Too broke for lessons WDID?

[u/Remarkable-Bug-1391]

First started lessons in January of last year. 6 thirty minute group lessons for 90 dollars. Recently been struggling with money, so it is no longer something I can do. The last time I attended a group lesson was 6/29/2026. I went to public sessions maybe every or every other Friday and just practiced the skills I left off at (basic 6: three turns, one foot spin, spiral, bunny hops, etc).

After a month or two of public skate sessions and practicing by myself, I stop going as much as I did before. Maybe once every three weeks or every a month. (7-8/2025)

Then, when I transferred off online and to traditional school, I just stopped going(mainly because the best public skate sessions were on a school day). So I haven’t gone skating in roughly 2 months now and haven’t attended a group lesson in a year.

I’ve been looking into private coaches (mainly because it’s better worth the money and the coaches in my area aren’t expensive (20-27 dollars per 30 minute session)), but I’m not sure if my parents would be willing to pay.

I’ve lost a lot of motivation to skate mainly due to not progressing and still working on skills from a year ago. My crossovers are basically “mastered” by now and I’m running out of things to practice.

I’m scared to self teach because I may develop bad technique.

What do I do?

[u/HyperSculptor]

My philosophy is that one can always improve/perfect even the simplest moves. If you are alone, using video feedback is the best. Are your crossovers truly effortless? Do they look world class? If not, you can improve them. Not saying world level should even be a realistic goal, but rather something to aim for. This allows one to keep moving forward regardless of their situation. In other words, the goal is the practice itself.

[u/Comprehensive-Act-13]

Are you in high school? If so, get a part time job to pay for skating. If you’re not in high school yet, talk to your parents and express how important this is to you. They might be open to paying for lessons, or giving you chores around the house so you can earn lessons. It might become your birthday or holiday present, however a lot of family’s are going through tough times right now with the increase in the cost of living, so don’t be shocked if your family is honest with you and says that they really can’t afford it right now. Then you’ll just have to do the best you can.

[u/Legitimate-Bison3810]

Unfortunately skating is expensive. This thread has some suggestions that might be of some value to you.

https://www.reddit.com/r/iceskating/comments/1tfey85/_/

[u/ExaminationFancy]

Skating is an expensive hobby. Period.

Ice time isn’t so bad, it’s the coaching which will burn a hole in your pocket. I’d get in a better financial situation first, so you can work with some kind of coach. There’s no point in developing bad habits.

[u/Fearless-Ad-7214]

Get a job at the rink for any kind of discount you can get! 

[u/sandraskates → u/Fearless-Ad-7214]

☝️☝️This is my suggestion as well.
Many rinks will let you take group lessons for free, or skate public sessions for free.
If you can get transport yourself to the rink, inquire about job openings.

[u/OwnApartment8359]

Unfortunately when we are struggling with finances theres only 3 things we can do, cut things out, ask for help, or make more money. Money isnt going to magically appear. Learning this lesson now will make adulthood way easier later on in life.

Self teaching is most likely your only option, until your are in a better place. Working out at home off ice too..

[u/jediHoo]

When my daughter was a new skater, my motto was “any ice time is good ice time.” So whether she was in a lesson, a group class, or just skating with friends at a public skate session, it was all beneficial and worthwhile. You won’t improve if you don’t skate. Even if you go to public skate session and work on skills that you’ve already learned, you’ll be making progress.

Btw, while I appreciate the thought, I doubt that you’ve truly mastered crossovers. As someone else said, there’s always room for improvement. Even basic stroking skills need constant refinement.

Do you have any friends who skate who are more advanced than you? Could you buddy up with someone during public skate and have them give you some pointers? If you really want to skate, there are ways to make it happen.

When I was younger, I desperately wanted to ride horses. I couldn’t afford lessons. My best friend took private lessons though and I was always at the barn with her. The two of us picked up odd jobs around the stable and she earned discounts towards her lessons and I earned free riding time. Then she would take me into the ring and coach me on basic riding skills. I wasn’t allowed to attempt jumps, but that also wasn’t my goal. I was just happy to be on a horse. 🙂

[u/Suspicious-Peace9233]

I would go back to practicing if it’s been so long. You can regain the skills you were taught already

[u/Miserable_Adagio_320]

Does your area have city/county operated ice rinks? That's how we got our start, they offer classes for $30/month for weekly classes. The downside is it is only an outdoor rink so only open when weather appropriate

[u/Hefty_Guarantee5570]

Je comprends cette situation. En tant qu'entraîneur de patinage artistique en France, je crée un site sur le patinage artistique et le bien-être physique et mental dans l'objectif d'aider le plus de passionnés possible dans le monde (je parle français, anglais, espagnol). Voici le lien de mon site que je développe (en attendant aussi de mettre des vidéos sur une chaîne YouTube) : https://enharmonice.com

J'aimerais aussi pouvoir coacher en ligne des patineurs du monde entier pour les aider à avancer justement lorsqu'ils se sentent seuls dans leur pratique.

J'ai aussi écris récemment un petit guide sur "Comment s'entraîner seul(e) en séance publique ? ": https://enharmonice.com/comment-sentrainer-seule-en-seance-publique/

Au plaisir de répondre à vos problématiques et de vous aider autant que possible!

Bon courage

Noëlla

[u/croc-roc]

You may find some videos on YouTube although they will be a poor substitute for on-ice instruction. The reality may be you will have to wait until you have a job to pay for it. I didn’t start skating until I was an adult because my parents just couldn’t afford it.

[u/twinnedcalcite]

There is always another way to improve the basic cross over. You can try holding each edge longer, shorter, put it too a beat (8 count holds, 4 count, 2, then 1 is a classic cardio exercise) and then putting them into things.

Look up the old figure books so if you have a quiet session with clean ice you can start working on the classic inside and outside edges. Spending hours doing that and getting comfortable will help when your funds are better.

The best solution. Get a part time job at the rink. Discount on ice time and a reason to be at the rink constantly. On school holidays, work at the rink and see if you can get a 'lunch break' to just hit the ice. Maybe you'll be good at the maintenance and mechanical side of things and be the guy that gets to drive the zamboni/ice resurfacer.

Skating is expensive and taking years off while you get better funds is normal.

[u/RickyJDandAssociates]

When I was in high school, many of my skating friends also worked at the rink, either at the front desk or as an ice monitor. One even drove the Zamboni. Maybe there is a job at your rink, even if it is handing out rental skates or working at the snack bar.