Ice Skating
How I Learned to Skate Backwards Without Falling (Constantly!)
Every attempt at skating backward ended with my feet tangled and me on the ice. I kept trying to push backward like I skated forward. An instructor finally showed me the secret: “C-cuts” or “half-swizzles.” Instead of pushing straight back, you turn one foot slightly outward, push off the inside edge in a semi-circle (like tracing a ‘C’), then bring the foot back under you. Alternate feet, creating propulsion. Keeping knees bent and looking over my shoulder helped too. It felt awkward, but focusing on those C-cuts finally stopped the constant falling.
The $25 Ice Skating Accessory That Saved My Ankles (Lace Tightener?)
My rental skates always felt loose around the ankles, no matter how hard I pulled the laces. My ankles wobbled, making balance difficult and leading to soreness. Browsing online skate shops, I found lace pullers or “lace tighteners” – simple hooks that give you better leverage to pull laces tight, especially near the ankle hooks. For under $25, this gadget allowed me to get my skates properly snug around my ankles. The improved support was immediate, stabilizing my feet and dramatically reducing ankle fatigue and wobble. Proper tightness is key!
Stop Looking Down at Your Feet! (The Balance Killer on Ice)
My natural instinct when feeling unstable on skates was to stare intently down at my feet. Ironically, this made my balance worse. My instructor constantly reminded me, “Look up! Chin up, eyes forward!” Where your head goes, your body follows. Looking down throws off your center of gravity and prevents you from anticipating bumps or other skaters. Focusing my gaze forward, towards where I wanted to go, instantly improved my posture and stability. It felt counterintuitive, but looking up is crucial for maintaining balance on the ice.
Why Your Stops Spray Snow Everywhere (Inefficient Technique Fix)
My attempts at stopping usually involved turning sideways and skidding awkwardly, sending up huge clouds of snow but not stopping quickly. It looked messy and felt uncontrolled. I learned a proper snowplow stop involves bending knees deeply, pushing both feet outward evenly using inside edges (like making a pizza wedge), and applying pressure gradually. A hockey stop requires turning sharply onto parallel edges. Spraying excessive snow often means applying pressure too abruptly or unevenly. Smooth, controlled edge pressure is key for efficient, clean stops, not just brute force sideways scraping.
How I Overcame My Fear of Falling Hard on the Ice
After a few painful falls landing squarely on my hip, the fear of hitting the hard ice made me skate rigidly and hesitantly. My instructor taught me how to fall “correctly”: if losing balance, try to bend knees, get low, and fall sideways onto the fleshy part of your hip/buttocks, tucking your arms in. We practiced falling safely from a standstill. Knowing how to minimize impact, combined with wearing padded shorts (optional but helpful!), reduced the fear significantly, allowing me to relax, skate more freely, and progress faster.
Can You Learn Basic Ice Skating from Public Sessions Alone?
Going to crowded public sessions, I tried mimicking better skaters. I learned to move forward, sort of, but progress was slow and my technique sloppy. Public sessions are great for practice after learning basics, but chaotic for initial learning. Without instruction, developing bad habits is easy (looking down, poor posture). Taking even a few group lessons provided foundational skills (balance, basic strides, stopping) much faster and more correctly than just flailing around alone during public skate. Lessons provide structure and essential feedback.
The Biggest Mistake Beginners Make Renting Ice Skates (Fit & Sharpness!)
My first time renting skates, I just took the size offered. They felt loose, my ankles wobbled, and the blades seemed dull, sliding sideways. The biggest mistake is accepting poor-fitting or dull rental skates. Skates should fit snugly, like ski boots, with toes just brushing the end. Ask for help getting the right size. Importantly, ask if the skates have been sharpened recently! Dull blades offer no edge control, making learning incredibly difficult and frustrating. Don’t be afraid to request a different pair for better fit or sharpness.
How I Mastered Crossovers Going Forward and Backward
Watching skaters glide smoothly around corners using crossovers seemed impossible; my feet kept tripping. Mastering them took breaking it down. Forward: Push off outside edge of outside foot, cross inside foot over the outside foot, place it down parallel, bring outside foot back alongside, repeat. Backward: Push off inside edge of inside foot, cross outside foot under the inside foot, place it down, bring inside foot back alongside. Practicing slowly near the wall, focusing on deep knee bend and leaning into the circle, eventually built the coordination and confidence.
