Learning to Ice Skate this Winter?
If you are learning to skate this year, I have a few pointers that will make you learning experience more enjoyable.
Firstly, take care to wear warm and comfortable clothing. It will get chilly out on the ice and it is important to be well covered. Multiple layers work well and a hat and nice warm mittens are a must. try not to wear anything that will restrict movement. Conversely clothing that is too loose can be problematic as well. Do not wear anything that may cause you to trip or fall.
As for your skating equipment, the better the equipment the better the experience! If you think you will be skating several times in the year, it is well worth the money to invest in your own pair of skates. You will benefit from the comfort and quality that a new pair of skates will offer, and this will make learning much easier. Try to find skates that provide a good fit. Your feet should feel snug inside the skate. Try not to wear more than 1 pair of thin socks in your skates. I find that if your socks are too thick it will trap moisture and this moisture will make your feet colder rather than warmer.
Take good care of your equipment. Make sure when you buy new skates that you get them sharpened. You will want nice sharp edges. After skating try to dry your skates and especially the blades. The bottom of your blades will start to rust if left in a wet environment and the rust will prevent you from gliding over the ice. The remedy for this of course is to get them sharpened again.
Lastly, relax and have fun! Skating can be a great workout and a nice social outlet. After you skate be sure to grab some hot chocolate!
Firstly, take care to wear warm and comfortable clothing. It will get chilly out on the ice and it is important to be well covered. Multiple layers work well and a hat and nice warm mittens are a must. try not to wear anything that will restrict movement. Conversely clothing that is too loose can be problematic as well. Do not wear anything that may cause you to trip or fall.
As for your skating equipment, the better the equipment the better the experience! If you think you will be skating several times in the year, it is well worth the money to invest in your own pair of skates. You will benefit from the comfort and quality that a new pair of skates will offer, and this will make learning much easier. Try to find skates that provide a good fit. Your feet should feel snug inside the skate. Try not to wear more than 1 pair of thin socks in your skates. I find that if your socks are too thick it will trap moisture and this moisture will make your feet colder rather than warmer.
Take good care of your equipment. Make sure when you buy new skates that you get them sharpened. You will want nice sharp edges. After skating try to dry your skates and especially the blades. The bottom of your blades will start to rust if left in a wet environment and the rust will prevent you from gliding over the ice. The remedy for this of course is to get them sharpened again.
Lastly, relax and have fun! Skating can be a great workout and a nice social outlet. After you skate be sure to grab some hot chocolate!
Where to buy skates!
Want to buy new skates this season?
Here are a few stores in the Brooklyn/Manhattan area, that sell Riedell skates.
6602 11th avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219
718-680-5111
Modells
89-59 Bay Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11214
718-373-1955
Paragon Sports
867 Broadway NY, NY 10003
212-255-8889
• If you are looking for a beginner figure skate, the (112) white ribbon or (110) yellow ribbon series Riedell skates are a good choice.
• Try skates on with thin socks. The skate size will likely be smaller than your other footwear.
• Remember to get your skates sharpened when you buy new skates! (Some stores sharpen skates free with skate purchase).