinks being used for double Hockey Games. My Staff thinks it's totally redicolous (sorry for my misspelling) that we went all the way down there for nothing. So we might call from now on,just to make sure it's being held. We also checked on the Skating Passes to see if they came in and they hadn't. But the girl, (I think it was Jamie,the same girl that wrote us a recept) said they'ed deffenitely should have them next time we come. I was also going to try them 1 more time to see if I do better. But it looks like I might end up buying Figure Skates (possibly from Dicks),and maybe renting ($3.00) until I do. Because LOL.. it's not crouded Public Skate yet. But we figure that it would be better,since I have better balance on Figure skates, that I not be flip-flopping all over the place when everyone and their mother is there. I also might buy a skate bag. As the box for the skates keeps opening on me. So that's what happened today kids. I love you all. xxxxxxxxxxx ooooooooo

[dbny]

LOL,well kids!!!!! I just got back from going all the way down to Newington Ice Arena, to find that todays Public Skate was canceled due to both Rinks being used for double Hockey Games. My Staff thinks it's totally redicolous (sorry for my misspelling) that we went all the way down there for nothing. So we might call from now on,just to make sure it's being held. We also checked on the Skating Passes to see if they came in and they hadn't. But the girl, (I think it was Jamie,the same girl that wrote us a recept) said they'ed deffenitely should have them next time we come. I was also going to try them 1 more time to see if I do better. But it looks like I might end up buying Figure Skates (possibly from Dicks),and maybe renting ($3.00) until I do. I also might buy a skate bag. As the box for the skates keeps opening on me. So that's what happened today kids. I love you all. xxxxxxxxxxx ooooooooo

How disappointing for you! It's happened to us all, and we all just hate it.

I looked at all the figure (and recreational) skates at Dick's online (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=2629184&cp=2367827), and they don't have anything that I would recommend for you. Unless they have a bigger selection in the store, I suggest you go somewhere else. The Jackson Softec (http://skateconnectionproshop.com/product.php?productid=16145&cat=343&page=1) is an excellent figure skate for beginners. Maybe you could call some of the stores in your area to find out which ones carry that brand and model. Be careful, because the Jackson Softec is made with both figure and hockey blades. Riedell and CCM make similar models.

[FSWer]

Say,does anyone happen to know the hrs. for the Newington Ice Arena Box Office, that you can call there and talk to somebody live? We need to call them to find out when my passes will be there and have them put aside.

[RoaringSkates]

Hockey skates do feel very different from figure skates. In hockey skates, I often feel like I'm going to fall over backwards, because there is no back edge. The lack of toe pick at the front can actually be good, because you can't push with your toe picks when you're skating - you have to use your edges. But despite the differences, I adapted. I think you'll get used to the new skates with a bit of time, and end up being okay.

I also recommend the Jackson Softecs as an excellent beginner's skate. They fit well, are supportive enough, and are fairly inexpensive. I prefer those with a figure skating blade on them, for beginners.

[FSWer]

Say, I have the phone number to Newington Ice Arena. But does anyone know the phone number there that will connect you DIRECTLY to their Main office?

[FSWer]

HEY!!!!!! GREAT NEWS KIDS!!!!!! My staff and I FINALLY made contact with somebody live at Newington Ice Arena...and if things go well...FSWer GET'S HIS PASSES.....NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!

[FSWer]

Hi Kids!!!! Just wanted to annouce that if things go well, I'll be going to get my passes and new reg. Figure Skates soon.

[FSWer]

Say Kids!!!!!! FSWer just got his first pair of......REGULAR MENS FIGURE SKATES!!!!! They are a DBX Brand, size 9, and came with the Gaurds. That's right....I was found to fit a size 9. As the guy at Dicks said skates are different when it comes to size. I fit a 7,and these are 2 full sizes up. My staff and I just wonder if they actually came sharpened. As they look it and come with the toe pick made already. Does anyone here wear this brand? Thanks.

[Mrs Redboots]

Get a coach or a professional sharpening person to have a look at them and see if they need sharpened. They may well be fine....

Good luck, have fun, and let us know how you get on.

[Thin-Ice]

CONGRATULATIONS! and have fun with your brand new skates!

[CanAmSk8ter]

Say Kids!!!!!! FSWer just got his first pair of......REGULAR MENS FIGURE SKATES!!!!! They are a DBX Brand, size 9, and came with the Gaurds. That's right....I was found to fit a size 9. As the guy at Dicks said skates are different when it comes to size. I fit a 7,and these are 2 full sizes up. My staff and I just wonder if they actually came sharpened. As they look it and come with the toe pick made already. Does anyone here wear this brand? Thanks.

Your shoes are a 7 and they sold you a 9 skate? 8O

Put the skates on and push your toes all the way to the front of the skate so your toes are touching the end. Now put your finger in the back of your skate. It should be a tight squeeze to get a finger in there. If you can put a finger in easily, the skates are too big. Since DBX is a recreational skate brand, they're not going to have much ankle support anyway- if they're too big, you're going to be rolling onto your inside edges constantly. This is going to tire out your ankles very quickly, plus I know you've asked about gliding on one foot- that won't happen if you can't get off your inside edges!

If you do decide to return the skates, PM me- I can give you the names of a couple of places in central CT to go for skates where they know what they're doing and will get you the right size.

The skates will need to be sharpened, BTW, but don't do it until you're sure they fit and you're going to keep them. Usually if they've been sharpened they can't be returned.

[FSWer]

Your shoes are a 7 and they sold you a 9 skate? 8O

Put the skates on and push your toes all the way to the front of the skate so your toes are touching the end. Now put your finger in the back of your skate. It should be a tight squeeze to get a finger in there. If you can put a finger in easily, the skates are too big. Since DBX is a recreational skate brand, they're not going to have much ankle support anyway- if they're too big, you're going to be rolling onto your inside edges constantly. This is going to tire out your ankles very quickly, plus I know you've asked about gliding on one foot- that won't happen if you can't get off your inside edges!

If you do decide to return the skates, PM me- I can give you the names of a couple of places in central CT to go for skates where they know what they're doing and will get you the right size.

The skates will need to be sharpened, BTW, but don't do it until you're sure they fit and you're going to keep them. Usually if they've been sharpened they can't be returned.


We tried them on,and they DO fit. My toes were found and everything.

[CanAmSk8ter]

Here's the thing- unless you're someone who has been skating for years, it's very hard to judge whether skates really fit. That's why figure skaters and hockey players go to shops where the employees are skaters or hockey players themselves and know exactly how equipment should fit. I have a whole sheet I give to parents listing which shops in central Connecticut I recommend, and when I have very young beginners who don't need Riedell or Jackson skates yet, I have a page of information for their parents about skate fitting.

-The first pair of skates your child tries on should be his/her shoe size. If your child wears a half size, you may have to go up, but try going down first.

-With the skates on but not laced, have your child push his/her toes to the front of the skate so that they touch the end, and slide your finger into the back of the skate. If you can move your finger slightly, this gives your child an appropriate amount of growing room. If you can move your finger freely side to side and back and forth, the skate is too big. For adult skates, the finger should fit in the back but snugly.

-If you go up one full size from your child's shoe size and he/she still complains that the skate is tight or feels too small, try a different brand. The problem is probably at least partially the width, and a brand that runs wider will be a better bet for your child. Going to a longer boot than necessary just to accomodate the width of your child's foot will cause problems on the ice.

-Don't assume that employees of chain stores or general sporting-goods stores know how to properly fit skates. The fact that a skate will go onto your child's foot does not mean it fits correctly! Before buying skates from a chain or sports store, make sure you can return it if the fit turns out to be incorrect.

I've done skate fitting for a few of my students (I don't trust a couple of the guys in our pro shop, LOL) and as someone who has permanent foot injuries from ill-fitting skates, it's something I take very seriously. My adult students love it- off the top of my head I can think of three who have, at my urging, gone to one of the skate pros I recommend and finding out that either their blades were aligned wrong, or they needed a different size/model boot, or some combination of the three! The parents of my kid students, not so much :twisted:

[stacyf419]

Hey, don't forget to let us know how they feel on the ice! Stay safe and have a great time.8-)

[Isk8NYC]

FSWer - any chance to get to the rink lately?

[FSWer]

FSWer - any chance to get to the rink lately?

Maybe next week

[FSWer]

I just wanted to post an update and say that I just got a bag I am going to use as a Skatebag and reg. Skategaurds today from Sports Athourity.

[FSWer]

Well fokes!!!!!! Finally just went back to Newington Ice Arena again today!!!!!!!! I got there a little before 7. Put on my skates and hit the ice. LOL,the place was packed today. With everyone and their mother there. The first thing I did was try skating the whole way around the Rink. It takes 10min. to get around. LOL,the only time I almost feel was when trying to lift my foot up like my coach Caitlin had showed me to do. I timed it. As I tried it center ice. I also checked to see if Caitlin was there. But she wasn't there. I also told the desk that maybe Public Skate could be earier. Like at 4,etc. I lso found before I went that the recording says a different schedule then the website,and let them know that too. Finally also got my passes. So I am now offically a member of the Rink.

[winziped]

it sound like that you had a great day at the rink , maybe in the future if i go to CT will be the first place that i visit.

[FSWer]

Say,btw. I wa wondering if there's anyone here who goes to the Sat. evening Public Skate at 7:00 PM. at Newington Ice Arena? Bexcause if so,maybe we can me up. I don't go every Sat. and it's touch and go to when I'll go. But I'll let anyone know when and if I'm going a curtain day. Or if anything changes with me too,and maybe we can me. Anyone?

[FSWer]

BTW. are there any skaters here who can please give me somme tips on how to not only put on speed while Skating, but how to glide myself in from the ice to the side of the Rink? Like you see skaters do when they come in to retrieve their gaurds,etc. I'm moving my blades along the ice like my coach taught me. But all I do is stop right were I am. What am I doing wrong? Thanks.

[onlyhappyonice]

BTW. are there any skaters here who can please give me somme tips on how to not only put on speed while Skating, but how to glide myself in from the ice to the side of the Rink? Like you see skaters do when they come in to retrieve their gaurds,etc. I'm moving my blades along the ice like my coach taught me. But all I do is stop right were I am. What am I doing wrong? Thanks.

Do you mean a T stop where you place one blade directly behind perpendicular to the gliding blade and drag yourself to a stop?

If that's what you mean then stopping too soon is due to putting too much pressure on the dragging foot you should control how much pressure you apply slowly to get a clean steady stop

[FSWer]

Do you mean a T stop where you place one blade directly behind perpendicular to the gliding blade and drag yourself to a stop?

If that's what you mean then stopping too soon is due to putting too much pressure on the dragging foot you should control how much pressure you apply slowly to get a clean steady stop


If that's what it's caled. But I'm not sure if were talking the same thing.

[onlyhappyonice]

If that's what it's caled. But I'm not sure if were talking the same thing.

Check this link and see if it's what you mean, it's also an instructional video so if it is, it will help you :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8CWdQyYxzc

[FSWer]

Check this link and see if it's what you mean, it's also an instructional video so if it is, it will help you :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8CWdQyYxzc

It doesn't work for me.

[CanAmSk8ter]

BTW. are there any skaters here who can please give me somme tips on how to not only put on speed while Skating, but how to glide myself in from the ice to the side of the Rink? Like you see skaters do when they come in to retrieve their gaurds,etc. I'm moving my blades along the ice like my coach taught me. But all I do is stop right were I am. What am I doing wrong? Thanks.

Try taking more steps before you start to glide. Gliding only works if you're moving pretty quickly- otherwise you do just stop.

Also, whe you say you're "moving your blades along the ice", you're lifting them up and down and marching, right? Scooting them back and forth without picking them up won't get you moving.

[FSWer]

Try taking more steps before you start to glide. Gliding only works if you're moving pretty quickly- otherwise you do just stop.

Also, whe you say you're "moving your blades along the ice", you're lifting them up and down and marching, right? Scooting them back and forth without picking them up won't get you moving.


I'm moving one skate at a time as quickly as I can along the ice with the blades flat down.

[CanAmSk8ter]

I'm moving one skate at a time as quickly as I can along the ice with the blades flat down.

You need to pick your feet up and down one at a time like you're marching. Sometimes we tell the little kids to pretend they're stomping on bugs ;)

[FSWer]

You need to pick your feet up and down one at a time like you're marching. Sometimes we tell the little kids to pretend they're stomping on bugs ;)


I tried that and I'm just smacking the ice in 1 place.

[onlyhappyonice]

Do you understand how your edges work?

have you ever skated before

you basically need to learn the actual movement of skating which is essentially controlled weight transfer from one foot to the other

If you can picture yourself on a childs scooter, you keep one foot still and use the side of the other foot to push yourself along, this will give you the movement you need to learn how to push off from an edge and glide, after you've done this a few times try it the other side, this will eventually take you to the proper skating movements

I don't know if there will be any but try doing a youtube search for ice skating scooter, if not I have a video of my son having a go at it a few weeks ago which I can upload for you

[Clarice]

"Stomping on bugs" right in place is a great start. Once you feel comfortable marching in place, try moving forward. Keep picking your feet up and march forward, just like you would march on the floor in your shoes. Your feet need to stay right underneath you - that's why it's like marching, not like walking or shuffling. If you turn your toes out a little while you march and shift your weight from side to side (think about marching like a duck), the march steps will glide more and start to be more like real stroking. Remember to bend your knees.

[FSWer]

Hiya KIDS!!!!! I just got back from Newington Ice Arena evening Pubic Skate,and I did a little bit better today. I finally managed to get some speed on my skating by putting one skate in back of me. I don't know if I did it right. LOL,but it worked. LOL,also again...everyone and their mother was there. The whole Rink was filled with skaters skating to music and all. LOL,also,FSWer just had his first encounter almost run-in with a backwards skater. Amazingly though...I did NOT get knocked over. As not only did someone call out to stop him. But I put my hand out on his back to stop him (LOL,at least that's what I did,I don't know if your SUPPOSED to do that,and if that's what you SHOULD do. If they teach you anything about what to do about that at all. But that's what I did). Someone please correct me about how rigt I am about that. I think I may have finally glided in too. But I'm not sure. BTW. I have the DBX skates with the hooks at the top. Were you cross over the laces. But when I finally reach the top. I run out of lace. In which case there's not enough to tie. Or if I do end up tying them, I can't get them to tie tight. What am I doing wrong? Have any other skaters here experienced this that can please give me advice? Thanks.

[Clarice]

Congratulations on doing better! If someone was coming at you skating backwards and not watching where they were going, putting out your hand to stop them before they knocked you over was a perfectly okay thing to do. Sometimes you just don't have time to get out of the way. Skaters should always watch out behind them when they're skating backwards.

As far as your lacing problem, I'm not sure why you don't have enough lace since I can't see how you're lacing your skates. But you could try just not using the top set of hooks and tying your laces just below them. A lot of times skaters don't lace all the way up to the top when the skates are new. Skate laces also come in different lengths. I would have thought that new skates would come with laces the right length, but if yours seem too short you can get longer ones at the rink's pro shop.

I wish I could come see you skate, but I live very far away from Connecticut!

[FSWer]

BTW. are ALL laces standard with skates? For eg. could I go buy reg. ex-long shoelaces in let's say Wal-mart or anywere,and they would work?

[Clarice]

Skate laces come in these standard lengths in inches: 63, 72, 90, 100, 108, 112, and 120. You'd have to take one of yours off and measure it to see what length you have (it might not be exact, because they do stretch a little). I don't know what lengths shoelaces come in, so I don't know whether you can get them long enough at a place like Wal-Mart. But the pro shop at the rink should stock laces in different lengths and ought to be able to help you. They would also be able to show you if there's a way to lace your skates so the laces that came with them will work.

[FSWer]

So does that mean I could use reg. shoelaces ex long?

[Clarice]

Maybe, if they're long enough. You'd need to know how many inches long you need the laces to be, and then see if they come that long.

[onlyhappyonice]

I would say that I've noticed laces for skates seem to be so much stronger than for regular shoes. You can just pull and pull and tug them to tighten them up and you know if you did that on your normal shoes they'd snap pretty quick :frus:

[FSWer]

Hello fokes!!!! Sorry I'm a little late with this update. But I went down to the Rink yesterday,and it was closed. I guess it's closed for the off-season. But I'm not sure. Please keep checking back here periodically for more updates about my Skating. Thanks.

[CanAmSk8ter]

Newington doesn't close down for the summer. Their schedule for public skate might be different, or they might not have public skating over the summer, but the rink stays open for figure skating and for their summer hockey programs.

[Sylvia]

Hello fokes!!!! Sorry I'm a little late with this update. But I went down to the Rink yesterday,and it was closed.
It's always a good idea to call the rink ahead of time to check that the public skate session will be held. The Newington Arena's phone number is: 860-665-7825.

FSWer, I saw this posted at http://www.neskatingacademy.com/ and thought you might be interested:
New England Skating Academy (NESA) Invites Everyone to Join Us at Newington Arena for SUMMER SAMPLE DAYS!
Saturday, June 7th and June 14th from 10:00AM - 4:00PM
...
Free Public Skating for Family Members on Our Other Rink

[FSWer]

Say,I have a few questions as a Learn to Skate Skater. 1 = The last time I went to the Rink I almost got run ove by a backward skater. However I was smart enough to hold my hand out to stop the skater. Does anyone know if that is the CORRECT thing to do or A thing to do to keep yourself from getting run over? If it's A thing to do...could someone please tell me what you SHOULD do?

2 = I read that when your done skating your surposed to dry your blades with a towel so they don't rust. Does anyone know if your surposed to do that as a Learn to Skate Skater who is just skating for fun? Also does how often you go to the Rink or if you keep gaurds on have anything to do with what you should do? As I read you should dry gaurds too. Is that for only if you compete? Or should you do it to make your skates last? Also I haven't been drying...is it too late to keep anything from rusting? Thanks.

[Sessy]

Blades are always of iron, no matter what grade skates you have. So the proper procedure is always one of these 2:

1. dry them with a towel, put blade guards on, walk in blade guards, remove your skates, take the blade guards off at home and your skates out of your bag to dry (or simply open the bag wide, but remove the guards!)

or, if you have soakers
2. walk in blade guards, take skates off, dry skates with a towerl and put soakers on the blades, put blades in bag, at home open the bag or take the skates out of the bag but leave the soakers

You could make soakers yourself from an old towel, btw:
http://www.geocities.com/sessy_liz/sewing/ (the instruction is in 2 languages)


As far as the backward skater is concerned, that's difficult to answer. Some skaters are skating their programme or setting up a lutz or doing a backwards (biellmann) spiral; if they are, get out of their way!

Other skaters are in fact very advanced skaters, and they see what's behind them, they've seen you skate and they have more than enough control over their skating to pass you by at about a yard's distance. This might seem close, but to them, it's not. Look at famous skaters on tv, how close they come to the boardings sometimes! You should be able to see which skaters are the very advanced ones. With those skaters, it's best to just continue going where you were going, at the speed you were going. Don't suddenly stop or start going in the opposite direction: they have planned a route around you, but that route is based on you continuing to go where you were going. If you suddenly stop or go in a totally different direction, they might collide into you. Unless you suspect this advanced skater might not have seen you, then shout and try to stay out of their way.

