Starting Ice Skating, Too Old? Tips and pointers...?

Question

I am 15 years old. I first went ice skating at the age of about 13 and have only skated three or four times since. I really enjoyed it and have only fallen once (on my most recent trip) When I went, it was one of those rental places so the skates were those hockey type ones.

I feel very free on the ice and have a lot of confidence, which is odd as I don't usually take very well to unfamiliar things.

I recently watched the World Ice Championships, and was mesmerised by the intricate footwork.

I really want to take up figure skating, but I haven't got much money. I have no idea how much I would have to pay to take lessons, buy skates etc, and money is a big issue.

Any tips suggestions or advice would be extremely welcome!

PS. I live in the East of England so any suggestions of specific rinks in America would be useless to me (sorry)

Thanks in advance for any help!

Answer 1

um, i mean if you work really really hard it's still hard to compete in that kind of level (senior) but most people do it for fun.

the cost of lessons depends on the coach.

skates cost from $40-$3000... depends on the level

but skating does cost alot. GOOD LUCK! AND HAPPY SKATING!!!

Answer 2

Hello.

It is never too late to start skating! I mean you probably won't get into the Olympics but you can still skate for fun! look around your area for skating rinks and ask there prices.

Heres a skating rink which is one of the cheapest ones (its in London I don't know exactly where you live.)

Broadgate Ice Rink

The rink most convenient for the City is smaller than its rivals but also less expensive, and perfect fro a brief lunch break skate. There are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby for refreshments and Spitalfields Market is around ten minute's away, and perfect for Christmas shopping. Additonally, Broadgate is home to the Broomball League, which takes over the rink 6pm-9pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Broomball is like hockey, but played with a broom and ball, and players wear trainers, making for some impressive sliding and skidding.

Where: Broadgate Circle (nearest tube: Liverpool Street)

When: late October - Sunday April 1; 12.30pm-2.30pm (11am-1pm at the weekends), 3.30pm-5.30pm (6.30pm on Fridays, 2pm-4pm on Saturdays and an extra 5pm-7pm on Sundays)

How much: Adults £8; children £5

Book: www.broadgateice.co.uk

And for skates.. You can check around maybe on the rinks bulletin board and see if there is any skates for sell.. I don't know what size you are because I have old skates which I could send to you for no cost but for us that would be quite a bit of money.

Look at garage sales, or on ebay (I found a pair of skates for my little sister for £2;!! So I hope I helped you! And best wishes!!!

Answer 3

yeah skating is a very expensive sport to take up..lessons can be very costly as well as buying equipment and clothing. I would suggest joining a class..for example at the sky dome in coventry (west mids) on saturdays there is 'galaxy gliders' which takes you through your basic stuff through ten grades. Its about £4 i think but you can stay and practice after the lessons for as long as you want. Not sure about rinks in the east sorry.

As for skates, you could look for second hand ones. Although before you buy check the quality (in good condition, ankle isnt flimsy etc). This can save you a lot of money.

enjoy skating!

Answer 4

It is never too late

Answer 5

I started when I was 11, which is considered "old." Some little kids start as early as 3! Even though I was the oldest kid in all my classes, I didn't let my self-conciousness stop me. As long as you put your mind to it and practice, you will succeed. Sometimes its better to start older because you move along faster than the little ones.

I would suggest starting in the level Pre-Alpha because it's not for the tots (they do things like standing, falling and getting back up, marching in place, etc.), but a great place to start for every one aspiring to become a figure skater.

Most rinks offer group lessons, which are a lot less expensive than private lessons. Private lessons cost on the average 2 dollars a minute. I would suggest you stick with group lessons, if your rink offers them. Group lessons are great because they teach you the basics, usually include skate rental, and purblic session fee before or after the lesson. My mom wouldn't let me skate with a private coach until I passed the last level offered for group lessons: Freestyle 5. It was harder without a coach, but I just practiced.

Since you have a budget, I would use rental skates until the level Gamma. Rental skates are usually very dull and crooked, but will work, as long as you're not jumping. Also, you never know what skates you will get. Once you decide to buy your own skates, I would go for a lower class for your first pair. Low level Riedells, a good place to start, cost $80 at stores, but 60 online. I would suggest visiting a pro shop to try on the skates, and once you know your size, buy them online at www.skatebuys.com. Another option is to use second hand skates. There are some advantages to these skates:

*They're broken in for you already, so you don't have to go through the "transitional phase."

*They're a lot cheaper.

Disadvantages

*They may be too broken in, which isn't good because skates need to be stiff to support your ankles (especially when jumping). Make sure you get a pair of skates that isn't terribly broken in, but not stiff.

Since you won't be doing advanced jumps for a while, this may be a decent option for you.

I would also buy some bunga pads to prevent blisters, because new skates are stiff and need breaking in. Keep the first two eyelets untied on your first couple of wears.

Figure skating is a beautiful sport that will help with posture, grace, and core strength. Glad to hear you're considering picking it up!

P.S. Group lessons cost about 90 dollars for a 7 week series

It's a pretty good deal, because some even offer a stroking class in the beginning (to help with posture, poise, crossoverss, and to get you warmed up).

Always,

MeowMeow