Am I too old to learn to figure skate (again)?

Question

I figure skated from age 6 to age 13. Then we moved where there were no rinks and never moved back. I am now 39 (ick) and live where there are rinks. I watch the young skaters, and listen to the music, and feel the desire to push off and start skating, but I can't do any of my old jumps and spins. But I'm steady on my skates. Is it too late to re-learn my old tricks?

I was never competition level, but pretty good on things like waltz jumps and stuff. I miss the feeling of jumping into the air.

Answer 1

It's never too late to re-learn to skate and learn "new" tricks!  I actually know many adult skaters just like you . . . skated as a kid, stopped, and came back as an adult.  It's wonderful you have the desire to skate again - welcome back!  

You CAN still do your old jumps and spins . . . it will just take some time to build back up to doing them.  The good thing is you probably remember the sensation of skating the moves you used to do . . . which is different for skaters who started as adults (like me) who have to "search" for the feeling when learning - sometimes for a long time.  

What you have to do is think in the present.  My adult skater friends who came back to skating sometimes get bummed as they often compare themselves to what they "used to do" . . .  well, that was then, this is now.  There's no sense in comparing to the past.  We're grown ups now (body and mind)  . . . and if you are fortunate to be able to get back into skating again, grasp it and run with it!    

  

It would be good at some point to start lessons again . . . some sort of structure is great for "relearning" quicker.  Some of my friends started with lessons right away, others just skated on their own til they felt good and ready.  Many went on to testing and competing in the adult track . . . oh there's a whole world of skating for "us"!      

See if your rink has a "coffee club" or an adult session.  It's a wonderful place to meet other adult skaters of all levels - perhaps some with the same story as you!   Sometimes a mini-group lesson is included during that session, if you choose to participate.      

Read this about Adult Skaters when you have the chance: http://home.pacbell.net/anamga/adultSkat...

Also, I want to mention I know a skater who stopped at 50 and came back at 70!  

Best of luck coming back to the ice - ENJOY it!!!

From a fellow skater, nearly the same age as you  :P

Answer 2

no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! your average for your age my grandpa was old when he learned how to ride a bike so no you cool though nice jumps too hope yu dont get injured good luck!!!

Answer 3

NEVER! You are never too old to try something new...and in this case it isn't even new...i bet you'll get on the ice and it'll all come back to you and you'll be skating around those kids in no time!  Good luck!

Answer 4

not skating for again for 26 years i would think the same but you're NOT TO OLD to start back up. I have proof! At my rink ther are group lessons for adults!!!!And there is this lady at my rink that is like in her late 60s and likes to compete and do shows and things. She can do like waltz jumps and all that. Plus you also have more of an advantage because you used to figure skate. I think you should go for it!!! Best of luck! =D