Yet other skaters are just learning to go backwards and they can't focus on the skating and on looking around at the same time. These skaters might not even have seen you, and they're not going fast at all. With those skaters, it can be okay to extend an arm in front of you, so they'll feel your hand in their back and stop. But this only works with skaters which are going VERY slowly! Skaters going a little faster, try shouting STOP or BEHIND YOU or something.

If a skater is going to pass you even by a half yard away, let them. Try to step as far away from their direction as possible. A near-miss is a miss, after all.

Overall, don't try to stop skaters unless there's absolutely no way you can't get away, and then, shout STOP first too. Believe me, there's absolutely nothing worse than suddenly and unexpectadly getting grabbed/pushed as a skater. Besides, with a collision, it's always better to spread the impact force over as large an area as possible, preferably your (whole) side.
If does come to a collision, do everything to protect yourself, but don't try to pull other skaters under you to cushion your fall, and don't try to keep other skaters from falling! You should be cushioning your fall with your hands, and protecting your head (if you're falling on your back, press your chin on your chest so you don't smack your head into the ice on impact).

Also, expect to collide with other skaters at some point. Collisions are like falls, they're part of figure skating especially if you're on crowded ice - although they're a lot less frequent. After a while, it's not so scary anymore. The majority of collisions don't make for very nasty falls anyway.

Also, the more you fall (in skating), the less it hurts. This doesn't go for falls on joints and bones directly (on your knees, elbows, shoulders, spine etc) but as far as all the soft flesh goes, it's true. The first few falls are always rather scary, and painfull, but after a while you just bounce back up.


BTW, how's your off-ice spiral practice going?

[FSWer]

Blades are always of iron, no matter what grade skates you have. So the proper procedure is always one of these 2:

1. dry them with a towel, put blade guards on, walk in blade guards, remove your skates, take the blade guards off at home and your skates out of your bag to dry (or simply open the bag wide, but remove the guards!)

or, if you have soakers
2. walk in blade guards, take skates off, dry skates with a towerl and put soakers on the blades, put blades in bag, at home open the bag or take the skates out of the bag but leave the soakers

You could make soakers yourself from an old towel, btw:
http://www.geocities.com/sessy_liz/sewing/ (the instruction is in 2 languages)


As far as the backward skater is concerned, that's difficult to answer. Some skaters are skating their programme or setting up a lutz or doing a backwards (biellmann) spiral; if they are, get out of their way!

Other skaters are in fact very advanced skaters, and they see what's behind them, they've seen you skate and they have more than enough control over their skating to pass you by at about a yard's distance. This might seem close, but to them, it's not. Look at famous skaters on tv, how close they come to the boardings sometimes! You should be able to see which skaters are the very advanced ones. With those skaters, it's best to just continue going where you were going, at the speed you were going. Don't suddenly stop or start going in the opposite direction: they have planned a route around you, but that route is based on you continuing to go where you were going. If you suddenly stop or go in a totally different direction, they might collide into you. Unless you suspect this advanced skater might not have seen you, then shout and try to stay out of their way.

Yet other skaters are just learning to go backwards and they can't focus on the skating and on looking around at the same time. These skaters might not even have seen you, and they're not going fast at all. With those skaters, it can be okay to extend an arm in front of you, so they'll feel your hand in their back and stop. But this only works with skaters which are going VERY slowly! Skaters going a little faster, try shouting STOP or BEHIND YOU or something.

If a skater is going to pass you even by a half yard away, let them. Try to step as far away from their direction as possible. A near-miss is a miss, after all.

Overall, don't try to stop skaters unless there's absolutely no way you can't get away, and then, shout STOP first too. Believe me, there's absolutely nothing worse than suddenly and unexpectadly getting grabbed/pushed as a skater. Besides, with a collision, it's always better to spread the impact force over as large an area as possible, preferably your (whole) side.
If does come to a collision, do everything to protect yourself, but don't try to pull other skaters under you to cushion your fall, and don't try to keep other skaters from falling! You should be cushioning your fall with your hands, and protecting your head (if you're falling on your back, press your chin on your chest so you don't smack your head into the ice on impact).

Also, expect to collide with other skaters at some point. Collisions are like falls, they're part of figure skating especially if you're on crowded ice - although they're a lot less frequent. After a while, it's not so scary anymore. The majority of collisions don't make for very nasty falls anyway.

Also, the more you fall (in skating), the less it hurts. This doesn't go for falls on joints and bones directly (on your knees, elbows, shoulders, spine etc) but as far as all the soft flesh goes, it's true. The first few falls are always rather scary, and painfull, but after a while you just bounce back up.


BTW, how's your off-ice spiral practice going?


In my case with how I deal with my skates,which of the 2 should I do? For me I keep my gaurds on my skates in my bag,and take the gaurds off when I get to the bench at the Rink. I take my shoes off 1 at a time,take a gaurd off my skate,put it in my bag,and then put my skate on. Or I might just put 1 skate on at a time. Them remove the gaurd before putting the next skate on. Any advice on that from the best On Ice Skaters I've ever known? LOL. BTW. I must say I forgot to try a Spiral on the floor. Thanks.

[Sessy]

No, I mean after you come from the ice, that's what's important because that's when your blades are wet. Water makes iron rust.
What it basically comes down to is, you shouldn't be keeping your blade guards on at home. When you come home, remove the blade guards and wipe your blades with a towel a second time (the first time after you've taken your skates off at the rink), and you should be fine either way. Leave the blade guards off your skates until the next time you go skating and are packing your bag for this.

You really should practice the spiral. Maybe you can do it with somebody else! It's really fun. In Russian, the spiral is called the "lastochka", which is a bird. This is because it's almost like flying! :mrgreen:

[FSWer]

No, I mean after you come from the ice, that's what's important because that's when your blades are wet. Water makes iron rust.
What it basically comes down to is, you shouldn't be keeping your blade guards on at home. When you come home, remove the blade guards and wipe your blades with a towel a second time (the first time after you've taken your skates off at the rink), and you should be fine either way. Leave the blade guards off your skates until the next time you go skating and are packing your bag for this.

You really should practice the spiral. Maybe you can do it with somebody else! It's really fun. In Russian, the spiral is called the "lastochka", which is a bird. This is because it's almost like flying! :mrgreen:


Ok,please help me understand why I should leave gaurds off in the bag? Also should I do that even if I'm carring them into the Rink and never walk around the lobby with them? BTW. I have 2 set's of gaurds. The ssmall skinny ones that came with them (which I have on my skates) and metal or iron ones. Whichever there made of.

[Skittl1321]

FSWer- I've never heard of metal/iron blade guards. Are you sure that's the right material?

There are usually 2 types of guards: hard guards and soft guards (or soakers).

Soakers are terry cloth (usually) and look like this: http://www.rainbosports.com/shop/site/product.cfm/id/4AC57F71-475A-BAC0-550FAF9CFC75929F they keep the moisture away from your blades which prevents rust. You should keep your skates in soakers anytime they aren't on your feet. Even though they are terry cloth, you still need to wipe your blade off before putting these on.

Hard guards look like this: http://www.rainbosports.com/shop/site/department.cfm/id/20E7888C-475A-BAC0-5FAF3AA50A6CD1D4 they come in 2 piece or 1 piece kinds. These protect your blades while you are wearing them off the ice, so that you don't step on anything. If you are wearing your skates, but not on the ice skating, that is when you would use this type of guard. (I don't use them at all. I take my chances and walk carefully not to step on pennies or hair pins.) You should not store your skates in these when you aren't wearing them because they keep the moisture next to your blades, which can cause rust.

[Isk8NYC]

FSWer - All skates (even LTS) need to be dried - blades, bottoms, and boots!

SKATE RAGS:
. Bring a clean, dry rag with you to thoroughly dry your skates after use.
. Some people use automobile chamois cloth, which you can get at auto parts stores or supermarkets.

SOAKER GUARDS:
. As Skittl said, there are terrycloth/fabric guards called "soakers" that we use to protect our blades inside the bag.
. If you don't have the "soaker" guards Skittl mentioned, just put an old DRY towel on the bottom of your skate bag and put your skates inside.
. Know how a cold can of soda gets wet when it's in the warm air? The same thing happens to your blades when you leave the rink. Using soakers or a dry towel will help soak up the moisture from condensation.

HARD GUARDS:
. The "hard" guards are for walking around. They keep your blades from getting dull or damaged. You won't need to sharpen as often.
. Put the hard guards on when you put on your skates.
. Remember to take them off BEFORE you get on the ice.
. Put them on again when you leave the ice.
. DO NOT leave them on your skates at other times - they can make your blades rust because they press against the wet blade.

SKINNY GUARDS:
. I think your "skinny guards" are really the protectant sleeves used by the skate maker.
. If you won't be on the ice for a while - say for the summer - use these guards before you put the skates away. Make sure the skates/blades are clean and dry!
. These sleeves have oil inside the groove that really protects against rust.

[FSWer]

FSWer- I've never heard of metal/iron blade guards. Are you sure that's the right material?

There are usually 2 types of guards: hard guards and soft guards (or soakers).

Soakers are terry cloth (usually) and look like this: http://www.rainbosports.com/shop/site/product.cfm/id/4AC57F71-475A-BAC0-550FAF9CFC75929F they keep the moisture away from your blades which prevents rust. You should keep your skates in soakers anytime they aren't on your feet. Even though they are terry cloth, you still need to wipe your blade off before putting these on.

Hard guards look like this: http://www.rainbosports.com/shop/site/department.cfm/id/20E7888C-475A-BAC0-5FAF3AA50A6CD1D4 they come in 2 piece or 1 piece kinds. These protect your blades while you are wearing them off the ice, so that you don't step on anything. If you are wearing your skates, but not on the ice skating, that is when you would use this type of guard. (I don't use them at all. I take my chances and walk carefully not to step on pennies or hair pins.) You should not store your skates in these when you aren't wearing them because they keep the moisture next to your blades, which can cause rust.


I'm not sure about how Soakers go on. Though I don't have them. I do have dish towels and wash clothes though. As for gaurds the only other kind that was shown that I own are the Hockey Gaurds. They are the ajustible Professional Hockey Bladegaurds made by A&R in China. It says the following on the package. A&R Hockey Bladegaurds are carefully crafted featuring drain holes that allow exceessive moisture to vent. One size fits all.

[FSWer]

FSWer - All skates (even LTS) need to be dried - blades, bottoms, and boots!

SKATE RAGS:
. Bring a clean, dry rag with you to thoroughly dry your skates after use.
. Some people use automobile chamois cloth, which you can get at auto parts stores or supermarkets.

SOAKER GUARDS:
. As Skittl said, there are terrycloth/fabric guards called "soakers" that we use to protect our blades inside the bag.
. If you don't have the "soaker" guards Skittl mentioned, just put an old DRY towel on the bottom of your skate bag and put your skates inside.
. Know how a cold can of soda gets wet when it's in the warm air? The same thing happens to your blades when you leave the rink. Using soakers or a dry towel will help soak up the moisture from condensation.

HARD GUARDS:
. The "hard" guards are for walking around. They keep your blades from getting dull or damaged. You won't need to sharpen as often.
. Put the hard guards on when you put on your skates.
. Remember to take them off BEFORE you get on the ice.
. Put them on again when you leave the ice.
. DO NOT leave them on your skates at other times - they can make your blades rust because they press against the wet blade.

SKINNY GUARDS:
. I think your "skinny guards" are really the protectant sleeves used by the skate maker.
. If you won't be on the ice for a while - say for the summer - use these guards before you put the skates away. Make sure the skates/blades are clean and dry!
. These sleeves have oil inside the groove that really protects against rust.


So those would basicly be the small gaurds for just covering the blades to protect skate blades while skates are in storage, like I have them, right?

[Clarice]

I'm not sure about how Soakers go on. Though I don't have them. I do have dish towels and wash clothes though. As for gaurds the only other kind that was shown that I own are the Hockey Gaurds. They are the ajustible Professional Hockey Bladegaurds made by A&R in China. It says the following on the package. A&R Hockey Bladegaurds are carefully crafted featuring drain holes that allow exceessive moisture to vent. One size fits all.

Soakers have elastic around the opening, so they stretch. You just stick one end of the blade in, then stretch the soaker and stick it around the other end of the blade. It's pretty easy. But if you don't have them, it's okay. A dish towel or wash cloth will work for wiping the blades off. Just keep your blades dry when you're not skating and you'll be fine.

The hockey guards you have are the hard guards people have been talking about. Use them for walking in your skates when you're not on the ice. Don't leave them on your blades in the bag.

And to answer your other post, yes, I think the "skinny guards" you have are what Isk8NYC said, the protective sleeves the manufacturer puts on the blades. You are right - you could use them to protect the blades when they are in storage for a long time.

[FSWer]

Soakers have elastic around the opening, so they stretch. You just stick one end of the blade in, then stretch the soaker and stick it around the other end of the blade. It's pretty easy. But if you don't have them, it's okay. A dish towel or wash cloth will work for wiping the blades off. Just keep your blades dry when you're not skating and you'll be fine.

The hockey guards you have are the hard guards people have been talking about. Use them for walking in your skates when you're not on the ice. Don't leave them on your blades in the bag.

And to answer your other post, yes, I think the "skinny guards" you have are what Isk8NYC said, the protective sleeves the manufacturer puts on the blades. You are right - you could use them to protect the blades when they are in storage for a long time.


Ok,thanks. BTW. what happens if Hockey gaurds stay on in a bag? Just wondering.

[Clarice]

Ok,thanks. BTW. what happens if Hockey gaurds stay on in a bag? Just wondering.

Same thing as any other hard guards - moisture can be trapped against the blades, which will then be more likely to rust. If you do happen to get a little rust on your blades, don't panic - just take them to be sharpened. You don't want to sharpen your blades more than necessary, though, because then they won't last as long. That's why you want to try to prevent rust.

[Sessy]

Ok,please help me understand why I should leave gaurds off in the bag?

When your blades are still a little moist, and they are that even after drying them with a towel it seems, putting on blade guards prevents them from drying properly and could cause your blades to rust if you leave your skates lying around for a week or two. When I started skating, I was first drying my skates, then putting on the blade guards and then not taking them off at home, because I forgot to do that usually. After 3-4 months, I started noticing little specs of rust. On the bottom of the blades, the rust would skate off (but the blades would get dull and need a new sharpening), but on the sides, the specs stayed on the blade. It was very ugly.
I had to get new blades, if I didn't, I suspect the rust would've ruined the blades eventually on a more structural level.
I've been using soakers with my new blades, and they've been fine so far even though I rarely even dry them anymore before putting on the soakers. I just wipe off the snow with my gloves.

When both your blades and blade guards are absolutely dry, you can put them on. For example, I haven't skated since march now and my skates are with blade guards on in the closet right now.
But that's when they're really dry, not just after drying with a towel.

BTW a good way to check if your blades are still sharp is to hold them with the blade upwards, press the base of your nail against the side of the blade with the rest of the nail just a sliiight tad over your blade, and slowly pull your nail downwards. The blade should shafe off a little powder off your nail. It's a little hard to explain how to do this exactly though.
A blade sharpener will be able to tell you if your blades are still sharp though. My sharpener often tells me "You sure you want them sharpened already? They still seem good enough for a few more weeks!" - he's quite honest about it when your blades don't *really* need a sharpening. I just like my blades razor sharp though, but when I first started skating, I kinda liked them blunt. Made it easier to stop, LOL!

[FSWer]

When your blades are still a little moist, and they are that even after drying them with a towel it seems, putting on blade guards prevents them from drying properly and could cause your blades to rust if you leave your skates lying around for a week or two. When I started skating, I was first drying my skates, then putting on the blade guards and then not taking them off at home, because I forgot to do that usually. After 3-4 months, I started noticing little specs of rust. On the bottom of the blades, the rust would skate off (but the blades would get dull and need a new sharpening), but on the sides, the specs stayed on the blade. It was very ugly.
I had to get new blades, if I didn't, I suspect the rust would've ruined the blades eventually on a more structural level.
I've been using soakers with my new blades, and they've been fine so far even though I rarely even dry them anymore before putting on the soakers. I just wipe off the snow with my gloves.

When both your blades and blade guards are absolutely dry, you can put them on. For example, I haven't skated since march now and my skates are with blade guards on in the closet right now.
But that's when they're really dry, not just after drying with a towel.

BTW a good way to check if your blades are still sharp is to hold them with the blade upwards, press the base of your nail against the side of the blade with the rest of the nail just a sliiight tad over your blade, and slowly pull your nail downwards. The blade should shafe off a little powder off your nail. It's a little hard to explain how to do this exactly though.
A blade sharpener will be able to tell you if your blades are still sharp though. My sharpener often tells me "You sure you want them sharpened already? They still seem good enough for a few more weeks!" - he's quite honest about it when your blades don't *really* need a sharpening. I just like my blades razor sharp though, but when I first started skating, I kinda liked them blunt. Made it easier to stop, LOL!

So,I should take my skates to the Rink in the bag with the protectors or gaurds on. But after I dry both the blades and the protectors with a towel/wash cloth,etc. leave the protectors off until I get home gor full dry,right? BTW. as far as rust goes...is it safe to say that as long as my blades feel sharp on the bottom and I can feel a ridge with my finger that my blades are ok?

[Sessy]

The first part: yeah pretty much right. And don't fret too much, as long as you're not seeing rust on your blades, you're doing fine.

The second part: Nope... It's not.
Personally I think my blades aren't sharp enough when I don't cut myself with them putting my finger over them :twisted:
I'm not saying yours need to be that sharp, but I don't think it's even possible to blunten blades enough to not feel a ridge. I usually feel it on my camel spin immediately when my blades start to blunt, and drop them off for a sharpening right away.

My cheap blades needed to be sharpened about once every 15 sessions, my more expensive blades every 25 sessions. The amount of sessions goes down steeply if you skate a lot of public sessions on bad ice, or if you walk about the rink without your hard blade covers on - or if you let your blades rust.

[airyfairy76]

So,I should take my skates to the Rink in the bag with the protectors or gaurds on. But after I dry both the blades and the protectors with a towel/wash cloth,etc. leave the protectors off until I get home gor full dry,right?

Just make sure that your guards, as well as your blades, are completely dry if you put them back on at home.

[FSWer]

The first part: yeah pretty much right. And don't fret too much, as long as you're not seeing rust on your blades, you're doing fine.

The second part: Nope... It's not.
Personally I think my blades aren't sharp enough when I don't cut myself with them putting my finger over them :twisted:
I'm not saying yours need to be that sharp, but I don't think it's even possible to blunten blades enough to not feel a ridge. I usually feel it on my camel spin immediately when my blades start to blunt, and drop them off for a sharpening right away.

My cheap blades needed to be sharpened about once every 15 sessions, my more expensive blades every 25 sessions. The amount of sessions goes down steeply if you skate a lot of public sessions on bad ice, or if you walk about the rink without your hard blade covers on - or if you let your blades rust.

I was holding my skate upward and putting my pointie finger down flat and feeling for a ridge. Is that another or good way to do it?

