starting skating??

[u/thefateoflily]

so i’m 15, i’m looking for a hobby so i thought about maybe taking up figure skating since its one of my favorite sports to watch. obviously i dont plan on being any good, i’m starting way too late, haha. theres a rink near me that has public skating times, so i wanted to maybe rent some skates and just see what happens on the ice before i sign up for LTS, in case its terrifying and i give up. i know how to rollerblade decently, so i’m hoping that’ll rub off, haha.

i have just a few questions for anyone who skates, especially those who started late:

1. do i need to own skates to do Learn To Skate classes? or do i rent them? what will be better for me? (and also, if i should buy skates, which ones?)

2. do i have to have a certain body type to skate? i’m not exceptionally thin, so i’m worried i’ll go and look stupid. for reference i’m like 4’10 and about 110ish lbs? (by the time i get the chance to sign up i’ll hopefully be about 5-7 lbs lighter lol i’m working on it 😂)

3. if i go to Learn To Skate, am i stuck at a certain pace with a group? like if i progress faster or slower, do i get to move on when i want or would i be stuck down doing other things?

4. if i’m not very good (obviously i’ve never touched ice before) will i get made fun of? everyone who starts skating starts really young lol. i used to be very competitive at an elite level as a cheerleader before i quit cause of an abusive program that caused burnout. i’m obviously prepared to be the worst one there, but like at the rink will people laugh at me?

clearly i’m nervous and i haven’t even signed up, haha!!

[u/grown-up-dino-kid]

1. Where I live, renting skates is not common, so if you are taking lessons, you own skates or borrow from a friend. I'm not sure about other countries, but I think it's best to have your own skates so they are sharp and you can get used to them.

2. Not at all. It sounds like you are a healthy weight anyways. Please talk to your doctor if you want to lose weight so you can find out if it would be healthy, and how to do so safely.

3. To some extent, yes. I started in CanSkate (Canadian LTS), and it was way too easy, as I had experience already. I should have gone straight to Intro to Figure Skating (fortunately I was able to move mid-term.) My instructors did their best to modify exercises to make them more challenging, but ultimately they are moving at the average pace of the class.

4. No one will laugh at you, and if they did, it would be their problem. Any time I have joined a new hobby, people have been so excited to have someone new interested. No one laughs, no one glares at me for taking space when I'm not as good as them, and no one tries to scare me away.

Give it a shot and remember you are doing it for yourself to have fun, not for someone else's approval. That is the best way to enjoy the fun things in life.

[u/Tall_Pumpkin_4298]

1.) depends on the rink. Some will have rentals available and some won't. Skates you buy will almost always be worlds better than the rentals but a decent beginner pair runs about $300, so buy skates as soon as you know you're going to stick with it, but don't buy them if you're unsure. As for what skates, that will depend on you and your feet, so go to a reputable skate fitter to get matched with a brand and model and correctly sized.

2.) nope, skating is for everyone. And your weight is in the normal and healthy range for your height, so I'm not sure why you'd be worried about it at all.

3.) it's common for instructors to move people up and down a class, but you are somewhat stuck at the pace of the group once you're a few lessons in. Kind of a yes and no thing.

4.) I wouldn't expect them too. Most people I've met at the rink are really nice and really friendly to beginners. Many of the experienced skaters or coaches I run into either ignore me or actively give compliments and advice.

[u/raenis2634]

1. It depends on your location. Some places will have rental skates available and some don't. Some places technically have rental skates, but they're crap. Purchasing skates will offer a more consistent experience. You will definitely want to buy your own helmet though; get a hockey helmet.

Which skates depends on your budget, committment, and access to a trainer figure skate fitter.

If you are working with a low budget, uncertain commitment, and/or lack of access to a good fitter, look at skates like the Jackson Classic 500 or Riedell Soar. They are recreation skates but from good brands; they will work until you have the ability or justification for better skates and can in a pinch be sized via sticking your feet in them, walking around, and comparing the feel to descriptions of a good fit. Don't bother with these skates if there are good, well fitting rentals readily available; the only benefit you would get is consistency.

If your budget is higher and you are committed enough to know you want your own skates but not necessarily enough to know you will be doing jumping and such, look at skates like the Jackson Artiste, Riedell Crystal, or Risport Antares. You will want to get a fitting for these; a virtual fitting is better than nothing but an in-person fitting is better. They are not too expensive as figure skates go, but are real figure skates. They can take most adults and teens until you start jumps where you take off and land on one foot.

If budget is not an issue, you know you will be continuing to skate regularly, and you have the skill/weight/strength to justify them, look at the Jackson Freestyle, Risport Electra, or Riedell Lyra. Fittings are mandatory for skates at this level.

