Unless you are five years old or younger, there is no graceful way to get your bearings on the ice. These suggestions can help it be a little less terrifying and awful:
- Take a class. Misery loves company, and you can find much comfort in group ineptitude. As you learn more, you might want to take private lessons to focus more directly on your own needs and idiosyncracies. But, at first, the cost and camaraderie of a skating class can keep you motivated. Taking private lessons or going 100 percent solo might intimidate you off the ice for good.
- Buy your own skates. If you have a sense that you will stick with skating despite your early struggles, then you should know that buying your own skates can be beneficial for several reasons:
- You manage how sharp they are. When so many things are going wrong at once for you as a beginning skater, you may wonder why the blade sharpness even matters. I mean, you can’t even stop, turn, or get through a class without falling. However, a dull or oddly sharpened blade will make learning more difficult. And, if you have your own skates, you can experiment with various sharpening options. Do you want a deep edge? Do you like it shallow? You will get a better sense of these things if you have one pair of skates you always use instead of a rotating rental situation.
- They fit you. Finding the right style and fit is no easy task, but friendly experts can be found at any rink pro shop or hockey store. They know the questions to ask, even if you do not, and you would be hard-pressed to stump them. I mean, I tried, and I still got good advice and a pair of skates that fit my needs perfectly. So, don’t be shy. Ask the dumb questions. They have heard it all, and they have been in your skates as a beginner before, too.
- You avoid other people’s feet. I am not a germaphobe, but I think that speaks for itself.
- You may decide to skate barefoot. The above reason gets particularly crucial if you decide to be one of those types who do not wear socks or anything in their skates. These people exist. You could be one of them. If so, you will need your own pair of skates for obvious reasons. (But, seriously, you can buy super thin socks or liners instead of going for full blister. Ask around for what works.)
- In theory, you can choose a color you like. But, this last one may surprise you—I was certainly surprised at the extremely limited colors available for figure skates.
- If you need another reason, see the third reason again. You should always remember that reason.
- Know you will fall and don’t fight it. Learn to go with it. One of the first things you will learn in class is how to fall properly. Pay attention.
- Find comfortable, layered attire that allows you to move. Don’t wear jeans. There are other, better options for men and women that are not sweat pants and that move efficiently with you. You also may or may not get cold. I was surprised at how few layers I really needed once I got going. If you need ideas, just watch other skaters and ask around.
- Consider wearing a helmet. If wearing one will make you less inhibited and more willing to take the risks necessary to learn, then please consider it. Most adult classes do not require it, and most people won’t be wearing one, but don’t let the crowd decide this one for you.
- Wear gloves. You will be taught to not use your hands to break any falls, but instinct can be hard to override. Your hands will fare better if you have them covered.
- Get lost in the fun of it all. Chet Baker has the song, but every new skater should have this attitude. Do your best to be in the moment and to enjoy the process. A sense of fun and wonder about the ice will carry you further than stubbornness or innate ability ever will. Any good skater will give you this advice first. I am not yet a good skater, so I save it for last. Every pro hockey player I have ever had the courage to ask for skating advice has paused, smiled to his eyes, and said: “Have fun.” I think those guys know a thing or two about skating.