[FSWer]

The first part: yeah pretty much right. And don't fret too much, as long as you're not seeing rust on your blades, you're doing fine.

The second part: Nope... It's not.
Personally I think my blades aren't sharp enough when I don't cut myself with them putting my finger over them :twisted:
I'm not saying yours need to be that sharp, but I don't think it's even possible to blunten blades enough to not feel a ridge. I usually feel it on my camel spin immediately when my blades start to blunt, and drop them off for a sharpening right away.

My cheap blades needed to be sharpened about once every 15 sessions, my more expensive blades every 25 sessions. The amount of sessions goes down steeply if you skate a lot of public sessions on bad ice, or if you walk about the rink without your hard blade covers on - or if you let your blades rust.

BTW. I don't really know how to tell rust on my blade. What do I look for and were.

[Sessy]

Brown or orange spots or dots, anywhere on the blades, feel a bit rough to the touch.

I was holding my skate upward and putting my pointie finger down flat and feeling for a ridge. Is that another or good way to do it?

You know what? Just ask your skating coach to show you how to check whether your blades are sharp.

And stop fretting. My first blades were never sharpened after they came out of the factory for the first four months I skated (and I skated 12 hours a week then), and they were rusty cuz I messed them up, and they were bent because they were mounted improperly. I still learnt most single jumps on them and passed 5 tests up to the 2-foot spin on them. A girl in my class turned out to have blades without a rocker even, after passing the 2-foot spin.
So stop fretting and start practicing your spiral off the ice in the time you're using to fret about your blades! It'll give you a better result yield ;)

For the very first basics of skating, all that really matters is if they're sharp enough to push off. If you stand on the ice and your feet can just slide apart sideways without any resistance on the ice, then your blades are too blunt to skate. Otherwise, to learn to skate just plain laps, it really doesn't matter much.
But ask your coach if you're in doubt.

[FSWer]

Brown or orange spots or dots, anywhere on the blades, feel a bit rough to the touch.



You know what? Just ask your skating coach to show you how to check whether your blades are sharp.

And stop fretting. My first blades were never sharpened after they came out of the factory for the first four months I skated (and I skated 12 hours a week then), and they were rusty cuz I messed them up, and they were bent because they were mounted improperly. I still learnt most single jumps on them and passed 5 tests up to the 2-foot spin on them. A girl in my class turned out to have blades without a rocker even, after passing the 2-foot spin.
So stop fretting and start practicing your spiral off the ice in the time you're using to fret about your blades! It'll give you a better result yield ;)

For the very first basics of skating, all that really matters is if they're sharp enough to push off. If you stand on the ice and your feet can just slide apart sideways without any resistance on the ice, then your blades are too blunt to skate. Otherwise, to learn to skate just plain laps, it really doesn't matter much.
But ask your coach if you're in doubt.


On the side of the blade or on the spikes that touch the ice? Do they look orange or brown as we know it? Is it easy to spot?

[Sessy]

The blade can rust *anywhere*, and yes it's easy to spot.

[FSWer]

Say,btw. We all know you need to dress warm in a Rink. But does anyone know how I should be dressing to go TO the Rink in Summer. For when it's like 97% out but could in the Rink? I mean,you don't wear a short-sleave shirt in a Rink last I checked. LOL. Thanks.

[Skittl1321]

It totally depends on the temperature of your particular rink. Ours is quite warm in the summer, so I skate in pants and a short sleeve or sleeveless top. I've seen some public skaters in shorts and short sleeve tops, but for training, I think shorts aren't fantastic, unless you have tights- since there tend to be more falls than just skating around. I always bring my fleece jacket and gloves in my skating bag in case it's a "cold" day at the rink. Then I can wear the jacket over the sleeveless top.

If your rink is cold, then I would wear pants and a short sleeve top to get to the rink, since it is so warm outside, but bring a jacket in your bag. The jacket will keep you warm while you are on the ice.

If it's too warm to wear pants to the rink, also bring those with you, and change into them once you get there.

[FSWer]

It totally depends on the temperature of your particular rink. Ours is quite warm in the summer, so I skate in pants and a short sleeve or sleeveless top. I've seen some public skaters in shorts and short sleeve tops, but for training, I think shorts aren't fantastic, unless you have tights- since there tend to be more falls than just skating around. I always bring my fleece jacket and gloves in my skating bag in case it's a "cold" day at the rink. Then I can wear the jacket over the sleeveless top.

If your rink is cold, then I would wear pants and a short sleeve top to get to the rink, since it is so warm outside, but bring a jacket in your bag. The jacket will keep you warm while you are on the ice.

If it's too warm to wear pants to the rink, also bring those with you, and change into them once you get there.

I wear my sweatpants to the Rink. But your saying just wear a light jacket over my short-sleave shirt and I'll be fine? I shouldn't get sick?

[Skittl1321]

I don't know how cold your rink is- but I would think a light jacket would be enough, or maybe a sweatshirt? I don't think you would get sick from being cold in a rink, it would more be a matter of just being uncomfortable from the cold.

Have you been to your rink in the summertime yet? I know all rinks are different, but all the ones I've skated at (6 of them) are warmer in the summer than in the winter- even the ones that are still chilly in the summer, are more comfortable in the summer (those ones are usually freezing in the winter).

[Mrs Redboots]

Layers is the answer. Or change when you arrive - if the changing rooms are locked out of use, as they so often are when hockey isn't being played, then go and change in the gents'.

I wear a T-shirt and then take a sweatshirt with me to wear over it - when it's really hot, I don't even need the sweatshirt, especially if I have been working hard!

[Sessy]

Mmm I skate in jogging pants (or tights, if I wear a skirt) and either a sleeveless or a short-sleeved top.
Know quite a lot of girls who do tank tops or spaghetti tops even too, and our rink is not one of the warmest around. On the other hand, beginners skating around tend to freeze their butts off in tank tops, you need to be skating quite hard to stay warm wearing that. It depends on how hard you train more than how cold it's at the rink.

For a beginner, I'd suggest 2 layers: a short-sleeved t-shirt and a zipper jacket with long sleeves over it, then either normal tights and a yoga/ballet/aerobics pants on top, or thin tights (something like 60-90 den) and jeans on top or thick sporting pants, with a preference for the latter. Don't forget gloves!

[Sessy]

I wear my sweatpants to the Rink. But your saying just wear a light jacket over my short-sleave shirt and I'll be fine? I shouldn't get sick?

You're more likely to get sick if you wear more than that, you'll sweat and catch a cold. Anyway, if you get really cold, jump up and down holding yourself to the boardings. Should warm you up quickly enough.
If you're worried, take 2 pullovers with a zipper, and leave one by the boardings. You can put it on if you get cold, or a nice big shawl/scarf that you can put on if you get cold.

Here's a photo of me with a skating friend who is almost at the same level I am at. We both skate the full session (no standing around chatting etc) and we both skate at the same rink. You can see the influence of personal preferences on dressing very clearly:
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/3339/metmirandaqs4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[FSWer]

Well people!!!!! Here I am back from the Rink again with my latest on Ice Skater report on my skating. I got to Newington Arena at about... I guess you could say 20min. after 3:00. They had the lights off in the Rink. But the door was unlooked... As it was almost time for Public Skate. I went in...and I was the first one there with my Staff. I got my skates on,and went out on the ice. I also happened to count skaters as they came on ice,and there was a really small group today. About 6-7 total skaters for Public Skate. But hey, LOL a really nice quiet Public Skate though. I like it. LOL. I must also say that I think I'm getting a little better at making my laces tight. Though I did have to get off a couple of times to fix my laces. As they really weren't tight all the way up. I just want to say too that it was a former Ice-Dancer (yes who had a Partner and might be looking for one again.) that actually pointed my laces out to me. I told myself "say..she's an Ice-Dancer,so she knows what she's talkin' about". LOL. My Learn to Skate coach Caitlin (I'm not sure if I should give the last name. But if there's anyone on this Board who skates at Newington Arena you might know who I'm talking about) was there,and we hugged each other and she pointed my laces out too. Though I think I figured out what I'm doing wrong. I was thinking I have to push my laces under the top criss-cross to hold them down. Then do the bow. Does anyone know if I'm right on that? I also feel a few times. LOL. But then again it didn't look like the Zamboni had been out. As the ice look a lot more chopped up today then normal. Though I'm wondering if I was also tripping over my lace. In which case it was a combonation of both. The Rink is also going to be owning the Proshop there now. As the origanal people were just renting. So hopefully they'll be better stuff soon. I also got a soda after getting off. HEY...all Skaters get something after leaving the ice. LOL. I also dried my blades and skates (laces too) and wrapped my skates in a big towel(anyone know if that's good to do?) With keeping them in the towel in my skatebag until I go skating again. BTW. I'm keeping my blade protectors off until tomorrow to dry all the way. With the bag zipped. So I hope tomorrow is enough time. I think I'm becoming quite a skater. So that's my report. Once again.....thanks a bunch On Ice Skaters!!!! Your the best friends on-line I've ever had. xxxxxxx ooooo

[Skating Jessica]

Here's a link to lacing figure skates that may be helpful for you:

http://http://figureskating.about.com/od/bootsandblades/ht/lacing.htm

Just try and remember that having secure ankles will help make you a stronger and safer skater. All skaters must have support in their boots to skate properly and safely.

If you find that you're having trouble tying your boots tight enough, you can do what I did when I was first learning to tie my own skates as a kid: practice off-ice at home. You don't need to walk around in them or anything, but work on getting them comfortable by lacing them up over and over so that you'll eventually be able to find the right "feel" for you. Everyone has their own preference on the tightness of their laces. It may just take a bit of practice, but you'll get the hang of it.

[FSWer]

Here's a link to lacing figure skates that may be helpful for you:

http://http://figureskating.about.com/od/bootsandblades/ht/lacing.htm

Just try and remember that having secure ankles will help make you a stronger and safer skater. All skaters must have support in their boots to skate properly and safely.

If you find that you're having trouble tying your boots tight enough, you can do what I did when I was first learning to tie my own skates as a kid: practice off-ice at home. You don't need to walk around in them or anything, but work on getting them comfortable by lacing them up over and over so that you'll eventually be able to find the right "feel" for you. Everyone has their own preference on the tightness of their laces. It may just take a bit of practice, but you'll get the hang of it.


Could you please post the link again Jessica? It doesn't work. BTW. I do pratice at home. But I think a lot has to do with how much light is in your area of the Rink. When you bend down from a bench,there isn't much light.

[Skating Jessica]

Could you please post the link again Jessica? It doesn't work. BTW. I do pratice at home. But I think a lot has to do with how much light is in your area of the Rink. When you bend down from a bench,there isn't much light.

Hmm, that's odd. You're right; the original link didn't work. Let's try this one (it appears to work for me):

http://figureskating.about.com/od/bootsandblades/ht/lacing.htm

[FSWer]

Hmm, that's odd. You're right; the original link didn't work. Let's try this one (it appears to work for me):

http://figureskating.about.com/od/bootsandblades/ht/lacing.htm


The link connected. But all I got was a white page. Nothing on it.

[stacyf419]

Dana - also, make sure the towel you have your skates wrapped up in isn't damp. You want everything to be as dry as possible in between those times you go skating. So maybe just dry everything off, put the skates in the bag but not wrapped in the towel, and you should be fine!!

And good job remembering about those blade guards. I used to forget and sure enough my blades got rusty.

[Sessy]

I can tie my laces in the dark I think. It just takes practice, and a lot of muscle power. When I've not skated for a while (like the summer), I make my hands bleed from just tieing the laces - so a lot of it is muscle power and tough skin ;)

Also, there's different ways to tie your skates, everybody has a preference. Look around at how people tie theirs.

[Sessy]

The link connected. But all I got was a white page. Nothing on it.

Give it a moment to load.

[FSWer]

Give it a moment to load.



I let it load all the way,with nothing popping up. As to Stacey. Your saying just dry my blades,and the whole skate,etc. But just put the towel in my bag. Don't wrap the skates up? BTW. should I dry the inside too. Were my feet go?

[Clarice]

BTW. should I dry the inside too. Were my feet go?

You don't need to dry the inside of your skates, but you should let them air out when you're not skating and they'll dry by themselves. That's why you should unzip your skate bag when you get home and just let air circulate around your skates. Some skaters put things inside their boots to help absorb excess moisture and odor. I use things called "Stinkeez" that look kind of like Beanie Babies but have special absorbent pellets inside them. I just stuff them in my boots when I finish skating. There are also plastic ball-shaped things that are also used in running shoes that you can get at shoe stores. My pro shop carries them for the hockey players. But, really, you don't have to use these things - letting your boots air out thoroughly is enough.

[flippet]

Just ask your coach to show you how to tie your skates. It's always easier if someone can show you in person.

[FSWer]

Ok,a few more questions to ask. I left my blade protectors off since yesterday and just put them back on now before I wrote this. Am I doing right there? Also when I leave my bag unzipped...how long SHOULD I be leaving it unzipped? Also is there a place I should be putting it to dry? BTW. we talked about only putting the protectors on in my bag when everythings dry. But is there a time I should be putting the actual GAURDS on? As I only get a ride to the Rink and back, and really never walk around the Rink? Sorry for so many questions. I do this because HECK!!! You skaters are like one big family on-line to me....you help and have helped me a lot. I really DO feel trust in you.Thanks.

[Kim to the Max]

Ok,a few more questions to ask. I left my blade protectors off since yesterday and just put them back on now before I wrote this. Am I doing right there? Also when I leave my bag unzipped...how long SHOULD I be leaving it unzipped? Also is there a place I should be putting it to dry? BTW. we talked about only putting the protectors on in my bag when everythings dry. But is there a time I should be putting the actual GAURDS on? As I only get a ride to the Rink and back, and really never walk around the Rink? Sorry for so many questions. I do this because HECK!!! You skaters are like one big family on-line to me....you help and have helped me a lot. I really DO feel trust in you.Thanks.

If your blades are COMPLETELY dry, you should be fine to put the guards back on if you need to. I prefer to keep my skates out of the bag and without guards whenever I am at home and not at the rink so that they get REALLY aired out :)

The hard guards are made for walking around the rink in, not for storing your skates, so, it is best to leave them off when you are not at the rink.

[Clarice]

Let's make it easy, Dana. Unzip your bag when you get home from the rink, and don't zip it again until you're going to go to the rink again. That way your skates will be sure to air out and dry.

Don't put the hard guards on at all, unless you're walking around the rink. That's a piece of equipment you need to have, but won't use very much if you don't walk around the rink. Just carry them in your skate bag just in case you need them.

[Sessy]

I agree with Clarice. Listen to her, she's smart! :bow:

[FSWer]

Let's make it easy, Dana. Unzip your bag when you get home from the rink, and don't zip it again until you're going to go to the rink again. That way your skates will be sure to air out and dry.

Don't put the hard guards on at all, unless you're walking around the rink. That's a piece of equipment you need to have, but won't use very much if you don't walk around the rink. Just carry them in your skate bag just in case you need them.

When we say until I go the Rink again..are we talking about even if I wait weeks and weeks to go back? As far as unzipping goes. Are we talking about leaving it open all the way? Or just opened at like the end? Am I doing right with my blade protectors btw? BTW. I keep my bag up in a closet on the top shelf? It's leaning over.

[Clarice]

When we say until I go the Rink again..are we talking about even if I wait weeks and weeks to go back? As far as unzipping goes. Are we talking about leaving it open all the way? Or just opened at like the end? Am I doing right with my blade protectors btw? BTW. I keep my bag up in a closet on the top shelf? It's leaning over.

I'd unzip your bag all the way. It doesn't need to stay unzipped if you're not going back to the rink for weeks and weeks, but it's not going to hurt anything if you leave it unzipped. You could zip it up again the next day if it bothers you to leave it unzipped.

Put the blade protectors on if you're not going to skate for weeks and weeks. Just make sure the blades are totally dry first. If it's only going to be a few days, don't bother.

Storing your bag on the closet shelf is fine, but again, make sure your skates are dry and aired out first. There isn't always a lot of air circulation inside a closet.

[flippet]

Dana, remember too that none of this is magic. Relax! While it's all nice and good to do, nothing terribly bad will happen if you don't. Stop worrying! :D

[FSWer]

Say btw. it's usually hard to say when I'll be going to the Rink. As far as how often I go. But as a Learn to Skate. Does anyone have any advice on how often I should be praticing tying my skate laces to make them tight? BTW. I was never able to access the link on the correct way to tie skate laces. Thanks.

[Sylvia]

Does anyone have any advice on how often I should be praticing tying my skate laces to make them tight?
If you have the hard rubber guards on your blades, then you can practice tying your skate laces anytime at home so you should be able to do them easier/faster when you're at the rink.

BTW. I was never able to access the link on the correct way to tie skate laces.
Try this corrected link: http://figureskating.about.com/od/bootsandblades/ht/lacing.htm

[FSWer]

If you have the hard rubber guards on your blades, then you can practice tying your skate laces anytime at home so you should be able to do them easier/faster when you're at the rink.


Try this corrected link: http://figureskating.about.com/od/bootsandblades/ht/lacing.htm


I'm still getting just a blank white screen after a full down load. Is it supposed to work on webtv?

[flippet]

Don't worry about a website teaching you how to tie your laces. Ask your coach to show you.

[FSWer]

Should I be tying them at the top in the same way I tie shoes?

[Clarice]

Should I be tying them at the top in the same way I tie shoes?

Yes. Some skaters like to double knot the bow at the top to make sure it doesn't come untied. I usually don't bother. If your laces are really long, don't wrap the extra lace around your ankles before you tie the bow. Instead, keep looping the extra length around the hooks until you make it short enough to tie a regular bow like you do on your shoes. Although, I seem to remember that your laces tended to be on the short side, so you probably don't need to worry about that.

[FSWer]

Say,btw. How do you skate up to the boards or to somebody from a short distance? In which case you don't have room to pick up sped first.

[Mrs Redboots]

Say,btw. How do you skate up to the boards or to somebody from a short distance? In which case you don't have room to pick up sped first.
So you do it slowly. You push off, as you have been taught, and stop, ideally before crashing into the person!

[Sessy]

Say,btw. How do you skate up to the boards or to somebody from a short distance? In which case you don't have room to pick up sped first.

Have you been taught the swizzles yet? The fish or 8-shaped strokes where you don't lift either of the feet off the ice at all, and you can go around the ice rink with them if need be? They're ideal for this.
That's swizzles with an S, not to be confused with twizzles.

[FSWer]

Say does anyone happen to have the Sept./Oct. Fall Public Skate Schedule for Newington Ice Arena? I checked their website and they have nothing up yet. I tried calling them. But can't get through to the main office. Is there anyone who skates or goes to Public Skate there that can give me the Fall info.? Thanks.

[FSWer]

Say anyone know if Newington Arena is doing Sun. Public Skate this year? We called the Rink and the guy just said that there wasn't any Sun. Public Skate for at least Sept.- Oct. and to keep an eye on the website. However when I e-mailed the front Desk I got the following reply..

"The GM. may add a Public Skate on Sun's later on. But as far as we know he is not planning to do so. As the schedule on Sun's is booked with Hockey."They said thoug that if they add it on Suns it will go up on the site. However I'm not sure if they mean there planing to not schedule Sun. at all this year. Or if it will be scheduled. Just not anytime soon. Can anyone help? Thanks.

