I know that this must be the most eclectic blog ever.
But, I'm a pretty eclectic person.
Six years ago, I was recovering from an achilles tendon rupture that basically had me on my butt and crutches/walking boot/limping for about six months. I had always been afraid of skating, but the boots seemed supportive and it actually turned out to be great therapy for me-- while I was limping on the ground, I flew on the ice. Now, I'm jumping and spinning-- and live for the perfect wooosh-wooosh-wooosh sound of a centered scratch spin.
Nothing is impossible. Six years ago, I could barely walk. I had almost no muscle in my left leg, and skating had always been a terrifying experience that involved me clutching the boards and falling on my butt. Now, I still fall on my butt, but I also can do some pretty awesome stuff:
Scratch Spin with crossed arms, video taken this December
Falling still happens-- a LOT.
Rehearsing my 1940's style program in the dress that I'll be wearing (without the tank top underneath!) I'm still working on keeping my balance with the weight of the skirt dragging at me during jumps and spins.
Still, as someone who started skating as an adult, I remember those terrifying public sessions. And now, when I see kids and adults struggling to enjoy themselves on the ice, I can sympathise.
There are a few common (And easily repaired) mistakes that I see at the rink every weekend that actually make recreational skating less enjoyable. Note: I am not a PSA certified instructor. However, I have six years of experience on the ice and skate at the Adult Bronze level. Always use your own judgement when skating!
(Skating is also on my mind 24/7 because the main character in my current WIP figure skates. So, I guess that something like this works in a writing-ish blog?)
Tips to Enjoy Ice Skating:
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