Ice skating

[ComingUpTrumps]

Not really AIBU but posting for traffic

I haven't been ice skating for years now - not since I was around six or seven, probably. I've always been really cautious and nervous (probably too cautious?) around anything where I could fall or get hurt (ice skating, rollerblading, even cycling ).

Anyway, my friends really want to try out the ice rinks at Somerset House or the Natural History Museum in London. I'd love to go with them to skate, but am feeling really nervous about it. Whenever I went ice skating when I was younger, I'd always cling onto the rail on the side of the rink and would take tiny steps in the skates, hating every minute of it.

How can I get over my fear of it? And how can I learn to ice skate properly and enjoy it? Any tips on how to ice skate please?

You could book a block of adult lessons at a local rink, i did, and loved it. But most people on pop up rinks will be clinging on and falling over, you won't stand out. Tips: keep your feet close together, knees slightly bent, push out with one blade and then glide on the opposite foot. Try to watch where you're going instead of your feet, and lace your boots up fairly tightly so your feet aren't flopping about inside them. Have a mulled wine to relax and enjoy.

Oh and the adult lessons start from complete total beginner level.

Oh and mind your posture. Tuck your bum in and stand up straight, arms slightly out to your side for balance. If you shove your bum out you'll lean forward and wobble/fall.

I was a side-clinger. I took beginner group lessons to learn to go forwards on my own. I got hooked! I skated for four and a half years, including learning to jump and spin, I did competitions on my own and as part of an adult synchronised skating team. It was a huge part of my life and I loved it!

I eventually quit when my coach did because I'd fallen out of love with it for a while, and it was hugely expensive.

i do miss it, I've lost most of what I learned but I just can't afford to keep up with lessons