[Sessy]

I don't know about your rink. At my rink, generally, the schedule they put up in september is the one that will be used all season, except holidays. Those tend to differ (which means march holidays might have a different schedule than christmas holidays).

[FSWer]

Just wanted to let all my friends know that I'm still not sure when I'll be returning to the Rink. But that my staff and I are still working on it. So hopefully I'll be able to post more regularly here soon. Again I want to thank ALL of my On Ice Skater friends here for all their insperation,and encouragement they have EVER given me!!!!....HEEEEEEEEEEEY!!!!! If it weren't for all of you Darlings..........I myself would not have become an On Ice Skater. I really feel like I belong with you all and at the Rink whenever I go...and I WANT to invite some of you out to Newington Arena to skate with me sometime. It surely would be a great day to meet some and skate with some of you there. So that's all I have to say tonight. Please keep checking back here for updates on my skating. You all are the BEST!!!!!!!

[FSWer]

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm still working on getting back on the ice. I'll hopely be back here reg. soon with more of my On Ice Skater Reports.

[Sessy]

Hey FSW'er.

Well, don't forget to practice those spirals you so wanted off ice!

And also, perhaps you could go rollerblading with inline skates or quad roller skates, maybe at a roller skating rink nearby or on the street with some friends? Just make sure to have good knee- and wrist protectors if you do.

Essentially, once you can rollerblade easily you can also skate easily as far as simple forwards skating is concerned! Also simple things like spirals and crossovers and swizzles are easily translated from wheels onto the ice or from the ice onto wheels. And even a 2-foot spin can be learned on rollers.

[FSWer]

Say btw. does anyone know were I can buy an ex. pair of skate laces? Do you HAVE to go into a Rink Pro Shop to get them? Or if they didn't have them. Could I walk into let's say...Wal-mart,Target,TJ. Max,etc. into the Shoe Dept. and ask for them? Also does anyone know the standard amount of time the hooks on skates should last if you treat them right,and HOW to take care of your hooks? Also what is the proper thing to do if hooks DO break or come loose? Thanks.

[Clarice]

No, you can't buy skate laces at places like Wal-Mart or Target. Regular boot laces, like for work boots, aren't long enough. If you can't go to a rink pro shop you can order them online from places like Rainbo.

You don't have to do anything special to take care of the hooks on your skates. If they break, either the rink pro shop or a shoe repair shop might be able to fix them. When a hook broke on mine once, I took them to a shoe repair shop and they took the broken hook off and replaced it with a regular eyelet. Usually the hooks will last as long as your boots do.

[FSWer]

No, you can't buy skate laces at places like Wal-Mart or Target. Regular boot laces, like for work boots, aren't long enough. If you can't go to a rink pro shop you can order them online from places like Rainbo.

You don't have to do anything special to take care of the hooks on your skates. If they break, either the rink pro shop or a shoe repair shop might be able to fix them. When a hook broke on mine once, I took them to a shoe repair shop and they took the broken hook off and replaced it with a regular eyelet. Usually the hooks will last as long as your boots do.


How much does it cost to have them repaired at the Rink roughly? Do they always do repairs? So if I go to the Rink I can buy laces right there,right?

[Sessy]

FSWer, do you actually have a broken hook? Because I've never had a broken hook, my mom didn't have a broken hook on skates 30 years old, and none of my skating friends ever complained to me about broken hooks either. So overall I'd say breaking a hook takes some serious doing.

I once had a bent hook, but that was easily fixed by a pair of pliers and a few minutes of my time.

Also, what happened to your old laces?
And yes you can get new laces at any skating shop, and you can do so next time you go skating.

[Clarice]

My broken hook wasn't actually broken - the entire hook came out of the leather. That's why we just put an eyelet in the hole instead of trying to reinsert the hook. I've never actually had a hook break, either.

[FSWer]

My broken hook wasn't actually broken - the entire hook came out of the leather. That's why we just put an eyelet in the hole instead of trying to reinsert the hook. I've never actually had a hook break, either.


LOL,no. Just want to be prepered. I do need a spare pair of laces though. I have DBX skates. Are the hooks great on those? Also,just to know....what do you do if they rip from the leather? Are hooks and surcured to the leather of DBX Skates well, and good quality? Just checking.

[Clarice]

I'm afraid I don't know anything about DBX skates, sorry. But people don't generally have trouble with hooks breaking on any skates.

When mine pulled out, it left a hole in the boot where the hook used to be. I just had the shoemaker put an eyelet there, like the ones at the bottom of the boot. So instead of hooking the lace, I just threaded it through. No big deal.

I don't think you have to worry about your hooks unless something actually happens.

[Sessy]

FSW'er, I think it's a safe bet to say that you will never have the problem of pulling a hook out, so long as you don't let your skates lie around wet in the skating bag to rot - and we know you take care of your skates! I mean, have you ever had a hook come out of your shoes, such as walking shoes? Until you start doing single jumps such as the flip or the loop, you're not doing anything to your skates that you're not doing to your shoes, and skate hooks are better attached than shoe hooks tend to be. So relax. Even if you do pull out a hook, with the skates you have, any shoemaker should be able to insert an iron ring instead of the missing hook.

As for the spare laces - well I've never broken a lace either. I got new laces because I wanted wider laces, and because my old laces had blood stains on them (from my fingers). As far as I know, people don't usually keep spare laces in their skating bags unless they're their old pair, because you can get them at any skating rink store, anytime. So just get a pair next time you're skating, if it makes you feel safer. They're only a few dollars after all.

[sk8joyful]

That's right Kids!!!
I just thought I'd start up this thread to keep you all updated on what happens.
I also don't know how often I'll be skating. - So that's FSWers first Public Skate.

hey FSWer,
You've had this thread now about 18-months, and
look at all the exciting :) things you've learned:
* the difference between Hockey, & Figure-skates
* how to dress, for practice...
* how to lace-up your skates correctly,
* how to Care for your blades & boots
* how to March & Glide,
* how to Swizzle, & stop
* how to avoid collisions, and get back up!

Say how often? do you appreciate :) all the positive skills
you've already learned, & the joy you feel...
and cheerfully looking forward to learning yet more skills...

What are you presently learning? Have fun! :D

[FSWer]

hey FSWer,
You've had this thread now about 18-months, and
look at all the exciting :) things you've learned:
* the difference between Hockey, & Figure-skates
* how to dress, for practice...
* how to lace-up your skates correctly,
* how to Care for your blades & boots
* how to March & Glide,
* how to Swizzle, & stop
* how to avoid collisions, and get back up!

Say how often? do you appreciate :) all the positive skills
you've already learned, & the joy you feel...
and cheerfully looking forward to learning yet more skills...

What are you presently learning? Have fun! :D


HEY!!!!!!! I owe it ALL to you guys!!!!! You all are the BEST Friends a skater like me has ever had. Besides Caitlin who coached me at Learn to Skate.You all have SURELY helped me a lot!!!! You are all the NICEST Skaters EVER!!!!!

[FSWer]

Say,I was also wondering....should the coat you wear to keep warm on the Rink (if you were a coat) be the same coat (kind) of coat you are wearing for the season? If it's winter...should I be wearing my Winter coat in the Rink?

[Sessy]

Well that really depends on the sort of rink you have. Some rinks are half-open, meaning that they do have a roof but not (full) side-walls, and temperatures at those rinks tend to be much colder in winter than in autumn and spring. There, it could be a good idea to wear your winter coat in winter if you get cold.
Other rinks are fully closed and maintain exactly the same hall and ice temperature all through the year, with perhaps only a few degrees difference. There, it really makes no sense to wear a different coat in winter than in autumn and spring.

Generally, I would have to say that unless you're actually feeling cold when you're skating, you shouldn't wear your winter coat, but rather wear a fleece jacket or jeans jacket or something like that. A winter coat is often bulky, making it hard to tell what exactly your body's position is, and it can be important for coaches to see your body position to determine whether or not you're making any errors in your skating.
Nevertheless, if you're really cold when skating in a fleece jacket, jeans jacket or pullover, you should wear your winter coat. If you're not cold, then don't wear it. Personally, I've never worn my winter coat on an indoor ice rink.

[FSWer]

Well that really depends on the sort of rink you have. Some rinks are half-open, meaning that they do have a roof but not (full) side-walls, and temperatures at those rinks tend to be much colder in winter than in autumn and spring. There, it could be a good idea to wear your winter coat in winter if you get cold.
Other rinks are fully closed and maintain exactly the same hall and ice temperature all through the year, with perhaps only a few degrees difference. There, it really makes no sense to wear a different coat in winter than in autumn and spring.

Generally, I would have to say that unless you're actually feeling cold when you're skating, you shouldn't wear your winter coat, but rather wear a fleece jacket or jeans jacket or something like that. A winter coat is often bulky, making it hard to tell what exactly your body's position is, and it can be important for coaches to see your body position to determine whether or not you're making any errors in your skating.
Nevertheless, if you're really cold when skating in a fleece jacket, jeans jacket or pullover, you should wear your winter coat. If you're not cold, then don't wear it. Personally, I've never worn my winter coat on an indoor ice rink.

I skate at Newington Arena in Ct. They are all closed in with a full roof.

[Clarice]

At my rink, we don't wear winter coats while skating, even in the winter. We generally layer up fleece jackets and/or sweatshirts. Winter coats are too heavy and just get in the way. Layers are good because you can take them off if you get too hot. Sometimes I'm down to just a T-shirt even in the winter.

[FSWer]

At my rink, we don't wear winter coats while skating, even in the winter. We generally layer up fleece jackets and/or sweatshirts. Winter coats are too heavy and just get in the way. Layers are good because you can take them off if you get too hot. Sometimes I'm down to just a T-shirt even in the winter.


Ok people!!!!!! I just finally got back on the ice today and now at this time, as an On Ice Skater want to submit my report....um-um...

I got to Newington Arena about 11:20 AM (one of the staff dropped me off). They were still having a Hockey Game in the Blue Rink (were Public Skate would be). So I went to the Food Court and ordered a soda (a Root Beer). The Front Ofice was empty because of people on Lunch at the time. So I went into (what was once) the Pro Shop, and asked the guy if they did repairs and sold laces there (at the Rink for the future),and he said they didn't sell laces there,nor do repairs. He was only there sharpening skates. I also just want to make a report to all On Ice Skaters on Newington Arena's x-Pro shop, and just let everyone here know that I not only double checked with the guy at the front counter about laces and repairs (just in case the guy in the shop might have been a volenteer,and wanted wanted to suggest anyway that maybe they start selling laces,etc.,as well as just to be sure)on how much truth there was in what I heard about the Pro -Shop closing,and he said that nothing was going in that space,as nobody wanted to rent it out (yes the Rink owns it now). He did say however that there MIGHT be a possibility of something in the future. But for now it's empty. Anyway back to my Skating. I put my skates on out in the lobby and walked around with the blade protectors from when you buy skates in the store on (LOL,so I surely hope I didn't ruin my blades,maybe someone here can tell me if they'd be ok,and if they have done that). As I wasn't sure how to put my gaurds on. But someone who was skating showed me how to use them. I showed my passes and went into the Rink. All skaters went in the first door today,and the Zomboni (sorry for my spelling) had just finish smoothing the ice. I got on and I tell ya...it felt GOOD to finally get back!!!! I tried lifting my leg for a Spiral. But..LOL, I feel doing it. But I give myself credit for getting my leg up higher then I ever have. At least I THINK I did, because it felt like it.LOL. I tried skating to music today and I believe I did well. Only feel down about 4 times. I also tried watching the OTHER Skaters and do what THEY do. As Public Skate was PACKED today!!! I pacticed a little of gliding into the boards,and I THINK I finally figured out WHAT I was doing wrong (as I went forward). But I'm not sure. I also saw a Paren skating holding a toddler wearing skates up. I tell you. You would need VERY GOOD conferdence in yourself,and be a very good skater to do that. Even with a Rink full of Skaters!! Anyway after Public Skate I took my skates off,dried off my blades,laces and skates, and went out to wait for my ride. I went to get another Root beer,and I tell you....I was surely treated like a skater by the guy at the food court. As he gave me my next soda for FREE!!! I then went to Dicks to buy some laces..As they had them. It turns out laces for skates are laces for skates. I got over 100 Feet. As well as stoped at CVS. and got some Dish clothes to use as soakers,and then went home. My next report on Feb.,15th. If all gos well. I would also like to invite anyone who lives close enough to Newington Arena (if they would love to and meet me) to come to a Public Skate with me. would let you kwow when I'll be there and at what time.

[Isk8NYC]

http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/images/smilies/cheer21.gif YAY FOR FSWER!!! http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/images/smilies/cheer21.gif

[sk8joyful]

Ok people!!!
I just finally got back on the ice today and
I pacticed a little of gliding into the boards.

I tried lifting my leg for a Spiral. I give myself credit for getting my leg up higher.
I tried skating to music today and I believe I did well. Only feel down about 4 times.

Anyway after Public Skate I took my skates off, dried off my blades, laces and skates, and waited for my ride.
I then went to Dicks to buy some laces..As well got some Dish clothes to use as soakers.

My next report on Feb.,15th. If all gos well.

YEAH!! - GOOD for you! :D

[Sessy]

Don't worry, it takes a lot to ruin the actual *blades* of your skates. The main reasons for ruined blades are 1. extensive rust and 2. very unprofessionally done sharpenings (if they damage the toepicks, or the shape of the blade - I know 2 places in the Netherlands where *not* to take your figure skates). The bad places to sharpen skates are pretty rare and always VERY well known amongst coaches so if your coach didn't tell you guys not to get your skates sharpened at your rink, then I'm quite sure your skating shop's sharpenings are just fine. :)

Apart from that, to actually damage your blades you'd have to walk on them for quite a bit over asphalt or something. Once I was walking over asphalt, in guards, and one of my guards came off and I walked a few steps before noticing - my blades were still fine, but I did need a sharpening. Also, once I skated over a coin somebody dropped at a public skate, and that didn't ruin my blades either - I just needed a very thorough sharpening after that to take the dent in my edge out (that sort of sharpenings take away some from the life span of your blades, but again, the blades were not ruined). I didn't even have it done right away by the way - it didn't bother me at first, but then I noticed it affected my back 3-turns some. If I hadn't been working on those I probably would've just left it that way.

Usually when people say this or that "ruins" your blades, they mean that it ruins the sharpening, meaning that you'll need a new sharpening. I advise against walking around without the guards in the future though, but I don't think you damaged your blades just from this.

Even if your store closes, if you really need something you can always order it online.

And - you ARE a real skater! You even have your own skates, why wouldn't you be a real skater? And you're trying spirals! You're taking falls! You ARE a real skater sweetie, trust me.

Now for that spiral. Congratulations on your first bellyflop! It's one of the worst falls you can take in figure skating, so if you can take this, you can take anything skating throws at you!
When you're skating, and you are lifting your leg - focus on pulling your chin up so you're looking forward, not at the ice, and on pulling the toes of the foot you're standing on upwards, like I showed you in the video, remember?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykLiaMI70MQ

[FSWer]

Ok people....as promoused, (sorry,I know that's not right) here is my next Pubic Skate report.

I got to the Rink with my Staff about 12:41pm. I went in and showed my passes and went right in the Blue Rink for Public Skate. The Zomboni was just smoothing out the ice from the last Hockey Game. I got my skates on and wend right on the ice. We had about (i tried to count LOL) from what I could gather...over 50 skaters on the ice!!!!! A good turn-out!!!!! I must admit that I did fall down. But only from getting off balance when another young skater who asked me if I wanted help pulled me along. (LOL,I guess I'm not used to balancing while being pulled. Gee.....you'ld think that would be the EASIEST thing to do. LOL). As well as for the first time getting knocked over by a skater skating right torwards me from behind. Fortenately (sorry,I know that's not right) the girl was kind and said she was sorry to me. (LOL,yes my but felt a little hurt. But I'm a trooper).The rest of the time I only had little falls from my skates not being upright,etc. But other then that a good amount of time I stayed up. I also saw another skater carrying a baby while skating and told his wife that "you must have to have really good conferdence to do that. As what if someone knocked into you". I can't remember exactly what she said. But I believe she said he had skating a long time. They also were holding a raffle for a Hockey Team to go on a trip (didn't buy a ticket). They played the Chicken Dance,and I even tried my hand at hooking to some skaters who were lined up. LOL,but got off balance. I also practiced some more of gliding into the boards,and I THINK I know what to do. But could someone out there please explain to me in steps exactly what you do to DO that? So at least I can know if I am TRYING it right? Thanks. Also when I got off the ice I went to buy some lunch. A small Cheeseburger,fries,and soda (root beer) for $5.00. How COOL is that!!!! I also made friends with the Food Service Girl. Her name is Crystal (I'm not sure how she spells it). After that I came home. BTW. just to report,I didn't notice anything with the abandent Pro Shop today. I'm not sure when I'm going back. If not next week. Then sometime next month. BTW. LOL. Just to know is the leather skates are made of strong leather? It can't tear easly..right? Just would like to know for the future. Thanks. BTW. I dry my skates with Dish rags (that I'm using as Soakers) at the Rink. Blades,leather,tough,and inside too when I get off the ice. Leave my protectors off my blades in the bag on the way home. Then take a towel and repete the process at home and dry all over my skates again with that. Am I doing it right? Thanks.

[looplover]

Congratulations FSWer!! It sounds like you're doing great and having a lot of fun too. I would have a hard time standing up on the ice if a child were pulling me along and trying to help me too, that's for sure.

It sounds like you are taking very good care of your skates. I think the leather on them will be fine.

I look forward to your next report!

[Sessy]

The trick with being pulled forward on skates - I've used it to teach my ex-boyfriend balance - is to bend your knees deeply and kind of pretend you're sitting down on a chair - but continue to look forward, not at the ice. When you look down at the ice, your balance changes - you tip forward, towards those ever-treacherous toepicks. If you look forward, it's like you've got a little line from the top of your head to the ceiling that keeps you up.
So try that next time - knees bent, chin up, eyes forward. Goes for general skating too!

In my experience, it's pointless to adress parents who are doing stupid things even when you're out there doing biellmanns and sit spins. In fact, even when their kids get injured, they tend to find a way to blame with anybody other than themselves. Spare yourself the trouble...

Yes, skates are made from very strong leather, actually, they're made from several layers of very thick leather - or, some figure skates are made from fake leather (I think most new skates in beginners models are - it's my understanding even risport etoile is fake leather? let alone graf davos and such) but that fake leather too is very strong. There's plenty of skates out there that are 10, 20 even 30 years old.

[FSWer]

The trick with being pulled forward on skates - I've used it to teach my ex-boyfriend balance - is to bend your knees deeply and kind of pretend you're sitting down on a chair - but continue to look forward, not at the ice. When you look down at the ice, your balance changes - you tip forward, towards those ever-treacherous toepicks. If you look forward, it's like you've got a little line from the top of your head to the ceiling that keeps you up.
So try that next time - knees bent, chin up, eyes forward. Goes for general skating too!

