Going for a spin at Coney Island

In the aftermath of the 2008 Steeplechase Ice Skating Show, held at the Abe Stark Rink in Coney Island, it was time to spin. While dressed in my Aladdin show costume and thinking about the boardwalk and Cyclone roller coaster outside, it seemed fitting to show how spinning can feel like a carnival ride.

So here is a scratch spin from the outside.

And here is a scratch spin from the inside. 

Rockefeller Center Skating Performance 2005

Skating on the Olympic Speed Skating Oval, Lake Placid NY

For many years I would visit Lake Placid New York to compete at the Lake Placid Open, which was held every summer. I would skate in the Olympic Arena, but never the speed skating oval. I have never been to Lake Placid in the winter until recently when I visited for a synchronized skating competition. Much to my delight the speed skating oval was open not only to speed skaters training, but (and most importantly) to public skaters. Ironically this rink does not possess the same "rules" that other public skating sessions have. As you can see one can skate around however you like. So I did!