Ice Rink Etiquette You Must Follow (Skating Direction!)
During a busy public skate, I accidentally skated against the flow of traffic, nearly causing a collision. I quickly learned rink etiquette is vital for safety. Key rules: Skate in the designated direction (usually counter-clockwise). Faster skaters pass on the outside; slower skaters stay towards the inside. Avoid sudden stops or turns in traffic. Don’t linger by the boards blocking others. Be aware of your surroundings, especially beginners or children. Following these simple rules prevents accidents and ensures a smoother experience for everyone.
How I Plan Fun Outings to Different Ice Rinks
Just showing up at a rink sometimes meant finding it closed for hockey or reserved for lessons. Now, I plan ahead. I check the rink’s website or call for public session schedules, admission fees, and rental availability/cost. I look at photos or reviews to gauge ice quality and atmosphere. Considering travel time and maybe nearby cafes for post-skate hot chocolate adds to the fun. Planning ensures the rink is open, fits the budget, and maximizes skating time for a more enjoyable outing.
Figure Skates vs. Hockey Skates: What’s Better for Beginners?
Choosing between skate types was confusing. Figure skates have a long, gently curved blade with a toe pick at the front (used for jumps/spins). They offer good stability for learning basics. Hockey skates have a shorter, more aggressively curved blade allowing for quick turns and acceleration, but less inherent glide stability. They lack a toe pick. For absolute beginners learning basic forward skating, stopping, and balance, figure skates often provide a slightly easier learning curve due to the flatter blade profile offering more stability initially.
The Truth About Getting Your Own Skates Sharpened Properly
My own skates started feeling dull, slipping sideways like bad rentals. Getting them sharpened made a world of difference, but how they’re sharpened matters. Different disciplines use different “hollows” (the groove ground into the blade bottom) affecting edge grip vs. glide. A good pro shop asks about your skating style/level and sharpens accordingly, ensuring edges are even and sharp. Improper sharpening (uneven edges, wrong hollow) can make skating worse. Find a reputable sharpener; consistent, proper sharpening maintains performance and safety.
My Most Embarrassing Ice Skating Wipeout (In Front of Everyone!)
Feeling confident, I tried a flashy (for me) crossover turn during a packed public session. I caught an edge, feet went flying, and I landed flat on my back with a loud thud, sliding several feet. Everyone seemed to stop and stare. Picking myself up, face bright red, felt mortifying. But I brushed myself off, took a deep breath, and kept skating (more cautiously!). It taught me humility and that everyone falls, even when trying to show off. Just gotta laugh it off and get back up!
How I Learned Basic Spins Like the Two-Foot Spin
Watching figure skaters spin effortlessly looked magical. My attempts just involved wobbling wildly. Learning the two-foot spin started with finding the “sweet spot” on the blade (just behind the ball of the foot) while gliding on two feet. Then, gently pulling arms and free leg inwards towards the body’s center line initiated the rotation. Keeping knees bent, core tight, and head looking forward helped maintain balance. It took lots of practice just to get a few rotations, mastering centering and controlled entry/exit.
Budget Ice Skating: Finding Cheap Rink Times and Used Skates
Loving skating but facing rink fees and gear costs required budgeting. I looked for off-peak public sessions (weekdays, late nights) which often have lower admission prices. Some rinks offer multi-session passes for discounts. For skates, I searched online marketplaces (Facebook, Play It Again Sports) for quality used figure or hockey skates in my size – often finding great deals. Buying used skates requires careful inspection (boot condition, blade life) but can save significantly over new gear.
Preventing Common Ice Skating Injuries (Wrists, Ankles, Head)
Witnessing falls reinforced the need for safety awareness. Common injuries often result from falls onto outstretched hands (wrist fractures) or awkward landings (ankle sprains). Wearing wrist guards can offer protection. Ensuring skates fit properly and provide good ankle support is crucial. Most importantly, wearing a helmet (especially for beginners or those practicing jumps/hockey) protects against serious head injuries. Learning how to fall correctly (bending knees, falling sideways) also minimizes impact severity. Safety gear and technique prevent many common injuries.
