Isceskating advice for complete beginner?

Question

Hey all,

I want some advice on ice skating at a rink. I know how to rollerblade so I've got the basics of moving okay.

But stopping is something I don't understand. I've read and seen that the best way is to angle the tips of your blades towards each so it causes friction on the ice and slows you down gradually.

But the standard sharp stop is you bring both blades at a 90 degree angle. How exactly do you do this? Is it literally the same as pivoting on your foot and obviously at the same time angling your leg away so that your weight is behind the blades.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I tend to get into accidents due to the fact that I can go fast but don't know the basics of stopping quickly.

Thanks heaps!

Answer 1

For basic stops, try either the snowplow stop or the hockey stop, which I think are the two you're referring to.

The snowplow stop, being the most basic -- other than just running into the boards,  haha, is done by pointing your toes inward, making an upside down V shape.  It's the same idea as stopping on skis.  Try it out standing still first.  With your toes pointed slightly in, feet about a shoulder's width apart, keep your arms out for balance, bend your knees and push out with both feet.  Practice them while moving too.  You will probably find one foot is stronger than the other and better at stopping.  Even if that's the case, then you've just got a one foot snowplow stop. If you find you're not stopping....you're pushing and still moving forward....push out harder.

The hockey stop is a little more complicated and you'll find one side is stronger than the other with these also.  As you're skating forward, quickly twist your hips to either side so that your upper body is still facing forward (with arms out for balance) and your hips/feet are sideways.  You'll fell that you'll have to lean back a little as your weight should be on your front foot.  The snap of the twist has to be very quick/abrupt, otherwise you'll just end up going in a circle.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The stop that is first learned is the snow plough stop. Just push you foot out in front of you and slowly turn it. This should create some snow. The other stop you are thinking of- i think- is a t-stop. Put you right or left foot behind the other foot- your skating foot- and push down on the middle of your blade. Just keep practicing them and you will get better. Start slow, and then go faster.  

Answer 3

If you just stand on the ice and hold on to the boards and scrape your feet so that snow forms, you are basically doing everything you need to do to stop.  Next, try going at a very slow speed and then stopping.  Don't try to do any fancy stops until you are a better skater.  It may be helpful to have your feet at an angle, but they don't need to be.  You can still stop just fine by applying pressure on the outside edge of whatever foot feels more comfortable.  Hope this helps!