In my experience, it's pointless to adress parents who are doing stupid things even when you're out there doing biellmanns and sit spins. In fact, even when their kids get injured, they tend to find a way to blame with anybody other than themselves. Spare yourself the trouble...

Yes, skates are made from very strong leather, actually, they're made from several layers of very thick leather - or, some figure skates are made from fake leather (I think most new skates in beginners models are - it's my understanding even risport etoile is fake leather? let alone graf davos and such) but that fake leather too is very strong. There's plenty of skates out there that are 10, 20 even 30 years old.


So that's why we say, if your up high....don't look down, right?

[stacyf419]

Wow FSWer - sounds like you are becoming a true skater at your rink now. Keep up the great work and don't fall too hard!! :D

[FSWer]

Ok fellow skaters!!! I pracually wore myself out from THIS Skate. I can hardly keep my eyes open. But here is my report from todays Public Skate. I feel asleep from about a little after 4 to about 8:30 pm. I got to the Rink at about 10 of 1. Had my Skate Passes marked,and went in to put on my skates. It turned out that they were late anyway with Public Skate. Or the Zomboni as I saw ccome out was late smoothing out the ice. I was the only one in there when I went in. But it filled up fast. Also a nice lady showed me how to glide into the Boards. She said all I do is just skkate,put my feet apart,and then in. I praticed it for a while,and then just had fun. There was also a Skating Birthday Party in the Rink as well. I then got off the ice and went to the Food Court and had a cheeseburger and 2 Root beers. The guy charged me $3.00 for BOTH the soda and Burger. He gave me a deal. Treated me just like a skater!!! Next report next month. Whenever I go again. They have Hockey booked for the rest of this month.

[FSWer]

FSWer - All skates (even LTS) need to be dried - blades, bottoms, and boots!

SKATE RAGS:
. Bring a clean, dry rag with you to thoroughly dry your skates after use.
. Some people use automobile chamois cloth, which you can get at auto parts stores or supermarkets.

SOAKER GUARDS:
. As Skittl said, there are terrycloth/fabric guards called "soakers" that we use to protect our blades inside the bag.
. If you don't have the "soaker" guards Skittl mentioned, just put an old DRY towel on the bottom of your skate bag and put your skates inside.
. Know how a cold can of soda gets wet when it's in the warm air? The same thing happens to your blades when you leave the rink. Using soakers or a dry towel will help soak up the moisture from condensation.

HARD GUARDS:
. The "hard" guards are for walking around. They keep your blades from getting dull or damaged. You won't need to sharpen as often.
. Put the hard guards on when you put on your skates.
. Remember to take them off BEFORE you get on the ice.
. Put them on again when you leave the ice.
. DO NOT leave them on your skates at other times - they can make your blades rust because they press against the wet blade.

SKINNY GUARDS:
. I think your "skinny guards" are really the protectant sleeves used by the skate maker.
. If you won't be on the ice for a while - say for the summer - use these guards before you put the skates away. Make sure the skates/blades are clean and dry!
. These sleeves have oil inside the groove that really protects against rust.



Ok people!!! Time for my report. I went Skating again today, and got to the Rink at 1:00. I got on the ice and skated till about 2. As my staff had to get me back quickly. I tried a little skating and dancing to the music, and somebody even pointed out to me that I had gone on the ice with 1 skinny gaurd (the rubber covering I was using when I put my skates away) on. LOL. I also lost 1 of them. So I now have 1 skinny gaurd on 1 skate blade and on the other (the blade without one) I put a reg. skate gaurd on. LOL.Has anyone else ever had this happen to them? Do you nessicarly have to have them.The skinny gaurds btw. As I'd like to know if your supposed to do that. Use reg. skate gaurds that way. Or am I damaging my blade or skate? They are rubber, and actually Hockey gaurds a little bit longger btw.Am I doing right by leaving them on my blades while my skates are stored for when I skate again? BTW. I noticed a little brown or rust (I'm not sure really what it is) near the toepick of the skate I use to keep pushing off and rubbing the ice to keep going,etc. with. Is that natual for that to happen to ANY skater? Or is it from not skating right? Can you also replace skinny gaurds if needed? Or what have you skaters done for when this has happened to you? If it has? Thanks.

[blue111moon]

Dana, DO NOT store your skates with the rubber guards on them. That's what's making the blades rust.

Use the rubber guards ONLY when you're walking to and from the ice. That protects your blades from getting nicks and scratches from the grit on the floors. Guards also protect the floors from getting sliced up by your blades. But they're not meant to stay on your blades when you're not skating.

[Clarice]

Dana, you can throw the other "skinny guard" away. You don't need them. Those are part of the packaging that protect the blades when they are new. Like blue111moon said, you should use your regular guards when you are walking around in your skates off the ice. Do not use the guards when you store your skates between sessions. That's when you should dry them off with a rag or towel and put on the soakers if you have them. Store the skates with the soakers on. If you don't have soakers, don't put anything on the blades when you store them. You could wrap another dry towel around them if you want to protect them a little more. Don't use the damp towel you used to dry your blades.

[FSWer]

Dana, you can throw the other "skinny guard" away. You don't need them. Those are part of the packaging that protect the blades when they are new. Like blue111moon said, you should use your regular guards when you are walking around in your skates off the ice. Do not use the guards when you store your skates between sessions. That's when you should dry them off with a rag or towel and put on the soakers if you have them. Store the skates with the soakers on. If you don't have soakers, don't put anything on the blades when you store them. You could wrap another dry towel around them if you want to protect them a little more. Don't use the damp towel you used to dry your blades.


So,I should just be wrapping another towel around the BLADE IT'SELF with my skates in the bag each time I skate? Not around my skates correct? BTW. should I be leaving my blades uncovered coming home frome the Rink? Also are there ways you yourself as a Skater can remove rust already there? Thanks.

[FSWer]

BTW. here's what I DO,DO at the Rink with my skates. Somebody please correct me on ANYTHING I'm doing wrong. so I can know that I'm doing everything right. When I gt off the ice,the othr things I do is take a washcloth to both blades and dry the ice off (same cloth for each blade), I hen take that same cloth and dry the leather of my skates,laces and all. Along with drying the insid of bot boots wer my feet go. I then leave my blades uncovered in my skatebag to dry the rest of the ay on the way home.At home,I then take a big towel and dry every part of each skate. Inside included and put them back in my skatebag, while orginizing it for next time. Washclothes and gloves go in my wash to be cleaned for next time too. I was puttng the skiny gaurds on after that. But I took the gaurds off this morning, and threw the skinny away y suggestion from Clarice,and I'm keeping the gaurd of by suggeston of Bluemoon. Also, should I be puting a towel around my blades AT the Rink AFTER I dry the with a washcloth? Or should I be leaving my blades uncovered exposed to air in my skatebag on the way home, and be put a towel around each blade then? Are we talking a small dishtowel btw.? Also,just so I understand more. Can someone please explain WHY gaurds left on blades cause rust? How am I doing so far? BTW. thanks a BUNCH my FRIENDS!!!!! You all have helped me a lot and are the BEST!!! My next report on the 26th if I end up going.

[Clarice]

It sounds like you're doing everything right, Dana. You're really taking a lot of trouble to dry your skates very, very well - more than most people do. You don't HAVE to wrap a dry towel around them unless you want to, but if you're going to do that, either right after you dry them or when you get home after letting them air dry a little would be fine. A small dishtowel would be just about perfect. A small hand towel would do, too. The guards left on the blades can cause rusting because they can trap moisture against the blade. Think about it - you put the guards on when you get off the ice and your blades are still wet. Then you walk to where you can sit down, take the guards off and dry your blades. The guards might still be wet inside, though, from the wet blades. You can't easily dry the inside of your guards, so you don't want to put your dry blades back in guards that might be wet inside. We use the soakers or wrap the blades in a dry towel because that can soak up any moisture that we might have missed. You're drying your blades so well, though, that I doubt you're leaving any moisture on yours at all!

[FSWer]

It sounds like you're doing everything right, Dana. You're really taking a lot of trouble to dry your skates very, very well - more than most people do. You don't HAVE to wrap a dry towel around them unless you want to, but if you're going to do that, either right after you dry them or when you get home after letting them air dry a little would be fine. A small dishtowel would be just about perfect. A small hand towel would do, too. The guards left on the blades can cause rusting because they can trap moisture against the blade. Think about it - you put the guards on when you get off the ice and your blades are still wet. Then you walk to where you can sit down, take the guards off and dry your blades. The guards might still be wet inside, though, from the wet blades. You can't easily dry the inside of your guards, so you don't want to put your dry blades back in guards that might be wet inside. We use the soakers or wrap the blades in a dry towel because that can soak up any moisture that we might have missed. You're drying your blades so well, though, that I doubt you're leaving any moisture on yours at all!

Thanks Clarice. BTW. I DO have a bit of something I think is rust. But I'm not sure. How would I get rid of that? BTW. if I do. Do I leave my blades wrapped in the towel until the NEXT time I go Skating? Should the inside of my bag by wripped dry too btw.?

[blue111moon]

The only way to remove the rust is to get the blades sharpened again.

When you finish skating, get off the ice and put your guards on to walk to the bench where you can sit down and take your skates off. Walking to and from the ice is the only time you need to wear the guards.

Take your skates off and dry the blades completely. Don't just wipe the metal once; rub the blade to get them as dry as possible. If you don't have soakers (and it sounds as if you don't), take another towel (a dry one) and fold it over the blade. Then put the skate in your bag. The folded towel will absorb any condensation that forms on the blade as it warms up in your bag. It will also protect the blade from getting nicked in your bag and keep the blade from cutting the fabric of your bag. Do the same thing for the other skate.

This means you need three towels: 1 to wipe the blade, and one for each skate. Dish towels or small old hand towels will do. You don't have to wrap the whole skate, just cover the blade.

Then when you get home, all you have to do is open the top of your bag to let air into it between trips to the rink, This will let any moisture in the skates out.

You really don't have to wipe the leather and the laces and the inside of the bag. I don't - I just dry the blades and the sole, put on the soakers and put the skates in my bag. I usually leave a bit of the zipper open all the time to let air in, but I'm not nearly as careful as you seem to be and my last pair of skates lasted 16 years (actually, I still have them; they just don't fit anymore). It's the blades that are more delicate than the boots, which sounds funny because steel should be tougher than leather, right? But the edges of the blade are delicate and need to be protected the most. Sharpening is expensive and it wears down the blade so you don't want to do it just because you let the blades rust.

As for the guards, it's not just water that gets trapped inside them and hurts your blades. When you walk on the floor, you pick up bits of dirt and grit and that can get caught in the channels of the guards. Then when you put your blade in there, the grit can scratch and nick the blade and ruin the edge, which will make it harder to skate.

Every once in a while it's a good idea to wash your guards (I put mine in the dishwasher) to get the dirt out of them. Just remember to let them air dry really well before you use them again.

It's also a good idea to put your name on your guards so that if you do lose one, you can find it again and know it's yours.

[FSWer]

The only way to remove the rust is to get the blades sharpened again.

When you finish skating, get off the ice and put your guards on to walk to the bench where you can sit down and take your skates off. Walking to and from the ice is the only time you need to wear the guards.

Take your skates off and dry the blades completely. Don't just wipe the metal once; rub the blade to get them as dry as possible. If you don't have soakers (and it sounds as if you don't), take another towel (a dry one) and fold it over the blade. Then put the skate in your bag. The folded towel will absorb any condensation that forms on the blade as it warms up in your bag. It will also protect the blade from getting nicked in your bag and keep the blade from cutting the fabric of your bag. Do the same thing for the other skate.

This means you need three towels: 1 to wipe the blade, and one for each skate. Dish towels or small old hand towels will do. You don't have to wrap the whole skate, just cover the blade.

Then when you get home, all you have to do is open the top of your bag to let air into it between trips to the rink, This will let any moisture in the skates out.

You really don't have to wipe the leather and the laces and the inside of the bag. I don't - I just dry the blades and the sole, put on the soakers and put the skates in my bag. I usually leave a bit of the zipper open all the time to let air in, but I'm not nearly as careful as you seem to be and my last pair of skates lasted 16 years (actually, I still have them; they just don't fit anymore). It's the blades that are more delicate than the boots, which sounds funny because steel should be tougher than leather, right? But the edges of the blade are delicate and need to be protected the most. Sharpening is expensive and it wears down the blade so you don't want to do it just because you let the blades rust.

As for the guards, it's not just water that gets trapped inside them and hurts your blades. When you walk on the floor, you pick up bits of dirt and grit and that can get caught in the channels of the guards. Then when you put your blade in there, the grit can scratch and nick the blade and ruin the edge, which will make it harder to skate.

Every once in a while it's a good idea to wash your guards (I put mine in the dishwasher) to get the dirt out of them. Just remember to let them air dry really well before you use them again.

It's also a good idea to put your name on your guards so that if you do lose one, you can find it again and know it's yours.


Ok,are you guys talking about wearing gaurds if I have to walk a long distance to the bench? Or should I put my gaurds on even though I just skate over to the actual GATE to the Rink I came in? (Yes,that's what I do. I leave my gaurds in my bag and when I get off the ice wear I sit down is right there.The only thing that separates the rug and the ice is the piece of metal (whatever it's called) that comes before you step on the ice. When I store my bag. Should I keep it open until the NEXT time I go? Also should it be open just a crack,or all the way? Also I have the rubber gaurds. The kind that look like they can rip if used a lot. Although,I don't hardly EVER walk around the Rink or Lobby with my skates on. Also should those be washed? BTW. I keep a plastic storage or food bag in my skatebag to put my dirty washcloths I use from wriping my blades in. Is that good? Also,should I just be covering the blades (I'm using 3-4 washclothes)? Or should I also be covering were the metal is screwed onto my boot as well? BTW. does anyone have any unused soakers they can mail me? Thanks.

[blue111moon]

It seems like you're getting all confused with the advice you're getting here.

Ask one of the coaches at your rink to show you how to take care of your skates. Make an appointment with one ahead of time if you have to and have someone write down all the steps in order while you do them so you can look at the list later. Most coaches would be happy to have someone want to know what to do. Or ask the person in the pro shop to show you what do when they're not busy.

Personally I think you should ALWAYS wear guards on the blades unless you're ON the ice. Even one or two steps on a gritty mat can cause nicks. But I had a coach a while back who insisted that the ONLY thing a blade stepped on was ice and one of the first things I learned was how to stand at the gate on one foot, take one guard off, step in the ice with that foot then stand on that foot and take off the other guard (while hanging onto the wall at the same time).

I would think that leaving wet towels in a plastic bag would make them all damp and moldy. I just fold my towel and stuff it in the bag. A couple times a year I take it out and wash it and ry it and put it back.

As for soakers, try checking the rink's Lost and Found box (ask at the front desk where it is). Usually by this time of year there are a bunch of soakers and guards and gloves and mittens left behind and fogotten. The rink usually just throws them all out so if you can find a couple that fit (they don't have to match) you can take them. They come in different sizes so you may have to hunt to find the bigger ones. Even new, though, they aren't expensive - about $10 a pair and well worth the money if they keep your blades from rusting.

[FSWer]

LOL,a little. But I just want to make sure I DO understand what I should be doing,so I can know I'm doing everything right. HEY!!! I trust you all because a lot of you ARE competitive skters. Or at least skate a lot more, and I know the advice you guys have given me before really has helped me a lot. You all are the BEST!!

[FSWer]

Ok people!!! Here is my report from todays Public Skate. I got to Newington Ice Arena about 12:00pm. Public Skate didn't start until 12:30. So I had my Passes marked off (it turns out one of the girls I work with at my store was behind the Desk) and hung around a bit. At about 12:20 I went in and laced up my skates, and got right on the ice about 12:35 (yes I was making sure it was safe to go on the ice). My Staff and I both figured that not too many people would be there because of the heat..and I can tell you..we couldn't have been more right. As it turned out me,and 4 other skaters had the WHOLE Rink to ourselves!! With the least amount of skaters being 3 (me included) at the end. After Public Skate I did what you guys told me. I dryed off my blades (were they screw on to the boot included) and wrapped them both in towels (I use the huge big bath towels, the kind that is used to dry after a bath.As it takes about 4 wash clothes on each skate to cover each blade).As I don't have 2 dish towels big enough. Am I doing things right? I then got something to eat and then went home. I don't know my May schedule yet. But I will keep you all well posted on my skating. Thanks a bunch to you all for helping me.

[FSWer]

Wel fellow skaters!!!! Just went to Newington Ice Arena again today for Public Skate. I got there at 12:30 on the botton!! Registered with my Skate Passes at the Desk,and went in to put on my skates and hit the ice!!! I must admit I had to get off and go check the Desk for something. So I did have my first experience using Skategaurds today. Though it took me about 10min. to get them on tight enough. As I'ver never actually fully used Skategaurds before. LOL,turns out I ended up walking with my gaurds loose and coming off the first 2 trys.(Kind of like walking on the gaurd with the blade it'self for a few min. going along the rug. I have the rubber kind. The ones with the interlocking slider that moves up from the back of the skate and you tip up into the grove to lock it in place. Yes I did ckeck my blades and they seem ok. Though I don't know if gaurds coming off like that can hurt blades). Anyway after that I got back on the ice. You skaters are going to be so proud of me. As I actually did my first REAL HOK-UP to a line of skaters today to try to be pulled along. Unfortently didn't stay hooked. I want to tell you what I did and you skaters tell me what I was doing wrong. I skated up put 1 hand on the skaters hand and bend down with my knees bent. Yet I still got pulled off balance. Does anyone know if the trick to that is how many hands you use and how you HOLD the skaters hand? (yes this was a moving line). Or is it all in how FAR DOWN you bend? Should I bend to the skaters arm -level? Also should I just be bending my knees. Or how exactually should I have my blades when doing it? Will I be pulled off balance for ex. if my blades are not straight or side by side? Or how SHOULD they be? BTW. we had about 11 people to a dozzen skaters at the Rink.

[Thin-Ice]

It sounds like you had a fun time!

Be careful when you hook onto a line of skaters. First make sure there is no one else in the rink who could get caught by your line and that activity is approved by rink management. (I'm guessing you would always do this.. but just in case anyone else gets any ideas to try this!)

You can hook up with one or both hands if you're on the very end. But that spot is very tricky, so bend your knees a lot and remember to lean into the center of the line. One reason you may have become unhooked is because you were being pulled out of the line by the force of the movement. Everyone feels this force, but the person on the end feels it the most, because they have no one to help stabilize them on the outside. You have to make up for this by leaning towards the center of the line.

[FSWer]

It sounds like you had a fun time!

Be careful when you hook onto a line of skaters. First make sure there is no one else in the rink who could get caught by your line and that activity is approved by rink management. (I'm guessing you would always do this.. but just in case anyone else gets any ideas to try this!)

You can hook up with one or both hands if you're on the very end. But that spot is very tricky, so bend your knees a lot and remember to lean into the center of the line. One reason you may have become unhooked is because you were being pulled out of the line by the force of the movement. Everyone feels this force, but the person on the end feels it the most, because they have no one to help stabilize them on the outside. You have to make up for this by leaning towards the center of the line.