How Ice Skating Taught Me Grace (Eventually!) and Resilience
My initial skating attempts were clumsy, awkward, and involved many falls. It felt anything but graceful. Yet, striving for smoother glides, cleaner turns, and better balance required focus, precision, and body awareness. Each fall taught resilience – the importance of getting back up, analyzing the mistake, and trying again. Over time, as coordination improved, moments of effortless glide emerged. Skating didn’t magically grant grace, but the persistent pursuit of balance and flow cultivated a physical control and mental toughness I hadn’t possessed before.
Finding Your Center of Balance Over Your Blades
Feeling perpetually wobbly, I realized I wasn’t truly balanced over my blades. My instructor had me practice standing still off-ice, finding my center. On ice, we did simple two-foot glides, focusing on keeping weight slightly forward (shins towards boot tongues), knees bent, shoulders aligned over hips, and core engaged. It felt like finding a tiny, precise point of equilibrium. Deviating even slightly forward or backward caused instability. Consistent practice finding and maintaining this centered, athletic stance is the absolute foundation of all skating skills.
My Journey: From Clinging to the Wall to Gliding Smoothly
My first time on ice skates, I death-gripped the barrier, terrified to let go. Each tentative step felt like a potential disaster. Slowly, through lessons and persistent practice, I graduated from wall-hugging to shaky forward strides, then basic stops. Learning backward skating and crossovers felt like major breakthroughs. While I’m no Olympian, the journey from terrified beginner barely able to stand, to confidently gliding, turning, and even attempting small spins, has been incredibly rewarding, fueled by perseverance and the simple joy of movement on ice.
Critiquing My Skating Posture and Edge Work on Video
Thinking my crossovers were improving, I had someone film me. The video revealed slouching posture, insufficient knee bend, and shallow edges – I wasn’t leaning enough into the circle. Seeing myself objectively highlighted why my turns lacked power and flow. I consciously focused on keeping my back straight, bending my knees deeper (“sitting” into the skate), and pushing harder off distinct inside and outside edges. Video analysis is crucial for identifying and correcting subtle flaws in posture and edge control.
What Figure Skaters/Hockey Players Do for Off-Ice Training
Wondering how elite skaters get so strong and agile led me to research off-ice training. It’s crucial for performance and injury prevention. Common elements include: Strength training (squats, lunges, core work) for power and stability. Plyometrics (jump training) for explosive power needed in jumps/starts. Flexibility and mobility work (stretching, yoga) for range of motion. Balance exercises (on unstable surfaces) to improve proprioception. Cardiovascular conditioning (running, cycling) for endurance. Off-ice training builds the athletic foundation supporting demanding on-ice skills.
The Best Online Tutorials for Learning Basic Ice Skating Skills
While lessons are ideal, online tutorials helped reinforce concepts between sessions. Channels like “Coach Mary Skating,” “ITNYSkate,” or specific figure/hockey skill channels offer clear visual demonstrations of basics like falling/getting up, forward/backward strides, stopping, turns (mohawks, three-turns), and crossovers. Watching correct technique broken down step-by-step, often with slow-motion replays, provided valuable visual aids to supplement my on-ice practice and instructor feedback. Look for tutorials by certified coaches for reliable information.
Safety Tips for Crowded Public Skating Sessions
Navigating a packed public skate requires extra vigilance. Key safety tips: Skate predictably – avoid sudden stops or weaving erratically. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially faster skaters approaching or beginners falling nearby. Maintain a safe speed appropriate for the crowd density. Avoid horseplay or unsafe maneuvers (like racing or backwards skating in crowded areas unless permitted). Follow rink rules and staff directions. Being mindful and considerate of others is essential for preventing collisions and injuries during busy sessions.
Proper Falling and Getting Up Techniques on Ice
Falling is inevitable; knowing how to do it safely minimizes injury. If falling, try to relax, bend your knees to get lower, and fall onto your side/buttocks, tucking your arms and chin. Avoid falling backward or onto outstretched hands. To get up: Roll onto hands and knees. Place one skate between your hands, flat on the ice. Bring the other skate underneath you, also flat. Push up using hands and the front skate, bringing feet underneath your center of gravity to stand. Practice makes it less daunting.