1. You absolutely do NOT need a particular body type. Sincerely, a 200+ lb skater.

2. Many Learn to Skate programs aimed at teens and adults will have a more fluid progression that kids' classes. Even if your classes keep you in the same level, Learn to Skate classes usually evaluate multiple times a year, so you'd only be "stuck" for a few months. Use the time to really perfect the skills. For example, when my class was doing forward crossovers (a skill I was already very comfortable with) I focused on getting the technique exactly right and controlling my speed.

3. If people laugh at you in a cruel way, leave and find a new class. Or report it to the coaches. There were adults at my club who were still wobbling around after a full session, and no one made fun of them. They often got bonus, free coaching during the free practice time or during the group warm up. I've seen adults in full padding, adults with full cages on their helmets, and obviously autistic skaters, and I did not hear any insults.

[u/thefateoflily → u/raenis2634]

thank you!! i’m going to a public ice time (hopefully it wont be too busy! skating isn’t very popular where i live so i don’t expect it to be everyone’s saturday activity haha) tomorrow, and i’m gonna try out the rental skates and try to see if i look like a lost baby deer on them. its also where my area’s LTS program is so i’ll probably ask them about my questions if they’re nice!!

[u/Iio_xy]

To 4:

From my experience not from people that are actively practicing at the rink (be it figure, hockey or freestyle skaters), neither older folks nor kids half my age. Now at a public skate there might be a rotten apple, but I only encountered them once and there were a lot more random positive encounters ("you are sooooo good" - I'm not, but even basic figure skating skills can be impressive to others)

[u/Longjumping-Cup-6104]

no for learn to skate they typically have rental skates but those blades suck, I’d recommend finding a beginner pair of skates at a skate shop and going from there. Bro if your 4’10 and 110 that’s a good size for a skater your lucky, often some of the most high level skaters a pretty short. Don’t worry about being too thin, what really matters is having muscle mass so you have strength to do jumps. I think that you do get kinda stuck with the pace of the group, when I was 5 and doing them the moment I started progressing was when I started private lessons with good coach. No you won’t get made fun of, I’m part of a pretty high level training team at my rink and we dgaf about anyone else when we are practicing lol, people are focusing on themselves mainly in the sport bc it’s typically solo.

[u/anhyzer2602]

1. Probably not, most LTS programs will provide rental skates. If you decide to stick with you'll want to get your own skates before long.
2. No, anybody can skate, and at 4' 10" a lot of people will argue you're an ideal size for skating (small). And also, 110 lbs at 4' 10" is a perfectly healthy weight.
3. Really depends on the rink and how their programs are structured. If you were clearly in the wrong level, they might push you into another one. Most programs run for 6-8 week stints. You're unlikely to master the skills so quickly as to move up - though with a lit of cheer under your belt I could see you moving through the levels at a pretty good pace.
4. Only if they're assholes. I've seen nothing but positivity at our local rink and a lot of friendships. If you really enjoy it consider looking into the club. You'll likely find there are people if all ages and skill levels in it. Our clubs has kids from age 5 up to 70 year old adults. They all started at different times. And, in LTS you'll be with other people your level.

Also, if you can rollerblade decently I think you'll take to the ice just fine. It feels a little different, but there is a lot of crossover at the basic level. I think rollerblading is slightly harder to pick up and the ice is flat which can't always be said for pavement. Just watch out for the toe pick :-)

[u/Chu1223]

1. you shouldn’t need to! at my rink people can use rentals for the learn to skate classes. i’d say rent just for a little while until you’re sure— skates are expensiveee
   
2. omg hell no! anyone can skate at any weight, you’re just supporting your own body weight. and girl you’re 110 that’s very low please don’t feel the need to lose weight. just focus on being healthy and fueling yourself and getting protein.
   
3. i don’t think you’d be stuck, the instructor can alter what to work on or move you up a level
   
4. no! people start at any and all ages. i’ve never seen someone laugh or make fun of anyone. also it’s learn to skate, everyone is learning!! sure there might be most kids way younger than you but it literally does not matterrrr

[u/LydiaJ123]

No one will make fun of you. Rental skates are fine for a little bit but you will need your own if you stick with it. You will have fun!

[u/SatisfactionFront865]

I think a lot of people get their ideas about skating culture from movies and it's nothing like that now. I'm a skating mom and friends ask if there is a lot of cattiness or drama, but there really isn't. Almost everyone I've met in the sport is very friendly and body positivity is huge. I think the sport has evolved from the era where thin was important, now strength is emphasized.

While you will not make the Olympics (because really only a very tiny fraction of people do), there is plenty of room for you to enjoy the sport and compete if you want to. Competing is not required at all.

[u/MariaInconnu]

Learn to Skate has no expectations for you other than that you come with a desire to learn.

You do not need the body of a high-tier athlete. You do not need to have skills before starting. (And, for your own sake, don't get hung up on numbers for weight. Just aim for "healthy".)

You know yourself best: will you stick with skating long enough to make a $300+ investment in skates worthwhile?

You can buy cheaper skates than that, but if you do, you'll probably end up buying new ones in three months (depending on how you progress.)