Ok,what exactually IS leaning torward the center? How would I do that? How again should my knees be bent? Also on a double handed or single handed hook should you grab a skaters arm or just the hand? Also once I get hooked. How should my body be to help keep control? Skate blades included.

[Thin-Ice]

Ok,what exactually IS leaning torward the center? How would I do that? How again should my knees be bent? Also on a double handed or single handed hook should you grab a skaters arm or just the hand? Also once I get hooked. How should my body be to help keep control? Skate blades included.

Leaning toward the center is pointing your entire body toward the person who is at the center of the line. For example, if your line is going straight ahead the center is the person represented by the "0" in this diagram:
/xxxx0xxxx\

and everybody who is not the center should lean the direction of the lines in the example above.

If your line is going around in a circle, the center is the person who is going the slowest... and because you were on the end, you were going the fastest (it's the hardest spot to skate on a line that rotates).

Ask the skater you are hooking up to how they want you to hold. There are different ways to do it, and what is comfortable depends on how tall you are and how tall the person next to you is. In synchro skating there are certain holds you have to do, but when you are just skating with your friends, do whatever works for all of you so no one gets hurt.

And as always, your knees should be bent a lot. Think about how you feel when you are getting ready to sit in a chair... just before your backside touches the seat of the chair.

I hope this helps! And if I'm not being clear, I'm hoping one of our more experienced synchro skaters can describe it better.

[blue111moon]

I suspect we're not talking about a synchro line with a pivot person in the middle. From seeing what people do on public sessions, FSWer is probably talking about just a line of skaters going forward around the rink, collecting people as they go by and can grab on.

Frankly, Dana, I don't think your skating is quite up to that level yet. You really should to be able to move and maintain your own balance before you can hold someone else (who might not be any more stable than you are). Also, if someone ahead of you falls, you have to be able to stop quickly or got around them. From your descriptions, while you are doing great, I don't think you're quite at that point yet.

Plus as tall as you are, you have a lot more weight and mass to be controlled. Lines generally put the bigger people at the beginning, like the engine on a train and the smaller, lighter people at the end. Having a big person at the end acts like an anchor and if you're not absolutely steady and able to keep up, you can pull everyone off their feet.

While lines can be fun, they can be dangerous.

[FSWer]

LOL,actually..I'm small for my age. LOL I guess I should just keep trying. Even though I'm not that great a skater. I have confedence in myself and know that I can do it. As I've always wanted to do it. LOL.

[FSWer]

Ok people!!!! Here it is!!!!! I got to the Rink a little late. After Public Skate stated. Went to the Desk. Had my Pass marked,and went in. I got on my skates fast,and went right on the ice. LOL,I fell a few times.From my blades being off balance. But got up each time. I tried jumping,and actually jumped a bit off the ice. As well as a bit of practice to balance on 1 skate. LOL,which is a LOT harder to do on skates. Then off-ice on shoes. You just want to put your foot down. LOL,what IS the trick to staying balanced on 1 skate while puting the other up? LOL. Also I've been wondering one other thing. When I go and switch from doing 1 move to another. I always have to stop in between. Is there a trick to doing multi moves without stoping?As far as keeping your blades going gos? Or is it all in how fast you go and how good a skater you are? At 1:50 when I got off the ice. I went to the Food court and got something to eat. LOL.,I even asked the girl at the counter if she wanted to skate with me sometime at a Public skate,and she took me up on the offer. I also watched the Freestylers while waiting to go home. I also saw 2 skaters who looked like the might be in training to be Ice-Dancers!!! BTW. does anyone know if your allowed to go IN and watch Freestylers? As long as you don't bother them? Or are you supposed to just watch from the window? Or does it depend on the Rink? I go again next week. So watch for my report.You skaters have helped me a lot!!! Thanks a bunch!!!!

[Clarice]

It's easier to balance on one skate when you're moving, rather than standing still. So you want to start with a two-foot glide. Make sure your feet are close together in the two-foot glide, so when you pick one foot up it will be easier to balance. If your feet are too far apart to start with, you'll need to put your foot down right away. You don't have to pick up your foot very high - it can be right next to the ankle of the foot you're standing on.

I have my class practice this on the blue line. The skater skates forward 4 steps, then does a two-foot glide with both feet next to each other on the blue line for 4 counts, then picks up one foot and holds it as long as they can. Don't worry if your one-foot glide is very short at first - it takes practice to hold it longer. Be sure you're standing up straight and tall. We like to pretend we're balancing pizzas on our heads!

[FSWer]

So,I should start by first getting the glide of my marching steps,and once I'm gliding,put my foot up? Or how do I get into a 2 foot glide.When you say my feet should be together. Do we mean the blades being side by side? btw. I found I can Dance on ice and that does start your marching steps off.

[Clarice]

Yes, first start with your marching steps, and once you're gliding, pick your foot up. When I say your feet should be together, I mean your feet are side by side. If you try to glide with both feet next to each other on the wide blue line you'll have it about right. If your feet are next to each other, your blades will be close enough.

[FSWer]

Well fellow Skaters!!! Just went to the Rink again today.I got there a little after 12:30 pm. Registered at the Desk,and went in to dawn my skates. As Public Skate had already started. There were about 6 skaters on the ice. A friend of mine took some pics of me and had them developed. So I now have 2 pics of myself standing on the ice (yes,they were only still pics). I skated around and a 4 year old girl came up and wanted to skate with me. Unfortunely she began to feel like I was squeezing her hand. However when I skated over the Aunt told me everything was ok and she was always like that. I also tried a 2 foot glide (I'm not sure if I was doing it right) and once again tried lefting my leg up. LOL, but all it wanted to do was go down. There was a skater there (yes she does compete in small competitions) with another kid who I asked about how you find your natual balance on 1 foot,and she said that you do need to start with the 2 foot glide as you guys said. But you also have to lift your foot as if your going up stairs. I also asked her how you get your foot right up out (as in a Spiral),and she just said you have to start small. LOL. I also asked her to show me her Spiral and I told her that even I can't do that. The girl at the Desk also turned out to be a Solo Ice-Dancer. I then went home. Next report next week.

[FSWer]

Ok fellow skaters!!!! Here it is. I got to Newington a little before 12:30. Checked in at the Desk, and went into the Rink to Dawn my skates. The Zamboni was just finishing smoothing the ice. I got on for Public Skate and found myself in the middle of a Skating Party (a kid's birthday). There wre about 11-12 skaters on the ice including me. I praticed the 2-Foot Spin,and I don't know if I WAS Spinning. But I did go faster this time. However I couldn't make my arms control my speed. All they seemed to be doing was just moving in and out at the same time. We all skated to that song (I forgot the name). Move to the right..move to the left...everybody clap your hands. All the skaters were too busy to skate with me. But HEY!!! I had fun. Next repot next month.

[FSWer]

Well my fellow skaters!!! I just went skating today,and I'm ready to post todays Report. I got to the Rink a little before 12:30.The start of Public Skate. The lights were still off.So I waited for them to be turned on. While I registered at the Desk with my Skate Passes.I went in and put on my skates.I was the only Skater there to start with.But as Skaters came in.We wond up with a total of six Skaters on the ice.GUESS WHAT MY FRIENDS!!! I didn't actually DO a Spiral. But I DO BELIEVE I FINALLY got one leg AND foot at least HIGHER off the ground today,standing in place. Or so it felt like it. I could be wrong. LOL,I know you start with a two-foot glide. But how skaters maintain balance on one skate blade. As well as keep gliding on ONE skate. AFTER lifting their Free-leg off ice,rather then end up stopping in place to balance on the other is still bathuling (sorry if that's spelled wrong) to me. If anyone here can please explain the trick,I would really appreciate it. Also I am proud to say that I FINNALLY got to try my hand at putting on music (yes,my Rink actually has a DVD/CD. Player in the Rink at Rinkside,and let's Skaters put their own music on). A Skate showed me how to do it. So I can now put music on myself. One of the kids skating also had sparklers on her skates. I have never seen that!! Public Skate ended at 2,and then I left.

[dbny]

Hi Dana! It sounds like you had fun today!

It's actually easier to balance on just one foot when you are moving, and the faster you are going, the easier it is to balance on just one foot. I teach this skill all the time. What you need to do is master just one small part of it at a time, then add the next small part.


Get a good two foot glide
Be sure your arms are slightly in front of you with your hands about belly button height
Do this two foot glide with arms held steady, no tilting, no moving arms or hands. Do it many times to be sure you have got it.
When you can do the two foot glide like that, completely still, then go on to step 5
Without moving anything else, pick one foot straight up. Do not try to push when you do this. You must hold everything very steady and just pick that one foot straight up in place. Do not let your foot move forward or back when you pick it up.
You can practice picking up your foot and keeping everything else still while you hold onto the wall with one hand. Sometimes it helps to suck your tummy in when you are trying to keep your arms from moving. It also helps to make your fingers stiff.

[FSWer]

Hi Dana! It sounds like you had fun today!

It's actually easier to balance on just one foot when you are moving, and the faster you are going, the easier it is to balance on just one foot. I teach this skill all the time. What you need to do is master just one small part of it at a time, then add the next small part.


Get a good two foot glide
Be sure your arms are slightly in front of you with your hands about belly button height
Do this two foot glide with arms held steady, no tilting, no moving arms or hands. Do it many times to be sure you have got it.
When you can do the two foot glide like that, completely still, then go on to step 5
Without moving anything else, pick one foot straight up. Do not try to push when you do this. You must hold everything very steady and just pick that one foot straight up in place. Do not let your foot move forward or back when you pick it up.
You can practice picking up your foot and keeping everything else still while you hold onto the wall with one hand. Sometimes it helps to suck your tummy in when you are trying to keep your arms from moving. It also helps to make your fingers stiff.

Yeah..but fo ex. when I'm on the floor,I just lift one foot up and balance in one place. So what makes it possible to continue gliding once you have started a glide on 2 feet and lifted up one foot. Rather then just end up balancing in on place?

[Clarice]

If you're already gliding on two feet, FSWer, you should keep gliding even after you pick up one foot. It's kind of a rule of how things work - things that are standing still will stay still until something happens to make them move, and things that are already moving will keep moving until something happens to make them stop. If you stop gliding when you pick up one foot, you've done something to stop the glide - maybe you rocked a little forward and caught your toe pick or something. But if you hold everything very still and steady in your two foot glide, like dbny says, and keep everything still and steady when you pick up one foot, you should keep gliding for a little bit. Keep practicing! :)

[FSWer]

Ok,how should I have my arms and hands to get and to keep maintaning balance on one skate?

[dbny]

Ok,how should I have my arms and hands to get and to keep maintaning balance on one skate?


Put your thumbs on your belly button, with your palms facing down towards the ice
Without moving your hands up or down, stretch out your arms in front of you and to the side
It should feel like you have your hands on a table that is just as high as your belly button
You should be able to see your hands and wrists without moving your head, but if you see too much of your arms, then they are too far in front of you
Another way to find the right place for your arms is to find a table just about at high as your belly button. Stand right in front of it, with your belly touching it and put your hands on the table. Then move them as far to the side as you can without taking them off the table. That is the safest way for beginners to hold their arms. You can imagine your hands are on the table as you skate.

[FSWer]

Put your thumbs on your belly button, with your palms facing down towards the ice
Without moving your hands up or down, stretch out your arms in front of you and to the side
It should feel like you have your hands on a table that is just as high as your belly button
You should be able to see your hands and wrists without moving your head, but if you see too much of your arms, then they are too far in front of you
Another way to find the right place for your arms is to find a table just about at high as your belly button. Stand right in front of it, with your belly touching it and put your hands on the table. Then move them as far to the side as you can without taking them off the table. That is the safest way for beginners to hold their arms. You can imagine your hands are on the table as you skate.

So,I'm kindda using my belly botton as a guide to were my hands should go,right? Then just bring my arms out at that level with my thumbs still pointing at my belly botton? Then spread my arms appart? Should I do that with the lifting of the leg? BTW. I am left handed. Does anything make a diffeence?

[dbny]

So,I'm kindda using my belly botton as a guide to were my hands should go,right? Then just bring my arms out at that level with my thumbs still pointing at my belly botton? Then spread my arms appart? Should I do that with the lifting of the leg? BTW. I am left handed. Does anything make a diffeence?

Right. Don't worry about where your thumbs point after you bring your arms out, just keep your palms facing the ice. This is where your arms should be all the time that you are skating. If you can do the two foot glide with your arms like that, then you will soon be able to pick up one foot and continue gliding on that one foot. Being left handed does not make any difference for this skill.

[FSWer]

Right. Don't worry about where your thumbs point after you bring your arms out, just keep your palms facing the ice. This is where your arms should be all the time that you are skating. If you can do the two foot glide with your arms like that, then you will soon be able to pick up one foot and continue gliding on that one foot. Being left handed does not make any difference for this skill.

Do I keep them that way to balance?

[sk8joyful]

Quote:
Originally Posted by dbny:
"Right. Don't worry about where your thumbs point after you bring your arms out, just keep your palms facing the ice.
This is where your arms should be all the time that you are skating. If you can do the two foot glide with your arms like that, then you will soon be able to pick up one foot and continue gliding on that one foot. Being left handed does not make any difference for this skill."

Do I keep them that way to balance?

When you first start gliding on one foot, keep your arms as dbny said, to find your balance in this position. - And too,
how? do birds fly... ;) they keep their wings spread-out, as they each learned too. - Also do notice that even the Elite-skaters continue performing with their arms out.

Soon, after you have learned to consistently balance on one foot, you will be able to skate with your hands, at your side and in any other positions you want. - It's fun :D learning how you can change! - Start like others here have taught you, and remember always Iceskating is fun, only fun... :D
.

[CipFup]

you can see all the pages a visitor looks at when browsing the visitors and clicking the look for the last page and thats the last page they browsed, is that what you mean?

[FSWer]

Quote:
Originally Posted by dbny:
"Right. Don't worry about where your thumbs point after you bring your arms out, just keep your palms facing the ice.
This is where your arms should be all the time that you are skating. If you can do the two foot glide with your arms like that, then you will soon be able to pick up one foot and continue gliding on that one foot. Being left handed does not make any difference for this skill."


When you first start gliding on one foot, keep your arms as dbny said, to find your balance in this position. - And too,
how? do birds fly... ;) they keep their wings spread-out, as they each learned too. - Also do notice that even the Elite-skaters continue performing with their arms out.

Soon, after you have learned to consistently balance on one foot, you will be able to skate with your hands, at your side and in any other positions you want. - It's fun :D learning how you can change! - Start like others here have taught you, and remember always Iceskating is fun, only fun... :D
.

So my arms are not spread out like I would normally have them for balance......like an airplane,right?

[dbny]

So my arms are not spread out like I would normally have them for balance......like an airplane,right?

Right - NOT like an airplane. Airplane arms are for skaters who already have very good balance and control. Beginners should keep their arms lower and more in front. Some coaches teach airplane arms right away - but those are usually the very talented ones who do not remember learning to skate themselves :lol:.

[FSWer]

Right - NOT like an airplane. Airplane arms are for skaters who already have very good balance and control. Beginners should keep their arms lower and more in front. Some coaches teach airplane arms right away - but those are usually the very talented ones who do not remember learning to skate themselves :lol:.


Thanks. BTW. can someone please explain why,and how it's possible for skaters to stay balanced with arms in front? When people have always been taught as kids to spread their arms out like a scale?

[Skittl1321]

Thanks. BTW. can someone please explain why,and how it's possible for skaters to stay balanced with arms in front? When people have always been taught as kids to spread their arms out like a scale?

Just in case you are a bit confused Your arms should not be shoulder level out in front of you like this ||, they should be mid-torso level like this \/ - and they should be wider than your shoulders.

The reason this is better for balance is that it lowers your center of gravity. If your arms are by your side, your center of gravity is about at the middle of your body- but it's really hard to skate with your arms flat by your side, which is why you have to hold your arms out. Holding the out like an airplane raises your center of gravity, because now more of your body weight is above the middle of your body. By holding them slightly in front of you and a little bit lower (like resting on a table top, or pushing a shopping cart) the center of gravity is more where your natural one is.

It's a physics thing- my explanation may not even be totally correct. Why it works is very complicated, but it does work.

[FSWer]

COOL!!!!! Thanks Jessi. Your one of the best!!!!! So put my hands down to like...knee hight?

[Clarice]

No, not quite that low. More like waist height. Like Jessi said, pretend you're pushing a shopping cart - that should do the trick.

[FSWer]

Well people!!! Just went for another afternoon at the Rink. I got there a little before 12:30.Knocked on the Main Office window to get help to get someone at the Desk so I could register myself into Public Skate.Then went in and put on my skates. We started out with just me and one other girl (Christine,) on the ice,and wound up with 7 skaters. I once again went over to try my hand at putting on music. I had to ask for help again. But unfortunatly there were no CD's to use. Only some that Christine believed were left over from competitions. Or at least Freestyle Practice (the ones with maybe just one sonng on the whole Disk). BTW. for the future,does anyone know if you can use those for a Public Skate if the're just lying there? So we had to settle for just skating to the Radio..."yeah I know. LOL,it's awful hard to skate to the Radio. Unless you can find the right station,LOL. I practiced trying a 2-foot Glide,and also tried putting my leg up at the same time with my thumbs near my belly-botton like we talked about. But could get the speed or figure out how you keep Gliding on the switch-over from 2 feet to 1 without stopping. As I find myself always stopping between moves. So I know I'm doing something wrong. I asked this girl Christine (actually,I'm not really sure how she spells her name),and she showed me her Spiral.I asked her how you keep Gliding,etc. and the advice she gave me too was that it really isn't best to try anything like that until you can get your feet off the ground,and to pratice first holding the wall. Maybe what I SHOULD have asked her too was what is the best way to START yourself leaving the wall when doing that once you yourself feel confedent. So you don't get used to hanging onto a wall from just praticing. After Public Skate I went to check about Skate sharpening. It's $5.00 to sharpen. Which isn't bad. Also just to let my fellow Skaters know...Newington Arena Pro-Shop to reopen soon!!! Date still to come. Next report next week. But for now..this is FSWer signing off!!!!! LOL.

[FSWer]

Well people!!! Here I'm back from the Rink again with todays report!!! So here we go!! I got to the Rink a little after 12:30pm.Registered at the Desk,and went in to put on my skates. We had about (from what I can remember)..8 skaters. One of them had her I-pod on. So we were skating to that. I was skating a lot faster today on my marching steps. After of course getting my speed. I also practiced trying to do a glide with 1 skate in front of the other (whatever that kind of glide is called. Were you put the back of 1 skate in front of the toe of the other,and keep gliding like that).Somebody please let me know what I'm doing wrong. As I just at this time end up turning whenever trying to do it. Because I always wind up with 1 skate along side the other near the toe. So I'm guessing I have found the correct way to do a turn. But I'm not sure. But anyway, even a Novice Learn to Skate skater should be able to do it easily,right? I also tryed skating backward,and I CAN move backward. But somebody please tell me how to put the speed on it. Though,I COULD just be walking backward real easy. LOL. I also found out from Newington Arena that they do hold Competitions/Shows. So if anyone can possibly please track down the direct link to their on-line Competion/Show schedule. Any help would be appreciated. Also any other aditional info. about them would be great too.Also does anyone know if Heather or any other sites like Skateweb have access to Newington's schedule? Thanks. Next Report next week.