How I Find Time for Ice Skating Practice
Fitting skating into a busy schedule required making it a priority. I looked for rinks offering early morning or lunchtime public sessions that fit around work. Scheduling specific “skate dates” in my calendar, just like appointments, ensured I went regularly. Sometimes it meant sacrificing other leisure activities. Utilizing weekend public sessions was key too. Consistency, even short sessions, builds skills faster than infrequent marathon skates. Actively scheduling practice time makes it happen.
My Favorite Brand of Ice Skates for Recreational Skating
My initial flimsy rental skates hampered progress. Investing in my own recreational skates made a difference. After trying several brands, I found Jackson skates [Replace with Riedell, Graf, Edea, Bauer etc. depending on type] offered a good balance of ankle support, comfort, and blade quality for my recreational figure skating needs. They provided enough stiffness for learning basic elements without being overly rigid like high-level competitive boots. Finding a brand that fits your foot shape well and offers appropriate support for your skill level is crucial.
Dealing with Fear Before Trying Jumps or Faster Skating
The thought of attempting even a simple waltz jump, or just skating faster around the rink, initially triggered fear – fear of falling, fear of looking foolish. I dealt with it by breaking skills down into smaller, manageable steps. Practicing components of the jump off-ice first helped. Gradually increasing speed in controlled bursts built confidence. Positive self-talk and focusing on the technique rather than the potential fall were crucial. Trusting my foundational skills and pushing my comfort zone incrementally allowed me to overcome the mental barrier.
How I Learned Basic Hockey Stops Effectively
Trying to stop quickly like hockey players resulted in uncontrolled skids. Learning the hockey stop required mastering edge control. Starting slowly, I practiced turning sharply onto parallel inside edges, bending knees deeply, and digging edges in simultaneously to shave ice and halt momentum. Key elements were committing to the sharp turn, keeping weight centered, and applying even edge pressure. Practicing against the boards first, then in open ice at increasing speeds, gradually built the muscle memory and confidence for executing effective hockey stops.
Figure Skating vs. Speed Skating vs. Hockey Skating Skills
While all on ice, the techniques differ vastly. Figure skating emphasizes edges, turns, jumps, and spins, requiring balance, precision, and artistry (using toe picks). Hockey skating focuses on explosive power, quick changes of direction, agility, and stopping/starting abruptly (no toe picks, rockered blade). Speed skating prioritizes long, powerful glides, deep knee bend, and efficient forward momentum, using long, flat blades (clap skates). Each discipline demands unique blade types, boot structures, and highly specialized skill sets tailored to its specific goals.
The Surprising Leg Strength Built by Ice Skating
I expected skating to be mostly about balance, but my legs, especially quads and glutes, got surprisingly strong! Maintaining the constant knee bend required for stability engages quads continuously. Pushing off the edges for strides works glutes, hamstrings, and inner/outer thighs. Even simply balancing involves constant micro-adjustments from leg muscles. It’s a fantastic low-impact workout that builds significant lower body strength and endurance in a way that feels more like gliding than grinding out reps at the gym.
Overcoming Plateaus in Learning New Skating Elements
I felt stuck for weeks trying to land a simple Salchow jump. Plateaus are common in skill sports. Breaking through involved several strategies: Going back to basics – perfecting the foundational three-turn entry. Off-ice practice – simulating the jump rotation. Getting targeted feedback from my coach on specific technique errors. Sometimes, taking a short break from that specific element and working on something else refreshed my focus. Persistence combined with analyzing weaknesses and trying different approaches eventually unlocks progress.
How I Use Off-Ice Drills to Improve Balance and Edges
Wanting to improve faster than my limited ice time allowed, I incorporated off-ice drills. Practicing one-foot balances on stable and unstable surfaces (like balance boards or foam pads) improved proprioception. Simulating edge leans and body positions while wearing shoes strengthened supporting muscles. Doing rotational jumps on the floor helped develop air awareness for on-ice jumps. Off-ice conditioning builds strength, balance, and muscle memory that directly translates to better control, edge quality, and skill execution on the ice.
What Ice Skating Taught Me About Precision and Flow
Trying to execute a simple three-turn smoothly revealed skating’s demand for precision. The slightest shift in weight or edge angle drastically changed the outcome. Yet, when executed correctly, basic strides, crossovers, and turns link together with a beautiful sense of flow. Skating taught me the relationship between meticulous technique – precise body alignment, edge control, timing – and the resulting feeling of effortless glide and movement across the ice. It’s a constant pursuit of refining details to achieve seamless flow.
