Website design By BotEap.comAs a coach, I am sometimes asked if it is difficult to learn to skate. It’s an interesting question for me because my first thought is, “compared to what?” I mean, for some it may seem difficult, but I never felt that way. Although it was more than 40 years ago, I still remember my first steps on the ice. I remember thinking about how much fun it was and how I had never experienced anything like this.

Website design By BotEap.comSo maybe one way of looking at skating is like learning to walk. When you started, you had an idea of ​​the concept and you knew it was something you wanted to do, but being so young you didn’t know where to start. Then our parents stepped in and helped us get started, started teaching us the basics; how to put one foot in front of the other. And before we knew it, we were walking and even running.

Website design By BotEap.comFigure skating is a lot like that. There are coaches like me who help first-time students take those first steps. We help show students what the road is like and focus only on the basics at first. Show students proper steps and pushes, explain when to bend, how to support their bodies for best results. Then when you learn them through the basics, we can begin to learn more advanced moves, steps, turns, and jumps. And, if I’ve done my coaching job well and taught the basics well, then each skill builds on the previous one and the student continually improves.

Website design By BotEap.comThey also ask me as a coach if there is a perfect age to start. My answer is probably different than most coaches, as I believe that anyone can learn to skate at any age. I started when I was 9 years old and only skated for a few years and then came back to the sport at 21 years old. So, I did most of my skating as an adult. I think there are some advantages to learning when you are a little older. One is that older children and adults can better understand the concepts first and then they can apply them and then move their bodies in that direction. There are many important concepts and it helps to be able to understand them. But there are younger children who do just as well and will often learn the movement first and then the concept later. So anyone can really learn figure skating.

Website design By BotEap.comLastly, you can learn the basics in a number of ways. I teach a series of beginners to learn to skate with online videos and guides. You can also buy books. Some YouTube videos are good too. And, once you get started, I recommend hiring a coach. But, the most important thing is that you get out there and start skating. Improvements as you do.

Website design By BotEap.comIn short, anyone can learn to skate and it is only difficult if you are not having fun!