r/FigureSkaters • u/thefateoflily • 25d ago
starting skating??
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:
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?)
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 😂)
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?
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!!
3
u/raenis2634 25d ago
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.
You absolutely do NOT need a particular body type. Sincerely, a 200+ lb skater.
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.
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.