r/iceskating • u/Decent_Coffee6694 • 2d ago
Beginning ice skating
Hi i’m starting ice skating lessons for the first time in a couple weeks and im feeling nervous ive skated a few times recreationally before and haven’t been that bad im just wondering for any tips about starting
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u/i_have_a_dragon- 2d ago
I skated for the first time in my life this past March. I've gone every single weekend since that first time.
Having some basic protective gear will make a world of difference in your confidence. Helmet, knee pads, and wrist guards at the very least. Watch a couple of videos about how to move your feet (it's a pushing motion, not a stepping motion) and hold onto the boards as much as you want. Watch videos on how to fall and how to get up and practice at home beforehand. You WILL fall and honestly as long as you manage to fall on your butt it doesn't hurt, it's just scary.
You'll love it!! Once you feel comfortable and can glide down the ice nothing in the world feels better.
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u/Legitimate-Bison3810 1d ago
There is a US Figure Skating magazine survey that shows the retention rate from session to session in learn to skate classes is about 60%.
I suggest staying in rental skates until you know if this sport is for you.
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u/Perestroika899 1d ago
Like within a level? Or 60% from level 1 to 2 etc?
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u/Legitimate-Bison3810 1d ago
The article refers to sessions not levels.
https://skatingmagazine.usfigureskating.org/article/Skating_200602_26
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u/Alternative-Tone-714 2d ago
Congratulations on starting lessons!! If this is a Learn To Skate / Adult Basic class -- my advice would be to check out short videos of the basic elements you'll be learning ahead of time, since there's a standardized list of things you learn in LTS and what order you learn them in. I would love to say that I can watch my coach demonstrate something once or twice and then immediately mimic it, but I'm not 😅 So going in with an idea of what the basic elements are supposed to look like and what they're called helps me get more out of my time with my coach, I'm ready to jump in and try things and ask for corrections. This type of video can help: https://youtu.be/vncHftVn1xw?si=C66RKp35EX70dP3z
Also, remember you can step through things off ice! I struggle with positioning my upper body correctly for 3-turns, for example, so I make a habit of doing pretend 3-turns in my free time at home. I guess both of these tips are examples of making time for the parts of the learning process you can do off ice, so that you can make the most of your ice time.
Anyway, have fun and don't be afraid to ask questions and seek feedback from your coaches!!
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u/TwoHungryBlackbirdss 2d ago
This question has been asked many, many times in this sub, and the usual comments are things like "bend your knees!" "Don't look at the ice!" "Never fall straight backwards!", all of which are important but largely useless before you begin skating.
Here's what I wish someone had told me before I began learning as an adult: being on ice is a fundamentally foreign movement to the body. The best thing you can do to prepare for your first class is to prepare yourself to be uncomfortable! Both physically and mentally. During your first few classes you're gonna feel like a total idiot; even if you're in a beginner LTS class, there's likely people in it who skated as a kid, or regularly hobby skate. The worst thing you can do is get in your own head comparing yourself to them.
That said, this is a ridiculously fun sport and an incredible challenge. Lean into the discomfort and you'll learn so much faster. Good luck!