How to learn to ice skate as an adult

I have never learnt to skate. Never in my life I put on a pair of skates or set foot on an ice rink. Little I thought I would do it, specially after a certain age, when you think you are to old to learn such skills like moving on the ice, free and graceful Let alone that you can barely drag your feet on a slippery sidewalk in winter time. Never believed I will learn to skate, never until now.

But things happens in our lives and we cannot run forever.

It was a beautiful winter day when my husband told my daughter they should go skating. As he is a polite guy, he asked me if I want to come, being off work and done with my choruses for the day. He, of course, expected me to, politely, decline but instead I said yes. “And are you planning to go on the rink?” he asked. “Sure” I said, with no hesitation. And off we went. The fact that few hours later I’m writing this hub stands to show my determination and enthusiasm.

My experience taught me few things about learning to skate as an adult - little tips and tricks that I want to share with other adults who want to learn to skate on ice.

Someone may say to start with your skates but I will tell you to let this one for later. The most important think is to let your fears, doubts, weaknesses at home. Embrace the idea of learning to skate, like it is the most natural thing for you.

Remember, you will do it for your own pleasure, for your own entertainment. And you’ll have plenty fun the moment you set your feet on the ice.

Maybe just before leaving the home, you may want to go on the Internet and do a search for “how to learn to skate”. I did it and found some very interesting YouTube videos. After watching few about how to move your feet and how to stop I felt much confident.

Then there are some articles, like this one, that may tell you what to wear and other important preparation steps.

Now, that we covered the basic lets get to one most important article that you need to have in order to learn to skate.

If you are a total beginner chances are you don’t have your own skates. In this case you have to rent a pair from the arena. There are two kinds of skates you can rent: figure skates and hokey skates. The best ones for learning to skate are the figure skates.That’s what I read and what everybody told me, except for the person at the skate rental.

Make sure that the figure skates you get do not hurt your feet, as they did to me. You must look for a newer pair, with a firmer shape. After you put them on and take few steps you will notice if any area of your feet or legs is sore. If so, do not attempt to go on the ice and change them.

I rented a pair of figure skates that were too rough on my ankles and I had to change them for a pair of hokey ones. After a minor technical problem they proved to be very reliable.

Once you made your way to the rink do yourself a favour and don’t hang on the wall. That’s the first thing my daughter told me. She’s only a little kid but she knew better. Hold someones hand instead.

Let yourself free, walk few steps to feel the ice. Try to work your balance and easily glide your
feet.

When you feel confident enough, release the hand and try to skate by yourself. Don’t think about what to do next and how to move your legs or balance your body. Instead, listen to the music played at the rink and let the rhythm guide you, like in a dance. Just don’t overdo it.

In the final, skating is much like dancing. You glide in circles, as happy as a child who received a new toy, and you don’t quite care about anything else.

My first skating experience was a success. I only felt once. It wasn’t a big deal but I wished I had a pillow attached to my posterior. I sprung right back and went for another round. I was on ice for one short hour and I felt my body working with all its muscles. I know I’ll be back as soon as I can.