Should I bother picking up skating again (I'm 16)?

Question

I last took lessons when I was thirteen, and I got up to my waltz jump. I quit because I felt like I wasn't making enough progress for the time I spent on the ice. I really want to try again, but I don't want to be in classes with 8 year olds, and even group lessons are expensive, so private lessons are out of the question. Any ideas?

Answer 1

If YOU want to pick it up if YOU don't then don't.

Answer 2

It really helps to just find someone you know that knows figure skating. Also, just remeber to not lean forward and learn from the mistakes from others! It is defoinatly worth it to take lessons again, but just make sure that your heart is set on it and you will find a way for money.

Answer 3

If you would like to take up skating again go ahead and do it. They have classes that are divided by age groups so you can be with kids your age.

Answer 4

I figure skated from about 12-15 and then had to stop when my parents couldn't afford it anymore. I'm 21 now and I just started skating again. It makes me happier than anything else I've ever done. Don't let anything stop you. Regrets are the worst thing to have. You can always take a 30 min private lesson every other week. That shouldn't be too expensive. Take what you learn in the lesson and then practice at a public session (which is also much cheaper than freestyle sessions).

Answer 5

If you already have regrets from quitting last time, then why risk that feeling again? Think when you are 30, and wishing you could still learn.

Don't worry about age groups, you will most likely have someone your age in your class, and nobody will laugh at you. Skating is very hard and some people make it look so easy. Really focus on the basics and practice.

It's never too late to learn!!!! (It's true!!!!!)

$$$

Help around town and earn some cash by doing yardwork, or try babysitting. And cut back on something you may already be putting most of your money into, for example clothes or shoes.

Answer 6

If you got as far as a waltz jump, then it's difficult to go further in that direction without some sort of coach or class.  You can read books but if you try to teach yourself more complicated jumps, chances are that you'll learn some bad habits.

You might try asking the rink if you can do something like work at the rental counter a couple times a week in exchange for group lessons, or a discount.  Can't hurt to ask!

Also, you might benefit from something like moves in the field. It takes a lot of edgework precision but it sounds like you've already learned most of the moves you would need to learn them, so you might enjoy working on them.  I'm not saying they're not challenging  - they are! But you can get farther without coaching assistance than you would trying to work on jumps and spins without a coach.

Answer 7

Yes!  Start skating again!  You're never too old!  Check with your local rink(s) and see if they offer the group lessons and how much they cost.  Usually they're about $100 for 7-8 weeks worth of lessons.  Contact the group lesson director and inquire if they have an adult class or class for older skaters.  Directors should recognize that older kids and adults aren't going to want to skate with the "wall huggers" and other much younger kids.  When I started lessons, I was 12 and I too didn't want to skate with the "little kids" (I had already endured that trauma in swim lessons just before that -- I hate water, but mom wanted to make sure I could swim...uggg).  I skated with the adult class and was their "star skater."  I recently taught an adult class for group lessons that was made up of girls your age and a married couple.

If group lessons won't work, maybe try talking to some of the coaches at the rink.  No all charge crazy rates for lessons.  Some may charge $12-15 for a half-hour lesson.  Usually the coaches that are just starting out at getting students charge less.....and you won't have to skate with the "little kids!"

You might find that now that you're older, you have more focus and motivation towards improving.  Things may come more easily than they did before.

Good luck!

Answer 8

If it is your dream then you should do it, even if you aren't able to afford expensive lessons.  When I was young man in high school, I wanted to learn to play soccer better and the one guy in town who could teach me was only working with 8-10 year olds at the time.  Even at that I couldn't afford him so I asked him to let me volunteer to help him with the younger kids.  You know what? I learned a lot and you know what else?  I got a scholarship to play in college later on too.  If it is truly your dream don't let ANYTHING stop you!

Answer 9

First of all, it's never too late. If you like doing it, then do it. Next, you have more freedom than the eight year olds, and you're older. It's like a mouse and a maid: don't be the maid. The mouse is smaller than you. Don't let them stump you. As for expenses, try skating public for a while. What I would do is I would watch TV and teach myself. It's not too hard... just be careful ;)

Answer 10

of course yo have to start again i started last year when i as thirteen and i love it , if the cost is a problem try getting a job and saving up,or asking your parents for money and never give up

Good Luck ^_^

Answer 11

I guess you won't know unless you decide to try.

Answer 12

Well if I were u i probably would do it... you know some moves why not learn more? well if u don't want to and someones trying to make you then you shouldn't if u like want to u should it all depends up to u