First lesson on Sunday!?

Question

Hi there!

I have my first official skating lesson [yippee!] on Sunday. I'm so excited... but I don't want to blow it! Are there any tips you can give me to make sure it goes smoothly?

What should I wear? How early should I get there? What to say when I meet my coach? are you supposed to be really quiet during a lesson or can you talk? Is it ok if I use rentals? I am a beginner!

Thank you [im a bundle full of nerves at the moment! =]

Answer 1

Heya bumble bee:)!  Good for you for signing up for lessons!!  That's super exciting as you've been wanting to do this for so long!  

Is this group or private?  If it's group, rentals are fine.  If it's private, rentals are fine for your lesson on a public session, but it may not be allowed on a freestyle session (they wouldn't hand out rentals if that's the case anyway).  Do clear this up before your lesson day - you don't want any last minute surprises.  (btw - I thought you had your own skates??).

I'm probably covering what everyone else has already covered . . . but here it goes:

Clothing - be warm and be able to move around.  I liked to wear layers (like a long sleeve t shirt with a light jacket/sweater) so I can take off the outer layer in case I got too hot.  Long pants/leggings are fine - stretchier the better.  You can wear skate tights underneath for extra warmth if you think you'll need it.  If you have a warm up suit - that's ok too.  As long as what you wear is not too loose or too tight to hinder you from skating.  Gloves are a must (always keep an extra pair or 2 in your bag!).  As you continue lessons, you'll "feel" what is best for you to wear (and if it's a group class, your cue will probably be what everyone else is wearing!).  

I always got to the rink minimally a half hour early because I needed time to do warm up stretches (get in that habit!).  Being warmed up sure gears up your body for skating/lessons (no fun to skate with cold, stiff muscles).  I tended to be a slow poke in lacing up too - with a routine of getting gel pads in my skates "just right" - I was always the last one on the ice  :P!  I was told never be late (skate or dance) . . . or else you're just rushing and stressing out because of it . . . and then you just might end up injuring yourself.  

How do you approach to your teachers when you're at school?  Treat the situation like that initially.  Then depending on the coach's personality and yours, the coach/student relationship can be casual or formal . . . you'll get to know your coach as time goes on . . . remember they are human too!  Give respect and get respect.  Always thank them after a lesson - wink - I think he/she will appreciate that.  

  

If anything, just be yourself and focus on having a blast learning to skate!!  Take it step by step and you'll be fine.  Enjoy your Sunday lesson!!