My Top 5 Tips for First-Time Ice Skaters
For anyone stepping onto the ice for the first time:
- Wear Thin Socks & Snug Skates: Proper fit is crucial for support and control.
- Bend Your Knees! Lowers center of gravity and improves balance dramatically.
- Look Up, Not Down: Keep head up and eyes forward.
- Learn to Fall Safely: Bend knees, fall sideways onto hip/buttocks.
- Take a Lesson: Learn fundamentals correctly from the start.
These basics make the initial experience much safer and more enjoyable.
What I Wish I Knew Before Buying My Own Ice Skates
Looking back, I wish I’d understood the importance of getting properly fitted by a knowledgeable skate technician, rather than just guessing my size. I also didn’t realize the significant difference blade sharpness makes and the need for regular, professional sharpening. Understanding the various levels of boot stiffness and choosing one appropriate for my beginner/intermediate level (not too stiff, not too flimsy) would have saved some initial discomfort. Investing in quality from a reputable brand ultimately proved worthwhile.
The Best Way to Care for Your Ice Skate Blades (Prevent Rust!)
My first pair of blades got rusty spots from neglect. Proper care is simple but vital. Always thoroughly wipe blades completely dry with a soft cloth immediately after skating – moisture causes rust. Use soft blade guards (“soakers”) for storage and transport – these absorb residual moisture. Avoid hard plastic guards for long-term storage, as they trap moisture. Get blades sharpened regularly by a professional. Keeping blades dry and protected prevents rust, maintains sharpness, and extends their lifespan significantly.
How Skating on Different Ice Surfaces Feels (Indoor vs. Outdoor)
My usual indoor rink felt predictable. Skating on a frozen outdoor pond was a totally different experience! Indoor ice is usually smooth, hard, and consistent, maintained by Zambonis. Outdoor natural ice can be bumpy, cracked, have debris frozen in, and vary greatly in hardness depending on temperature. It often feels rougher and requires more vigilance. Purpose-built outdoor rinks offer a smoother experience than ponds but are still subject to weather changes. Each surface offers unique joys and challenges.
Finding Ice Skating Lessons or Clubs for Adults/Kids
Wanting structured learning beyond public sessions, I looked for lessons. Most ice rinks offer group lessons (“Learn to Skate” programs) for various ages and skill levels, often following curricula like Learn to Skate USA. Figure skating clubs and hockey associations provide more specialized coaching and competitive opportunities. Checking rink websites, local community recreation guides, or national governing body websites (US Figure Skating, USA Hockey) lists accredited programs and clubs for structured instruction.
The Mental Game: Committing to Moves and Trusting Your Balance
Hesitation was my enemy when trying new moves like crossovers or basic jumps. Fear of falling made me hold back, which ironically often caused the fall. The mental game involves committing fully to the movement. Trusting the balance and edge control developed through practice is key. Visualizing successful execution helps build confidence. Accepting that falling is part of learning reduces the fear. Committing mentally allows the body to execute the practiced technique more effectively.
My Ultimate Goal: Landing an Axel Jump / Playing Adult League Hockey
While enjoying recreational skating, my ultimate aspiration is landing a clean Axel jump [Replace with specific figure skating goal, e.g., passing a Moves in the Field test]. The combination of rotation and edge control represents a significant benchmark. [Or: My goal is joining an adult recreational hockey league, applying my skating skills in a team sport context.] Having this challenging goal provides long-term motivation, directs my practice efforts, and adds purpose beyond casual gliding.
How to execute smooth mohawk / three-turn transitions
These basic turns felt jerky until I focused on technique. Mohawk (changing direction staying on same edge type, e.g., inside to inside): Requires opening the hips smoothly while maintaining balance over the skating foot, placing the new foot down parallel on the corresponding edge. Three-Turn (turning on one foot from forward to backward or vice versa, creating a ‘3’ tracing): Involves controlled rotation of the upper body leading the lower body, precise edge pressure before/during/after the turn, and checking the rotation upon exit. Smoothness comes from core control and edge precision.