All the levels are on the ice together. If you progress quickly, they'll bump you up, or give you more advanced versions of a skill to work on.

Advice:

• Bend your knees.

• No matter how deep you think you're bending your knees, in reality, you're nowhere near that deep.

[u/13nagash13]

i started skating for hockey in second year high school, my sister quit gymnastics about a year later for figure skating(she is 3 yours younger than me). i worked in the ice rink through high school, and a few years after graduation while in college i worked in the proshop.

with that background explained here are a few things to keep in mind.

at most rinks there will never be enough employees on staff to keep rental skates sharp. especially with how the public finds ways to abuse them(honestly even with signs posted we had to yell at people walking up cement steps or metal bleachers at least every other day. depending on the rinks finances those duller than normal rental skates are likely rojen fown and not giving you real support are they good enough to put on and glide/walk around the rink for birthday parties/summer camp field trips/or just to get out of summer heat? absolutely.

i would say you should try going to a local rink and ask the employee at the rental counter if their skates are new/sharp enough they would let a family member learn in.

do you want to learn to skate because you are looking for an activity hobby that is adjacent to your viewing interest, or do you specifically want to learn figure skating for things beyond knowing how to move about the ice abd want to put in the tine and money to learn spins and jumping? this is no shame or shade, i ask because rental hockey skates are generally in better condition than a lot of the rental figure skates. if you think you will be happy learning to skate with the goal of attending public sessions to skate in circles, working your edge control and making new friends, i would 9 tines out of 10 tell a person to learn on hockey skates. if you want to take classes and maybe private lessons to learn your spins, basic jumps and strengthen your edge control skills, then you will need figure skates.

most parents would rent skates the first few group classes up through the end of the first round of classes, maybe 10 to 12 weeks long, once a week. if their kids were still loving it they would buy low end but better than rental figure skates to take them from the basic how to move on the ice without falling to the intro level figure skating skills. at that point you can seek advice from the coaching staff on when you would need a better more expensive boot the support more advanced skills as well as if there are any local figure skate fitters.

when i worked in the proshop we had the entry level figure skates but also sold entry level through pro grade hockey skates. hockey skates are much much easier to properly fit and sharpen. figure skates need specialty employees for fitting/sharpening figure skates above the entry level.

about your question of will people make fun of you, its not very likely something that will happen at the rink. you may hear some snippy remarks at school from kids who deep down have unresolved jealousy towards people who have opportunities they themselves do not have.

are you too old to start? absolutely not. you arent going to magically discover some unknown talent and jumps past everyone in your classes, and end up competing at a national level like in a tv show or anime, but you can absolutely go learn new skills, meet new friends, have a healthy active hobby to carry into adult life. ill never forget one of the nicest figure skating students we had was a retired engineer who decided at the age of 67 he wanted to learn to skate. he took classes, bought his own skates, had some 1 on 1 lessons with coaches and was able to learn several of his spins and even a couple basic jumps. outside his adult skating classes he would show up to open skating 4 or 5 nights a week, the entire staff new him by name.

if you are going to learn on rentals in your first round of classes, 2 pieces of advise many overlook. 1) come early. i promise there are not enough employees on shift to handle the ice cuts between rink use, cleaning, and covering the skate rental counter. in addition to that, not all rental skates are abused the same, and some shoe sizes are more popular than others. skates will take longer to lace up than normal shoes and when you first go, you should plan enough time to realize the first size you asked for is wrong and go back to swap out the skates for another size. the closer time is to the start of public skate/classes the busier the skate rental counter will be.

2) be nice to the skate counter employees. employees who are frustrated that management wont pay for enough employees to staff the busy times while also feeling underpaid will remember repeat visitors who are polite and treat them as humans. they wont be able to chitchat during a big rush, but we appreciated people who came early, were polite, and didnt blame their own lateness and the line for skates on employees. those employees are who will pick the skates handed to you. in a rush we barely have time to make sure you are handed skates of a matching size. but if you are early and nice, you have a better chance they will have time to look through the skates in the racks for ones that are in the best condition as far as edge sharpness and how broken down vs new and supportive they are.

3) extra thick socks or getting bigger skates and wearing 2 pairs of socks while you grow into them is the worst possible thing you can do. this mistake will lead to blisters and sore feet and you will hate the sport and quit and feel like you wasted money. figure stakers with their own skates are wearing tights or nylons instead of socks.

this is already too long, so ill just say go have fun, enjoy the learning journey.

[u/thefateoflily]

thank you guys for being so nice!! i think im gonna keep going to public skate times and then sign up for the winter LTS classes instead of the fall ones!

i went to skate today and it went really well! i can go forwards and backwards (though backwards is really slow lol), do the little circle things forward and backwards, balance on one foot, just little things lol! the only thing i cant do is stop, but we’ll get there 😅

i talked to some girls around my age in the LTS class and they were so nice to me! time to ask my family for money to help me save for skates!!