[FSWer]

Well my fellow On Ice Skaters!!! Here I am...once again with my report...and I must say that I truely look forward to posting my Reports for you all,every time I get back from the Rink...and I surely have a lot of fun doing it. So without further adue..here is todays Report. I got dropped off at the Rink at about 12:35. A little after Public Skate started. I went in to register at the Desk with my passes,and went in to put on my skates. They also had a bunch of people watching a video of some skaters on a TV. on the wall in the Lobby. Come to find out from one of the other skaters in Public Skate,that the 1964 Olypic Gold Medalist in Pairs (I am not really sure who they were. As it was too long ago,for me. Being born in 67) were there to coach a Freestyle session. So if anyone can please identify to me who the Pair was I might have seen,I would really appreciate it. Anyway,we had about 6-7 skaters in Public Skate today. Including a little 4 year old Girl taking lessons,with it being her first time skating and I myself report to have done very well indeed. I am getting better at putting speed on my skating,as well as keeping myself from falling. I only fell once today. With only falling on the pams of my hands before that. I must also say that I give myself credit for how well I did at trying something new.Today fokes,I actually...for the first time...if I'm not mistaken to how I did it....skated on an Outside Edge!!!!Though, I'm not sure if I did it right...But,LOL,I think I got the RIGHT idea. LOL. One thing I notice though... is that I can't really figure out what MAKES the difference in the Outside or Inside Edge. I always thought it had just something to do with weather or not you lean left or right. With the OUTER part of the Blade going out for an Outside Edge. For ex. today I leaned to my LEFT. With the OUTER part of my left blade facing the ice,and the INNER part of my right Blade facing me. But if you lean RIGHT with the inner part of the LEFT blade facing YOU,and the outer part of the RIGHT Blade facing the ice, then all I would think your really doing is doing an Outside Edge on your RIGHT Blade. So I'm LOL,a little confused on what makes the difference between the Inside and Outside Edge. I tried to asked a skater,and have her confurm it. But she herself doesn't know them yet. As she herself is still taking lesons. So if anyone can please help me understand better,I would really appreciate it.I am also getting way better at my gliding in to the Boards off ice. So that's my Report for today. Please check back next week, as well as often for my updated Reports.Thanks.

[Clarice]

The 1964 Olympic gold medalists in pairs were Ludmila and Oleg Protopopov. They are a very famous team, and were especially known for their death spirals. They are quite old now, but still perform on occasion. If you saw them, you were quite privileged indeed!

As far as your edges go, it sounds like you have a pretty good idea of how they work. The inside edges are the ones "facing you", as you put it, and the outside ones are the ones "facing the ice". On my right foot, the outside edge is on the right side of my foot, and the inside edge is on the left side. On my left foot, the outside edge is on the left side of my foot and the inside edge is on the right. If I stand with my feet together, the two inside edges are next to each other.

You're right, in that the way you get on one edge or the other is by leaning. If you're gliding on two feet and you lean to the right, so your glide curves to the right, your right foot will be on an outside edge and your left foot will be on an inside edge. If you glide on two feet and lean to the left, so you curve to the left, your left foot is now on an outside edge and your right foot is on an inside edge. Does that make sense?

[FSWer]

The 1964 Olympic gold medalists in pairs were Ludmila and Oleg Protopopov. They are a very famous team, and were especially known for their death spirals. They are quite old now, but still perform on occasion. If you saw them, you were quite privileged indeed!

As far as your edges go, it sounds like you have a pretty good idea of how they work. The inside edges are the ones "facing you", as you put it, and the outside ones are the ones "facing the ice". On my right foot, the outside edge is on the right side of my foot, and the inside edge is on the left side. On my left foot, the outside edge is on the left side of my foot and the inside edge is on the right. If I stand with my feet together, the two inside edges are next to each other.

You're right, in that the way you get on one edge or the other is by leaning. If you're gliding on two feet and you lean to the right, so your glide curves to the right, your right foot will be on an outside edge and your left foot will be on an inside edge. If you glide on two feet and lean to the left, so you curve to the left, your left foot is now on an outside edge and your right foot is on an inside edge. Does that make sense?


So,how can I tell if I'm doing an Outside or Inside Edge? BTW. YEAH!!!!! It is even COOLER that Newington was PICKED by them to do their work. If they had not been in the Red Rink already after I got off the ice. I could have gotten an autograth,and it finally would have happened. That I at least met Retired skaters.

[winziped]

cool report , i hope that be better recongnizing the edges , are very important as important as know how to fall

[Clarice]

So,how can I tell if I'm doing an Outside or Inside Edge?

If you're gliding on flats, you'll go in a straight line. If you're gliding on an edge, you'll go on a curve.

If the left foot curves to the left, it's a left outside edge.
If the left foot curves to the right, it's a left inside edge.
If the right foot curves to the left, it's a right inside edge.
If the right foot curves to the right, it's a right outside edge.

You still do most of your gliding on two feet, so you're using two edges at the same time, one on each foot.

If you curve to the left, you're using your left outside and right inside edges.
If you curve to the right, you're using your right outside and left inside edges.

You get the different edges by leaning one way or the other. Make sense?

[Isk8NYC]

FSWer, lots of skaters get confused about inside and outside edges.

Think about which side of your foot is leaning. Stand on the inside (insole) part of your feet - those are your inside edges. Stand on the outside part of your feet and those are your outside edges.

If you're skating on your left foot, and you're leaning towards your pinky toe, you're on the Left Outside (LO) edge. The blade's curve makes you skate to the left.

Skating on your right foot, leaning towards the big toe, you're on an Right Inside (RI) edge. The blade's curve makes you skate to the left.

If you're going straight, you're on both edges. The other term for this is "skating on flats."


Sounds like you had a great skate! Thanks for keeping us posted - we like to hear your rink reports.

[Clarice]

I like the way Isk8NYC explained this using your big toe and your pinky toe. There's a mistake in one of her directions though - when she says you're skating on your left foot and leaning towards your pinky toe, and you're on a Left Outside edge, the blade's curve will make you skate to the LEFT, not the right.

On either foot: If you're leaning towards your pinky toe, it will make an outside edge and you'll skate in the same direction as that foot. A Left Outside edge goes to the Left, and a Right Outside edge goes to the Right. If you're leaning towards your big toe, it will make an inside edge and you'll skate in the opposite direction of that foot. A Left Inside edge goes to the Right, and a Right Inside edge goes to the Left.

I know it gets a little confusing! Try it out on the ice and see if you can figure it out.

[Isk8NYC]

Fixed it! thanks. (Copy and paste always catches me)

[blue111moon]

One of the ways I explain edges to really little kids: Put one blade on the hockey circle and push and slide around the circle. If most of your body is outside the hockey circle, you're on an outside edge. If most of your body is inside the circle, then you're on an inside edge.

[Clarice]

One of the ways I explain edges to really little kids: Put one blade on the hockey circle and push and slide around the circle. If most of your body is outside the hockey circle, you're on an outside edge. If most of your body is inside the circle, then you're on an inside edge.

Yeah, I use something like this, too. When the kids are learning their edges by doing one foot glides around the circle, I have them pay attention to where their free foot is. If the free foot is outside the circle, they're on an outside edge; if the free foot is inside the circle, they're on an inside edge.

[FSWer]

If you're gliding on flats, you'll go in a straight line. If you're gliding on an edge, you'll go on a curve.

If the left foot curves to the left, it's a left outside edge.
If the left foot curves to the right, it's a left inside edge.
If the right foot curves to the left, it's a right inside edge.
If the right foot curves to the right, it's a right outside edge.

You still do most of your gliding on two feet, so you're using two edges at the same time, one on each foot.

If you curve to the left, you're using your left outside and right inside edges.
If you curve to the right, you're using your right outside and left inside edges.

You get the different edges by leaning one way or the other. Make sense?


Ok,what are my Flatts? Is that just another word for standing right up on my Blades?

[Clarice]

Ok,what are my Flatts? Is that just another word for standing right up on my Blades?

Exactly right. If you're "on the flats" that means you're standing straight up on your blades and both edges are touching the ice at the same time. You'll skate in a straight line.

[FSWer]

FSWer, lots of skaters get confused about inside and outside edges.

Think about which side of your foot is leaning. Stand on the inside (insole) part of your feet - those are your inside edges. Stand on the outside part of your feet and those are your outside edges.

If you're skating on your left foot, and you're leaning towards your pinky toe, you're on the Left Outside (LO) edge. The blade's curve makes you skate to the left.

Skating on your right foot, leaning towards the big toe, you're on an Right Inside (RI) edge. The blade's curve makes you skate to the left.

If you're going straight, you're on both edges. The other term for this is "skating on flats."


Sounds like you had a great skate! Thanks for keeping us posted - we like to hear your rink reports.


HEY!!!!!! MY PLEASURE!!!!!!! I LOVE to do this!!! After all......you guys were the ones that REALLY MOSTLY helped me out!!! I keep your advice in mind when I go,and I trust you ALL!!!!!! Anyway,back to what I was asking. So the difference in Edges is ALL in which way your Blade ends up turning it'self when YOU turn,right? BTW. am I right at saying Edges are for turning corners when you go around a Rink?

[blue111moon]

When you're on an edge you are moving on a curve. It helps on the corners but it's not the only place in a rink you can use them. You can ride edges around the hockey circles, or you can do alternating edges (changing feet every half-circle) down one of the blue or red lines. Or you can do figures (eight-shapes) in the middle of the ice.

Edges = curves. When you lean on an edge, the blade rides in a circle because of the way it's made and your body goes with it (hopefully).

[FSWer]

The 1964 Olympic gold medalists in pairs were Ludmila and Oleg Protopopov. They are a very famous team, and were especially known for their death spirals. They are quite old now, but still perform on occasion. If you saw them, you were quite privileged indeed!

As far as your edges go, it sounds like you have a pretty good idea of how they work. The inside edges are the ones "facing you", as you put it, and the outside ones are the ones "facing the ice". On my right foot, the outside edge is on the right side of my foot, and the inside edge is on the left side. On my left foot, the outside edge is on the left side of my foot and the inside edge is on the right. If I stand with my feet together, the two inside edges are next to each other.

You're right, in that the way you get on one edge or the other is by leaning. If you're gliding on two feet and you lean to the right, so your glide curves to the right, your right foot will be on an outside edge and your left foot will be on an inside edge. If you glide on two feet and lean to the left, so you curve to the left, your left foot is now on an outside edge and your right foot is on an inside edge. Does that make sense?

sAY,BTW. Does anyone have a copy of the 1964 Olympic Figure Skating Competition they can send me?

[FSWer]

Well fellow Skaters!!! I just got back from Newington Ice Arena this afternoon...so here is todays...Rink Report!!!!!..and..it is another good one!!!!! I got to the Rink a little after 12:30.Almost 15min. after the start of Public Skate. I registered with my Passes at the Desk,and went in to dawn my skates. Today I practiced my Edges again,and praticed going around the Rink Corners ON my Edges. I DID fall on the first couple of tries. But I finally got the hang of it,and was turning the corners easy. After the Girl (Christine) that I made friends with, pointed out that my skates needed to be tided tighter and EVEN came over and offered to HELP me TIE them. As well as pointing out that when SHE ties HER laces,she goes DOWN before going in the hooks,and I go UP.In which after my reply to her was "Thanks a BUNCH Christines!!" She has really been a BIG HELP to me. She HERSELF is taking lessons. But I must say that she in my opinon anyway is a VERY advanced Skater already!!! Then again,I don't remember if she ever told me how long she's ben Skating. I must say too,that I THINK I figured out how to control and make a turn. I had to spread my arms out,and turn them too. BTW. Christine and I were kinda talking,and this question came to mind to ask on a Board...and that is..does anyone know why skaters don't hurt their ankles or trist them,etc. when going on Edges? That is if it's true they don't. I also met a little 10 year old girl and skated with her. I asked her if she wanted to skate and we both skated hand and hand. 1 hand holding the other. She had an American Girl Doll.So I didn't get to try what I wanted to try. I felt like asking her if she wanted to skate like we were Ice-Dancers. LOL. It would have been fun!!! I'd love to do that. So that is todays Rink Report!!!! Next Report sometime next month. As I still need to get the Dates I go.

[FSWer]

Well,my fellow Skaters...Today I must admit is one of the most unusual days, and Reports ever. As it turned out that there was NO Public Skate scheduled when I got down there. Even though my Supervior (from what I believe)...DID call the Rink. So I belive it must have been a last min. change with Hockey. As 2 Hockey Games were going on in both Rinks.The Girl I spoke to told me that there was no Sun. Public Skate for the month of Sept. and said she was also uncurtain about the Schedule for Oct. So I just ate. at also took the advantage to go in the Pro.-Shop and get my Skates sharpened. So...FSWer had his FIRST SKATE SHARPENING TODAY!!!!! I must say that I'm real proud of myself. As I've never had it done before!!! So that's my report. I am also schedled to go on the 27th. But only time will tell on that. LOL. Please check beck again for my next report.

[Skittl1321]

congratulations on the skate sharpening!

You should know that it's sometimes difficult to stop on newly sharpened blades. Be extra careful the next time you go skating!

[FSWer]

congratulations on the skate sharpening!

You should know that it's sometimes difficult to stop on newly sharpened blades. Be extra careful the next time you go skating!

Thank you Jessi.I will.

[caffn8me]

Good luck with the newly sharpened blades. They can feel quite different to blunt ones!

I was considering getting mine sharpened today but decided I didn't have enough time. I was at Incredible Ice (http://www.incredibleice.com) in Coral Springs, Florida for a public session which was lovely. Just five on the ice - two coaches, two pupils and me :)

Sarah

[FSWer]

I also just want to say that it wasn't much to get my skates sharpened when I did it. Just $5.00. The guy told me that for me since I skate about 2-4 times a month. That a once a month sharpening is what I'd need. Does that sound right? BTW. I found out there is no Sun. Public Skate through the month of Nov. at Newington. I am going to call back around Thanksgiving. I hope to have better luck.

[caffn8me]

I also just want to say that it wasn't much to get my skates sharpened when I did it. Just $5.00. The guy told me that for me since I skate about 2-4 times a month. That a once a month sharpening is what I'd need. Does that sound right? BTW. I found out there is no Sun. Public Skate through the month of Nov. at Newington. I am going to call back around Thanksgiving. I hope to have better luck.That really doesn't sound right at all. I skate on average three times a week, three hours each time and sharpen my blades once every 6 weeks or so. They certainly need doing at the end of six weeks but they don't need doing much earlier than that. Decent quality blades should last about 50 hours of skating between sharpenings. There's no way you're doing that if you only skate 2-4 times a month. Really poor quality blades with softer steel may only last 20 hours of skating. I am very careful that as soon as I get off the ice my blade guards go on. I don't even like walking on the rink's rubber matting without guards. That helps my blades last longer between sharpenings.

Good luck!

Sarah

[Clarice]

Once a month is way too much for the amount of time you skate, Dana. Mine get sharpened every two months, and I skate nearly every day. You could easily get away with having it done once or twice a year, if you take good care of your blades, as I know you do.

[FSWer]

Once a month is way too much for the amount of time you skate, Dana. Mine get sharpened every two months, and I skate nearly every day. You could easily get away with having it done once or twice a year, if you take good care of your blades, as I know you do.


Would every 6 months be ok for me?

[Clarice]

Yes, I think once every 6 months would work. The exception would be if you accidentally stepped on something hard and got a big nick on your blade or something. Then you would want to have your skates sharpened to smooth your edges out again. But if you're careful about wearing your guards when you're walking around on the floor, every 6 months should be fine.

[FSWer]

Yes, I think once every 6 months would work. The exception would be if you accidentally stepped on something hard and got a big nick on your blade or something. Then you would want to have your skates sharpened to smooth your edges out again. But if you're careful about wearing your guards when you're walking around on the floor, every 6 months should be fine.

Ok. Thank you Clarice. I just got them done last month. So I can get them done in March. Thanks a BUCH!!!!

[FSWer]

Hi fellow skaters!!! Just wanted to report in and say that I have to call my Rink around Thanksgiving to get the Public Skate Schedule for Dec. As I've been off- ice due to Hockey. So hopefully I'll be back on-ice and back here again son with more Rink Reports. Thanks.

[FSWer]

Ok fellow Skaters!! This is going to be a hard one to type. But I need some people to tell about this..so here it goes. I am still off the ice, due to my Rink changing their Public Skate Times...as well as complications and circumstances beyond my control (sorry if I spelled those words wrong,maybe someone can fix my spelling). I'm not sure if I should really explain what's happening on a Board. But if anyone feels like they can help me please PM. me,and I will tell you what's happening. We are working on it. But nothing official yet. So anyway..when,and (IF) I ever get back on the ice I'll have more Rink Reports. TTFN.

[FSWer]

FSWer - any chance to get to the rink lately?

LOL,I am still trying to get to the Rink on the schedule they have NOW.

[FSWer]

Dana - also, make sure the towel you have your skates wrapped up in isn't damp. You want everything to be as dry as possible in between those times you go skating. So maybe just dry everything off, put the skates in the bag but not wrapped in the towel, and you should be fine!!

And good job remembering about those blade guards. I used to forget and sure enough my blades got rusty.

Hi guys. I have just been switching to a brand-new set of dry towels every time I store my skates. To keep them dry all-around and so my blades won't poke my bag. When I return I just put the towels my skates were wrapped up in,in the wash and rewrap my skate with fully dry towels. Is that ok?

[phoenix]

Hi guys. I have just been switching to a brand-new set of dry towels every time I store my skates. To keep them dry all-around and so my blades won't poke my bag. When I return I just put the towels my skates were wrapped up in,in the wash and rewrap my skate with fully dry towels. Is that ok?

Yep, that's perfect.

Have you been able to finds any solutions to your problem so you can get to skate again?

[FSWer]

Yep, that's perfect.

Have you been able to finds any solutions to your problem so you can get to skate again?

Thanks. I dry the WHOLE skate (both) when I get off ice. Rewrap both in the same 2 towels I bought (1 skate per towel). Then put those in the laundry when I get back,and rewrap my skates on the floor with 2 new ones. The whole skate boot and all (1 towel per skate). Still working on getting back.

[FSWer]

HEY FELLOW SKATERS!!!! If things go well and nothing happens...I return to the Rink Jan.,24th!!!!

[FSWer]

I go to the Rink tomorrow my friends!!! Please watch for my Report!!!

