Ice skating lessons

[LJM1993]

Hi all,

I’m starting private ice skating lessons next week in my mid 20s. Really nervous, I am a beginner. Used to go when I was very young but haven’t skated for years. Any one have any tips or experience? Thanks!

Bend your knees far more than you think you are. Imagine sitting on a dining stair. That kind of knee bend.

Look ahead at where you are going rather than down on the ice. Remember, look at your toes, fall on your nose!

Don't wear anything flappy around the ankles (so no yoga pants or trackie bottoms for example) as you risk the blades from your other foot getting caught. Leggings are good and I promise nobody will be looking at you wearing them as they'll all be concentrating on their own skating.

Actually listen to what your coach tells you and do it. If they tell you to bend your knees more and turn more into the circle, do it, else you wont manage the move.

Dress in layers. Thermal base, top, jumper. Tights maybe under your leggings (depending how thick they are).

Don't wear one pair of thick socks; you will get blisters. Two pairs of thin socks (like you wear with hiking boots) will be better.

Have fun! I've been figure skating for ten years as an adult and have loved every second.

@PsychoSyd

Bend your knees far more than you think you are. Imagine sitting on a dining stair. That kind of knee bend.

Look ahead at where you are going rather than down on the ice. Remember, look at your toes, fall on your nose!

Don't wear anything flappy around the ankles (so no yoga pants or trackie bottoms for example) as you risk the blades from your other foot getting caught. Leggings are good and I promise nobody will be looking at you wearing them as they'll all be concentrating on their own skating.

Actually listen to what your coach tells you and do it. If they tell you to bend your knees more and turn more into the circle, do it, else you wont manage the move.

Dress in layers. Thermal base, top, jumper. Tights maybe under your leggings (depending how thick they are).

Don't wear one pair of thick socks; you will get blisters. Two pairs of thin socks (like you wear with hiking boots) will be better.

Have fun! I've been figure skating for ten years as an adult and have loved every second.

Dining chair! Not stair 🤦‍♀️

Get knee pads and wrist guards in the initial months as you will invariably fall over on the toe pick. wear warm leggings, and layers of clothing. It gets so hot when you work hard. Learn how to fall by crumpling up. Your coach will help you. Have your own boots properly fitted and get ones suitable for your level. Buy bunga pads (gel pads) if you find you are getting rubbed areas. Make sure your blades have been sharpened if they are new as the factory sharp isn't much good. Don't look down at the ice, its not going anywhere. Bend your knees. It's truly terrifying at first, but once you feel that amazing glide across the ice, you will love it

To add to the above and, I appreciate it's far easier said than done but...if you do feel yourself falling just give in to it. If you flail about you'll still fall but it will prob hurt a bit more when you do hit the ice! I used to wear snowboarding padded shorts, and they were a lifesaver in terms of giving me confidence. When I did land on my arse, and you will, I didn't feel a thing.
Also, speed aids balance!
Good luck and have fun. I loved my days ice skating.
P.S don't get disheartened if you struggle at first; the hire skates are renowned for being terrible.

Wrist guards yes, but if you're going to have knee pads, make sure you get the stretchy bandage type ones rather than the hard shell ones skateboards use. They will interfere with the knee bend.

@PsychoSyd

Wrist guards yes, but if you're going to have knee pads, make sure you get the stretchy bandage type ones rather than the hard shell ones skateboards use. They will interfere with the knee bend.

Yes, I have nice soft dance pads. When I fall I flop onto my knees and get a nice soft landing!

Thank you both for the tips, all really helpful! I have purchased some new skates so will get them sharpened before the lesson. I can’t wait to get started but also very nervous, it’s something I’ve wanted to do for ages now so just going to go for it! Thanks again I will let you know how I get on next week

@LJM1993

Thank you both for the tips, all really helpful! I have purchased some new skates so will get them sharpened before the lesson. I can’t wait to get started but also very nervous, it’s something I’ve wanted to do for ages now so just going to go for it! Thanks again I will let you know how I get on next week

If the laces are too long (& they may well be), DO NOT wrap the excess around your ankle. I really cannot emphasis that enough. It will interfere with (yep, you guessed it) knee bend, which ultimately affects ankle bend. Take a spare hair band or elastic band, so when you've tied them, you can bunch the excess up & tie it with the band.

Wear your skates around the house beforehand (with guards on!) to break them in and get your feet used to them. You'll spend the first few weeks finding them agony, but it does slowly get better!

You need to allow for practice time outside of lessons as well - I'd say allow 1-1.5 hours for every 30 minute lesson.

Pleased to say I really enjoyed it! Can’t wait for the next lesson.