The secret to deep edges for power and control
My skating lacked power; I wasn’t using my edges effectively. Achieving deep edges involves significant knee bend and leaning the entire body (ankles, knees, hips, shoulders) into the circle or curve. It’s not just tilting the ankle. Pushing powerfully off a deeply engaged inside or outside edge generates speed and control for turns, crossovers, and generating momentum. Practicing circles and serpentines focusing specifically on maximizing lean and edge pressure builds this fundamental skill.
Why your backwards skating feels unstable (posture fix)
Skating backward often felt like I was about to fall over backward. The usual culprit is improper posture. Leaning too far back is instinctive but wrong. For stable backward skating: Keep weight slightly forward over the balls of the feet (shins pressed lightly into boot tongues), maintain a strong core, bend knees significantly (“sit”), and keep shoulders aligned over hips. Looking over one shoulder to see helps, but avoid twisting the entire torso excessively. Correct posture provides the stable platform needed.
Basic figure skating jumps (waltz jump, salchow, toe loop)
Moving beyond spins, basic jumps opened new challenges. Waltz Jump: A half-rotation jump launched from a forward outside edge, landing backward on the opposite outside edge. Salchow: A full-rotation edge jump launched from a backward inside edge (after a three-turn entry), landing backward on the opposite outside edge. Toe Loop: A full-rotation toe jump launched from a backward outside edge using the opposite toe pick for assist, landing backward on the starting outside edge. Each requires specific edge entries, timing, and landing technique.
Best ice skate guards and soakers reviewed
Protecting sharp blades is crucial off-ice. Hard plastic guards protect edges while walking short distances on hard surfaces but trap moisture – never use for storage. Soft cloth “soakers” are essential for storage and transport; they absorb residual moisture, preventing rust, and protect blades from nicks. Look for soakers with reinforced bottoms and absorbent lining. Brands like Edea, Guardog (for hard guards), and various cloth soaker brands offer options. Using both types appropriately preserves blade life and sharpness.
How I improved my speed and glide across the ice
Feeling slow and choppy, I focused on improving glide. Key factors: Deeper knee bend allows for longer, more powerful pushes. Fully extending the pushing leg completely off the ice maximizes power transfer. Maintaining good posture and balance allows for longer glides on one foot between strokes. Ensuring blades are properly sharpened provides optimal edge grip for pushing and smooth glide. It’s about maximizing power from each push and minimizing resistance through efficient posture and glide phases.
Analyzing [Famous Skater]’s edge quality and technique
Watching Nathan Chen [Replace with any famous skater] skate is mesmerizing, partly due to his incredible edge control. Analyzing his technique reveals: Deep, consistent knee bend providing power and stability. Effortless transitions between inside and outside edges, executed with precision and body lean. Clean entries and exits for jumps and spins, originating from controlled edges. Immaculate posture allowing for balance and power generation. Studying elite skaters highlights the fundamental importance of mastering edges as the basis for all advanced skating elements.
Ice skating specific off-ice conditioning exercises
To build skating power and prevent injuries, specific off-ice exercises help. One-leg squats and lunges build leg strength and balance. Slide board exercises mimic the skating stride and build hip/glute strength. Jump squats and box jumps develop explosive power for jumps. Core exercises (planks, Russian twists) enhance stability. Ankle strengthening exercises (using resistance bands) improve support. Stretching, especially hips and hamstrings, increases flexibility crucial for deep edges and positions. Targeted conditioning supports on-ice performance.
How to skate safely with young children
Taking my young nephew skating required heightened safety focus. Tips: Ensure properly fitting helmet and skates for the child. Consider lessons first. Hold their hands initially, providing support without pulling them off balance. Encourage bent knees (“pizza knees”). Teach basic falling/getting up. Choose less crowded sessions if possible. Stay aware of faster skaters. Keep the outing short and positive initially. Patience and focusing on safety fundamentals make it a fun, positive introduction for kids.
Understanding different skate blade hollows/sharpening
Getting my skates sharpened, the tech asked about “hollow.” I learned it’s the depth of the groove ground into the blade bottom. A deeper hollow (e.g., 3/8″) provides more bite/grip but less glide – often preferred by hockey players or figure skaters needing strong edge hold for jumps. A shallower hollow (e.g., 5/8″ or 1″) offers better glide and speed but less aggressive grip – favored by recreational skaters or some figure skaters prioritizing flow. Hollow choice is personal, affecting the skate’s feel significantly.