[FSWer]

Well my fellow Skaters!!! I just got back on the ice again today at Newington Arena!!! So here is my first Report of 2010...I got to the Rink at about 3:45pm. (for an evening skate). I went to register at the Desk with my Skate Passes,and had my hand stamped. (I guess there doing that now as something new). I then went to get something to drink at the Food Court. As I had a little time. Hockey Games were going on in BOTH Rinks. But Public Skate got one Rink at 4:10pm. (We were in the Red Rink today. Rather then the Blue that we nomally use). I sat down and put on my skates in the Lobby today while waiting to go in. Talk about a mistake. I am NEVER doing THAT again. As I DID put my Gaurds on...but all they did was keep coming off. So I had to walk the few feet it was from the Bench to Rinkside in the Rink with no Gaurds on (so can someone here tell me if they've ever had to do that before,and is doing that just that little bit every one in a while enough to hurt your blades)? Talk about being the worlds WORST Skategaurd inserter!!! I can never get them on tight enough to keep them from falling of when I begin to walk. I also lost one of my sliders today on one. Which makes one useless now. Maybe the other kind would be better for me. The kind with the springs that the famous Skaters use that just adjust to the blade. Anyone here know were I can get them and for how much? BTW. Fokes!!!! NEWINGTON ARENA Pro-Shop is now offically OPEN AGAIN!!!! I asked the guy there as well as looked,and unless HE didn't know what I was asking for. Or I didn't know what to look for myself. In which case I could have seen them and didn't know it. They didn't have them. Well anyway...to on the ice. After I got in. Me and about over 30 skaters were waiting while the Zomboni smoothed the ice from after the Game for us. We went on,and Public went until 5:30. Thee were too many skaters to try any of my tricks I had been doing. So I really don't have any to report. I must say though that I DID get knocked over by another Skater. I am presuming it was a Backward Skater. As a LOT of them were going Backward. But then I didn't take notice. I am also hoping that my laces were tide tight enough. I didn't feel to different. So I guess they were ok. A girl a Public Skate did tell me that SHE ties HER skates going DOWN,rather then UP. Which is why they get tighter for her. But she never actually showed me HOW you go down when tying your laces. If there's anyone here who can explain that more clearly to me. So I can learn how to do it,I would really appreciate it. I also saw a girl on the ice taking pics. I must say that you must have to be a VERY GOOD skater and be able to trust yourself not to fall or even get knocked over doing that. Or...guess what? LOL. At least nobody had a BABY in their arms pretending to do Pairs with one and that's all that counts. LOL. After Public Skate I went to the Food Court,got a Cheeseburger,picked up 13 free..that is free copies of Figure Skating Magazines.12 of which WERE intiled "SKATING"...and then went home. Unless something happens.....next Report next week. TTFN. LOL.

[phoenix]

Hooray! I'm glad you're able to go skating again.

If the floors are covered with a sort of rubber covering, then it's okay to walk on that without your guards on. Just not on bare concrete, tile, anything that's a hard surface. Most rinks use the rubber flooring so that we can walk around without having to put guards on every single time.

The guards with the springs in the middle are like this:
http://www.icesk8.com/universl.htm

You could maybe print out the picture & bring it in to the pro shop to show the guy there what you're looking for.

[FSWer]

Hooray! I'm glad you're able to go skating again.

If the floors are covered with a sort of rubber covering, then it's okay to walk on that without your guards on. Just not on bare concrete, tile, anything that's a hard surface. Most rinks use the rubber flooring so that we can walk around without having to put guards on every single time.

The guards with the springs in the middle are like this:
http://www.icesk8.com/universl.htm

You could maybe print out the picture & bring it in to the pro shop to show the guy there what you're looking for.

What about on rugs which is what the Lobby of my Rink is. BTW. do you have to bring skates in and get the right size Gaurd when using those? Or are the 1 size fits all? No matter if it's a kids or Adult skate? As the ones (I think if they were them) looked alfully small. Like they wouldn't fit the blade. LOL, BTW. no one has figured out yet at my Rink,that I get all...if not most of my help from friendly skatingforums friends. I invite any of you to come skate with me at a Public Skate.

[phoenix]

When you buy them they're in 4 pieces in the bag, so they look really small. You connect 2 pieces together w/ the spring to make one complete blade guard.

About the fit: my skate shop checks your skates & then cuts the guards to make them fit, so yes, you should bring your skates in with you.

[FSWer]

When you buy them they're in 4 pieces in the bag, so they look really small. You connect 2 pieces together w/ the spring to make one complete blade guard.

About the fit: my skate shop checks your skates & then cuts the guards to make them fit, so yes, you should bring your skates in with you.

Ok. So it may HAVE been them I saw. As there WERE 4 that I thought were just 1 Gaurd each. What would we say there made of,and are the springs good quality btw.? I was also wondering if they last,and if all skates are ment to take them. How do they attach btw.?

[Clarice]

They're made of a rubbery kind of plastic, and the springs are quite strong. I've never worn out a pair, although I have changed them from time to time just to get different colors! They can be made to fit your skates - as phoenix said, your skate shop should be able to put them together for you so they fit your blades.

[FSWer]

They're made of a rubbery kind of plastic, and the springs are quite strong. I've never worn out a pair, although I have changed them from time to time just to get different colors! They can be made to fit your skates - as phoenix said, your skate shop should be able to put them together for you so they fit your blades.

Ok,thanks. Is the plasic it'self a good quality and very strong? Also if indeed the ones I saw were them. They were $10.00. Is the fitting and cutting included in the price? Along with tax?

[blue111moon]

The plastic is strong and meant to be walked on. The $10 should include the fitting but most adult blades are big enough so the guards don't have to be cut to fit them. Tax is NOT included in the $10 since it has to be paid to the state.

Have the shop check to see if the guards will fit your blades. They are meant for figure skate blades to protect the toe picks and the heel as well as the edges. Hockey or speed skate blades might not work with the two-piece guards.

[FSWer]

The plastic is strong and meant to be walked on. The $10 should include the fitting but most adult blades are big enough so the guards don't have to be cut to fit them. Tax is NOT included in the $10 since it has to be paid to the state.

Have the shop check to see if the guards will fit your blades. They are meant for figure skate blades to protect the toe picks and the heel as well as the edges. Hockey or speed skate blades might not work with the two-piece guards.

What about the other way around? Since mine are Figure Skates. Are springGaurds,SpringGaurds for Figure Skate Blades? Would I have to make sure that I don't pick up Hockey SpringGaurds? About how much are they with tax? Maybe a skater there can help me pick them out.

[Clarice]

The kind of guard with springs in the middle is for figure skates, not hockey skates. You can't buy the wrong kind accidentally because there only is one kind. Honestly, I don't think I've ever seen hockey players using guards. I have no idea what kind they would use.

[Mrs Redboots]

The kind of guard with springs in the middle is for figure skates, not hockey skates. You can't buy the wrong kind accidentally because there only is one kind. Honestly, I don't think I've ever seen hockey players using guards. I have no idea what kind they would use.

They do exist, but are the one-piece kind with the plastic loop on the back, rather like those for figure skates, only just slightly different. Don't know whether anybody uses them, though!

[FSWer]

They do exist, but are the one-piece kind with the plastic loop on the back, rather like those for figure skates, only just slightly different. Don't know whether anybody uses them, though!

Ok,now...when I buy them.Will it say Figure Skate Gaurds right on the package? Or just Skate Gaurds? Also,does anyone know if you can get anything to store them in? Forgive me for asking so many questions. But I've never had or bought them before....so I need help. Those are the ones we see famous skaters using,right? BTW. how do the go on the blade?

[Clarice]

Don't worry about what it says on the package. Look at the pictures in the link phoenix sent you. If the pieces in the package look like that, you have the right thing. The link she sent is for a company called Guardog. That's a pretty common brand, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if that's what your skate shop has in stock. If you have questions, just ask the sales person.

You don't need anything special to store them in. You just put them in your skate bag along with your skates.

Putting them on is pretty easy. You just slip one end of the guard over one end of your blade, then stretch the guard (that's what the spring is for) over the other end of your blade. If they're fitted properly, they'll just stay on by themselves. Ask the sales person at your skate shop to put them together for you. You'll need to have your skates with you, because they'll fit the guards to your blades.

[Mrs Redboots]

Ok,now...when I buy them.Will it say Figure Skate Gaurds right on the package? Or just Skate Gaurds? Also,does anyone know if you can get anything to store them in? Forgive me for asking so many questions. But I've never had or bought them before....so I need help. Those are the ones we see famous skaters using,right? BTW. how do the go on the blade?

If in doubt, ask the person in the shop to help you. And when you have bought them, get your teacher to show you how to put them on. It is fairly self-evident.

[FSWer]

Don't worry about what it says on the package. Look at the pictures in the link phoenix sent you. If the pieces in the package look like that, you have the right thing. The link she sent is for a company called Guardog. That's a pretty common brand, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if that's what your skate shop has in stock. If you have questions, just ask the sales person.

You don't need anything special to store them in. You just put them in your skate bag along with your skates.

Putting them on is pretty easy. You just slip one end of the guard over one end of your blade, then stretch the guard (that's what the spring is for) over the other end of your blade. If they're fitted properly, they'll just stay on by themselves. Ask the sales person at your skate shop to put them together for you. You'll need to have your skates with you, because they'll fit the guards to your blades.

Thanks a BUNCH EVERYONE!!!! You've helped me out a lot!!! BTW. if a Rink specailizes more in Hockey like mine does. But does both. Should I still be able to find them in their shop? BTW. how much would I ned to pay for them altogether tax and all? Also,are they easy to put on?

[Clarice]

I don't know how to figure tax, so I can't tell you exactly. Where I shop, they cost $9.95 without tax. Any skate shop should have them, or will know how to get them. I think they're easy to put on.

While I was looking up this information, I also saw a picture of hockey guards on the web site, so now I know what they are. I still don't think I've ever seen a hockey player actually using them!

[FSWer]

BTW. fellow skaters. My coaches name was Caitlyn Pulling. Does anyone reconize the name? She was a Pairs Skater.

[Mrs Redboots]

Are you really sure your coach doesn't mind your posting her real name on a public forum?

[FSWer]

Are you really sure your coach doesn't mind your posting her real name on a public forum?

ummmm,I see your point Mrs. Redboots. She may,and may not. I was just wondering if anyone reconizes her name. As she was a Pairs Skater.

[FSWer]

Well people!!!! Here I am again...back from the Rink with todays Report for my fellow On-Ice-Skaters. I got to the Rink a little before 4:00. I went in and registered at the Desk with my Skate Passes and had my hand stamped. My staff wanted to stay to watch me skate. So with the time we had before Public Skate (at 4:10) we went into the Skate Shop,and (I just want to make an annoucement today and say that).. FSWer has just gotten his first Pair of real Professional Skate Gaurds...with Springs!!! They were $10.00 even. She was able to put them together. As she had some herself. Good thing too. As it turned out the guy in the shop was no help at all. We also believe tax was included. I then went on the ice until 5:30pm. There was a good crowd of skaters. Over 30 I believe!!!! I practiced Gliding with my foot in front of the other. As well as my Edges. I also tried jumping on 2 feet. But fell. LOL. I also believe that there may have been a nitch in the ice that people couldn't see. In which case my toe-pick kept nitching it and causing me to fall. Either that,or my toe-pick was just nitching the ice. After Public Skate,we went to the Food Court had something to eat (I treated), I got a couple more Skating Magazines for free. Then I came home. Next Report next week. TTFN.

[Clarice]

That's cool your staff was able to stay and watch, FSWer! It's fun to show off a little when you know people are watching, isn't it? What color are your new skate guards? Mine are kind of a turquoise blue.

[FSWer]

They are white. Oh...btw. the gaurds only go together into whole when there off the blade.

[FSWer]

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYONE!!!!..Here is todays On Ice Skater Report!!!! I got to the Rink a little before 4:00. Public Skate begain at 4:10. So I put on my skates and I must also say along with that,that I also put my Skategaurds on all by myself today!!! I feel really proud of myself. I went in and the Zambonnis (there were 2) were just finishing up smoothing the ice. I sat down and took off my Gaurds and waited for them to clear the ice. Other skaters came in little by little,and I must say we wound-up with a good crowd. I think about 30 or more. But I'm not sure. I skated really well today. I tried a jump of of a little bit of speed. But didn't really get as high as I hope to someday. If it is ever possible for someone like me to do so. I also practiced my edges and some of my speed. As well as gliding toe to heal, skating while squauting down,as well as what I believe was a 2-foot Spin. I was just spreading my arms out,and turning around on my Blades flat on the ice. I got myself to turn quicker. But I wasn't sure if I was really SPINNING, VS. just turning around fast. I was kinda thinking maybe what I need to do is lift my heals up to spin right. Can someone tell me if I am correct? Also can anyone please explain how you get your arms to effect your spinning when you bring them into your chest,and why that happens,rather then it just being a replacement of your arms? I've always wondered that. I also feel a couple of times. LOL. One of which DID make my back sour a bit. But HECK!!! I always tell myself...I'm a trooper..and it's ALL PART of being a Skater. LOL. After that I got off the ice a little before 5:30. Then went home. Next Report next week.

[FSWer]

Ok my fellow Skaters!!! Here is todays Report. I got to the Rink a little after 4:10,when Public Skate started (yes my staff got lost. As another staff gave the wrong directions and Exit to them). I went in and registered at the Desk with my Skate-Passes,and had my hand stamped. They took me right away,as there was a long line to the Door. I went in to put on my skates (we have been in the Red Rink lately). I also seem to think that Public Skate it'self started late. As everyone going to it was going into the Rink at the same time as me,and nobody was already on-ice. We all got on the ice. My staff stayed. As it would have been time to go anyway,by the time they came back. I myself skated very well today. With a Report of only 2 falls and good find of balance. I practiced my 2- Foot Spin (or at least I BELIEVE I was doing one). As I THINK I've figured out how to do it!! I put the heal of my Left Skate along side my other, almost to the toe,and found myself spinning a little easier and faster, then I would have,had my blades been side to side. So I must have been doing SOMETHING right. If it WASN'T a 2-FOOT Spin. It was indeed A Spin. Can someone please conferm how correct I was? Also,when I went to do it,I felt like I was going to fall off balance along with feeling preasure in my leg. Is that supposed to happen? Or is it just because I'm not used to it yet? I also still have to figure out too, how to START the speed on my Spin. I know you bring your arms in to your body to MAINTAIN speed,and go faster. But how do you find your natual max. speed (up to how how fast you can go to begin with)? We Also had a really great crowd there again today. Over 30-40 Skaters estemate (I hope I spelled that right). There was also a Birthday Party on the far end marked off by cones. So again thank god no one was carrying a BABY on the ice today!!!! Someone who sees me in my store was also there with her GrandDaughter. She was surprised to see me. I also bought a couple of CD's from home to (if I was lucky) put in for music for all Skaters. But never got the chance to. At 5:30 we all got off the ice,I went to the Food-Court to get something to take on the run home. Then went. Next Report next month when I go. As I don't have my Dates yet.

[FSWer]

Ok my fellow Skaters!!!!! Here is todays Public Skate Report...and I'm proud to say..like ALL of my Reports,LOL....that it is INDEED another good one. So here it goes...I got to the Rink a little before 4:00PM. As Public Skate Started at 4:10pm. My Staff dropped me off. I went as always to register at the Front Desk with my Skate Passes,and had my hand stamped. I put on my skates,tied them up,and put my Skate Gaurds on. So I would be ready to go into the Rink. (we have been in the Red Rink. As from what I found out from another Skater. They themselves believe the Blue Rink that we used to use is now being used for Hockey,Learn to Skate Programs Lessons,etc.). I had a little time before I went into the Rink to skate. So I went into the Pro-Shop and brought an extra pair of Skate Gaurds to keep in my Skatebag. (LOL,I always love trying to be JUST as prepared and good as an actual competitor). I then went in to the Rink with the other Skaters,and took my Gaurds off and waited a min....as the Zamboni was just finishing up the ice. I went on as soon as the Zamboni left with the other Skaters,and it turned out that we all were sharing the Rink with a Birthday Skating Party. Which I admit worked out very well. Although, I ended up a little in the way of them. As they were scatted like the rest of us. Other then that...it worked out well. LOL. A Skater also ended up skating Backward torwards my back were you can't see them,and they can get you by surprise. I know how to stop a Skater skating Backward in FRONT of you were you CAN see them. I have put my hand out before to stop them. So I do fall. But can anyone please tell me what the proper way is to keep yourself from falling, when in a collission with a Backward Skater heading torwards the BACK of you? Were you CAN'T see them? So you can catch yourself off of being surprised? Has this ever happened to any others here? Speaking of skating Backward. A coach at Public Skate also gave me some tips on HOW to skate Backward. He told me about turning your toe in. Which I must admit,I STILL don't understand what he had ment it does. He also pointed out to me that it not only is HARD to do (skate Backward), but it can INDEED make you fall,if you aren't careful. So I practiced it for a few mins. I am going to try again next time I go. I also practiced my 2-Foot Spinning,and my Edges. I also practiced getting up my speed and Gliding with my legs open mid-ice. When you want to skate far on a single Glide. I have not been trying my Spiral. As I can't figure out how to lift my leg mid-ice,and keep balance at the same time. As well as keep from being nervous to fall. LOL. I hope I CAN do it someday though. At 5:25 I got off the ice and went home. The Food Court was closed. So I stopped at Burger King. To take something home. When I got home. I laid my skates out untied to dry natually (I read in "Figure Skating for Dummies" by Kristi Yumaguchi, that she herself says to until your laces all the way down,and let the dry natually. So the leather won't fall apart or crack). I don't know though if all the way down mean taking the laces out of the bottom holes too. Or just down to the last hook. Like I did. I did that while I ate. The seemed dry after. So I wrapped them up in the towels I was drying the on (the pre-dried ones that aren't damp),and just put the back in my Skatebag,and organized it. Next Repot whenever I go again. As I don't have my next date to go. TTFN. my fellow On-Ice-Skaters!!!!! LOL. I love you all.

[Clarice]

Hi, FSWer! Glad you had a good time skating!
If somebody's skating backward into your back, there's no way you can know that they're coming. It's the job of the skater who is skating backwards to look over their shoulder to make sure they don't bump into people. If they're not watching and bump into you, it's their fault. If you're going to be practicing your backward skating, be sure to watch out for people behind you so you don't run into them. Be very careful!
I have Kristi Yamaguchi's book, too! She has some good advice in there. You don't need to take the laces all the way out of the holes to let your boots dry out naturally. You take them off the hooks like you did, and then just have them loosened in the holes. You had to loosen the laces anyway to get your foot out - that's loose enough. You can kind of pull the tongue out a little bit so air can get inside the boot to dry it.
Looking forward to your next report!

[FSWer]

Hi, FSWer! Glad you had a good time skating!
If somebody's skating backward into your back, there's no way you can know that they're coming. It's the job of the skater who is skating backwards to look over their shoulder to make sure they don't bump into people. If they're not watching and bump into you, it's their fault. If you're going to be practicing your backward skating, be sure to watch out for people behind you so you don't run into them. Be very careful!
I have Kristi Yamaguchi's book, too! She has some good advice in there. You don't need to take the laces all the way out of the holes to let your boots dry out naturally. You take them off the hooks like you did, and then just have them loosened in the holes. You had to loosen the laces anyway to get your foot out - that's loose enough. You can kind of pull the tongue out a little bit so air can get inside the boot to dry it.
Looking forward to your next report!

So basicly all I need to do is just untie my laces,and then undo the laces from the HOOKS down to the last one,right? They are already automaticly loose enough near the tough of my boot right? BTW. am I right at saying to use the towels I will wrap them up in to store them in to put them on to dry? Also am I right to be wriping them dry first too?