When can I skate?

Question

At my ice arena, they have public skating Monday and Thursday 12-1:30(in school), Wednesday 5:30-7 pm (I have something going on every Wednesday), and Sunday 1-3pm, which I can't always make it to. I haven't started skating lessons yet so I can't go to the freestyle sessions, so when else can I go? I really need to practice more than once a week because I just got new boots and I don't know how else to break them in besides skating in them.

Thanks!

Answer 1

See if there are other sessions for you to skate in. There must be a way to skate! Also, check out the night sessions. Usually it's more empty.

Wear your hard guards[silicon/plastic] and wear in them. Climb the stairs or something until you feel the ache. Then take them off until the next day. When you take them off, remember to loosen the laces ALL the way down to the toe unless you want to see ugly creases and premature breakdown of the tongue.

If you really really can't make it in, you might want to go in early before you lessons to "warm up".

Answer 2

Check with other rinks in the area to see if they have any other skating hours that work better with your schedule.  Or maybe try to reorganize your activities.  Can the other things be scheduled for days when there isn't any skating time? Sometimes your "want" to skate outweighs other activities.  :)  Luckily, winter break is coming up, so you can skate when you're out of school.  Maybe things will get easier once you've started lessons and freestyle sessions will be available to you.  Then you can always skate before school -- if you're a morning person!  :)

Put your new skates on (with guards) while you're hanging out at home.  Walk in them a bit around the house and you'll probably find some of the spots that rub and may cause blisters.  That way when you do get to the ice, you can protect those areas with Bunga pads, makeup sponges or other creative padding to make your break in a little easier.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I completely understand!  My rinks have public sessions and freestyle sessions all during the day, when I have to work.  There are weekend public sessions, but those are insanely crowded.  Hockey has taken up all the weeknight times.  Luckily, I can make it to the early morning freestyle sessions (5:50 am!!), and I usually take my chances on the weekend publics (it's better than not skating at all).  

My advice is to try to get to the Sunday session, at least until you're allowed to go to the freestyle sessions.  And check around to see if there is another rink you might be able to get to.  Christmas break should be coming up soon - rinks often expand their public skating sessions during that time, so you could check that out.  

As others have said, you can help your skates break in by wearing them around the house with the guards on.  Just walk around your house and sit and watch tv with them on.  You can try heating the insides with a hairdryer before you put them on - that will help them mold to your feet.

Answer 4

I'm not sure when else you can skate...but...

1. Is there another rink in  your area?

2. You can break in your new skates by putting the plastic guards over the blades and wearing them around your house.  It seems kind of silly to wear your skates in your house, but it works...I've done it with over 6 pairs of skates.  Just make sure you have guards on, wear your normal socks or nylons you would skate in, and tie them up like normal, then walk around the house, cook, clean, watch tv, whatever.  

Best of luck finding ice!