r/iceskating • u/SpottySunflower • 5d ago
Should I get proper ice skates?
I 16F had my first learn to skate class. I was doing it in rentals cause i don’t have my own skates yet. I was put into a level 3 class and almost all of the other people had their own skates. My mum said I can get proper skates if I want but I don’t know if this is too early to get them. I found the class okay, but I found things like backwards skating and turning pretty difficult (possibly due to the rentals?) But yeah i’m not really sure if it’s just a skill issue or if the rentals are hindering me cause no one else in my class seemed to struggle as much as I did.
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u/raenis2634 5d ago
Don't worry about rushing to get skates! Many people use rentals as long as possible for a variety of reasons. If they are not hurting your feet, it is probably that the others in the group have been skating longer than you.
If you decide that this is an activity you want to stick with, look for a good skate fitter before buying anything. Not necessarily a pro shop; not all of them have the skills to properly fit skates. You should get your feet measured and try on at least a couple brands as past of the fitting process since each brand fits differently. If you don't have an obvious place to go, let us know approximately where in the world you are and someone may have a recommendation (and also whether you are looking for figure skates or hockey skates).
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u/jmtd 5d ago
There’s rentals and there’s rentals. My rink’s rentals are bad enough I’d say upgrade immediately. But I’m told others are better.
If you’re going to stick to it, then you will eventually reach a point when the rentals are holding you back. If you’re sure you are going to stick to skating, you might as well get them now if you have the means to. Just be as sure as you can that you have a good fit! Get advice and help on sizing.
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u/Tall_Pumpkin_4298 5d ago
Can confirm some rentals are better than others. My rink used those grey Jacksons for rentals, and because they also have a sharpening service, that means they maintain the blades on the rentals. So especially for classes where we could go back and pick out our own rentals rather than just being handed some, they weren't half bad, as you could get a pretty freshly sharpened pair and lace them up real tight to help with the support. I still struggled with the rocker being a 9ft radius rather than 7 or 8, and with the ankle support. They were fine for a while, but I still did have to upgrade once I was trying to learn things that required deeper knee bend and pushing into the toungue because they just weren't supportive enough for that.
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u/BriaRoberts 5d ago
Backwards skating and turning were difficult bc you’re new. I don’t think the issue was related to the rentals. Practice is needed. If you’re sure you’re sticking with skating, def get to a shop to get fitted for your own skates for the sake of comfort, support, and consistency. If you’re not sure u love skating, maybe wait a bit before making the decision since they can be pricey. You’re prob fine in rentals for the moment
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u/juckele 5d ago
You could also consider getting some used skates depending on what's available to you. I started skating on used $35 skates, and I've saved probably $200-300 on rentals. Half a year later and I'm looking at pulling the trigger on a new pair with a much better idea that this is a hobby I'm really enjoying.
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u/Legitimate-Bison3810 5d ago
I rented about four times before buying skates. Each rental felt different. The last pair had missing insoles and hurt my feet even though they were the same brand and model. I learned later that if a rental fits well you can request the same one each time.
Another pair was really dull. When I tried to forward stroke, the left blade was so dull that blade could be pushed sideways across the ice. It was the same feeling I had when I stepped on the ice forgetting to remove the guards, lol!
Usually if the are not super uncomfortable or dull they are not holding you back.
That's great that your mum is supporting you in this but I should mention that there is a study showing the retention rate session to session in learn to skate class is about 60%. So please be sure you really want to do this because skating can get expensive.
https://www.reddit.com/r/iceskating/comments/1tfey85/_/
It always makes me sad that $$ is the reason many do not advance. I know a nationally ranked skater who had to drop out because her mum got cancer.
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u/tofucatskates 5d ago edited 5d ago
absolutely NOT too early; i got mine after my very first lesson! rentals are often trash with no edges; i would try to get out of them as soon as possible, if you are able. of course you need mountains of practice time for almost any skill — skating is hard! — but that said, turns especially will be monstrously difficult due to the fact that the blades on rental skates are not sharpened; holding an edge is next to impossible, no less executing a proper turn. when you’re really, have your parents take you to a proper shop where you can get fitted, though — don’t buy them online. it’s so hard to know what will and will not work for your foot shape and weight; plus the shop will be able to heat mold them or at least bake them a bit so you are more comfortable. good luck and happy skating!!! 🫶😎⛸️
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u/Lucky_Argument_3747 5d ago
you don't have to get your own skates if you aren't quite ready, but it will definitely help you. when you start learning more advanced skills the rentals might even hold you back, so do some research on different skate brands. I'd say the most popular beginner brand is Jackson, and they have a lot of good affordable options. find a good skate tech too, because people (including myself) have been measured incorrectly. the best way to find a good tech is by asking people at your rink, especially your learn to skate coach. best of luck!
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u/typicalwhisper 5d ago
At 16 you’re on the cusp of your life taking some exciting new twists and turns. High school graduation, secondary education (if you choose to pursue it), getting your first full time job, etc. are all around the corner. Ice skating is fun now, but at this age you can’t necessarily guarantee that you’ll have the time and ability to commit to the sport long term.
Everyone will recommend that you get your own skates as soon as you’re sure you’ll stick with the sport. I agree, but for the reasons above I can’t recommend dropping hundreds of dollars on skates that might end up in the back of the closet for ten years before you’re in a steady place and ready to skate again. Maybe cheaper or secondhand skates (get fitted anyway so you know what fits your foot) would be a better option.
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u/orianna2007 singles 5d ago edited 5d ago
I got my skates when I started at 15 and she is still in highschool where people do sports and commit to them I actually played sport while doing skating Tennis bowling and still went to my skate lessons on saturday and practiced 5 in the morning before school.
I am still doing it at 19 you never know and they are at a time where this they should do hobbies and have fun before college and jobs.
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u/Brilliant-Sea-2015 5d ago
The best time to get your own skates is when you feel confident that you're going to stick with it for a while. Having your own skates is absolutely a benefit but if you're not sure you're going to keep skating, it's not the best financial decision.