Hometown Skating Fun
The Mar Jennings Home & Garden Show went on the road recently to film a
special show on ice skating. As a former competitive figure skater, I was
eager to share my passion for skating with friends and neighbors and assure
them that I could still pull off a double toe loop! So, they learned more
about skating correctly, how to make home-made pompoms, and we all got some
exercise. We had a blast.
Regardless of where you live, there is probably a skating rink near you.
For most people, ice-skating romantically symbolizes the season. Who doesn't
remember Hans Brinker? I recall cold winter evenings from my childhood sitting
lakeside with a big roaring bonfire. As the cold weather approaches and winter
knocks on your door, you scramble to find your skates and accessories. You
discover that your children have now outgrown their skates. Take a breath.
Skating is one of the least expensive sporting activities around. It's a fun
sport that can energize you and help release stress. Skating requires balance,
form, and stamina if you want to shine. As a former Regional and Sectional
Figure Skating Champion, I love to advise friends and family on how to make
skating a delightful experience. I hope the following tips give you the
confidence to start doing moves you might have only dreamed possible.
Let start with making your outing a family day. When skating with the family, you
should always have safety in mind. Just like any other sport you will need to plan
ahead and be prepared. Children should always be dressed properly for the weather
should always wear helmets. No exceptions. Gloves are essential for everyone and
young children should wear mittens. Barehanded children run the risk of increased
injury from falling by scraping their wrists and palms, and possibly getting hit by
oncoming skaters. Do not forget this little but important detail.
Although many skating rinks are available in the state, I personally love the Longshore
Skating Rink located at 260 Compo Road South, in Westport, Connecticut. Here is where
all your winter wonderland dreams can come true. Owned by the Police Athletic League
(PAL), the rink has views of the Long Island Sound along with music and refreshments.
The sunset here is truly magical. There is plenty of parking and a nice warm indoor
changing area with lockers and bathrooms nearby. You can snack at the concession
stand and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while putting on your skates. You can enjoy
hours of skating enjoyment with your friends and family. Skate rentals are available
for a $4.00. Adults skate for $9.00 while children under 17 pay only $6.25. They
even offer skate sharpening. For skating times, private parties or other information,
log onto www.wpalrink.com At the
mercy of weather conditions, rink closings are possible.
It is best to call ahead 203-226-RINK (7465).
If you plan on joining in the fun this season, you should follow some important tips that
will help guarantee a successful experience. Here are some questions I've been asked
frequently throughout my skating career:
When should I show up?
Arrive 20 – 30 minutes prior to your skating lesson or session start time.
This will ensure that you have plenty of time to lace your skates before helping
friends, family members and especially small children.
How old should my children be before they start to skate?
Only you know your children's capabilities. I have seen some amazing two and
three year olds, and I have also seen some disasters on ice. It is best to
introduce the idea as a family event. If your child shows an interest, take
the lead. If not, don't push it. If skating is not their sport, you will
know it right away. Perhaps, they are too young. Try again next year.
Encourage your children to skate hands free to start to develop good balance
and to take away their fear. Brothers, sisters and school friends are great
for inspiring your child to join in the fun. Skating could become a life
long skill, so be prepared--you may have the next Olympic champion in your home.
What is the right way to put on my skates?
For years, people have been asking me this one question. I've heard it all;
I've seen it all. You would be surprised how many people still have their
skates from High School in the attic that they dust off and bring back to
life each winter. Let it go! You deserve to either splurge on a new pair or
just rent for the session. Skates have come a long way since you were in high
school. When selecting a new pair of skates for yourself or a child, bring
the type of sock you will be wearing. Wear a good warm wool sock. Socks are
a whole conversation. Let me make one thing clear, the more socks you wear,
the worse things will be. During my competitive years, I and many other skaters
would skate barefoot—not recommended for recreational skaters. Thick socks and
multiple socks create discomfort and wobbling, not to mention that your feet
will sweat more and get colder faster.
How tight should the skate laces be?
I see lacing done incorrectly time and time again. One simple rule here:
if you can put your finger under any lace, it is too loose. Loose skates can be
very dangerous for any skater. A weak ankle can cause injury and problems on the
ice. Use a skate key, skate hook, or a skate “tightener” for assistance. For the
$2 cost of a skate key, you can lace-up like a pro. You can find these at Blueline
Sports at the Darien Skating Rink. On the other hand, if you lace your skates and
your legs turn purple or start to swell, they're too tight! You want to get this
just right for hours of painless enjoyment.
Should I enroll my child in group lessons?
One Saturday at one of the Learn to Skate classes at Longshore, I remember a mother
and daughter came to skate when it was less than 20 degrees outside. Her daughter was
crying and screaming, not wanting to join the skating lessons. Although she looked
very cute in her pink skating dress and tights, this was totally inappropriate for
the weather. When I commented to this Mom that her daughter needed warmer clothes,
she looked at me as if I had three heads. No wonder the child was unhappy. Many
children dislike the pressure of a group sporting activity and want none of it.
Often, I see parents trying too hard with the perfect outfits while ignoring the
real needs of the child on the ice, which is keeping warm. Children will either
love the group experience or hate it. Luckily, skating is an individual sport
in which a solitary child can challenge him or herself to any extent. Rather
than pushing your reluctant child into a group session, make time for one-on-one
skating outings at a session that involves just the two of you. Darien Ice Rink
and Longshore have quiet sessions during the day or after school, both of which
are excellent options for discovering the sport together outside of a group or a
crowded rink. Make a day of it, have fun and enjoy the time spent together.
Don't push the process. In time, your child will come to enjoy the time spent
together and will grow in confidence from each experience. This is a great time
to bring in an instructor to give you both lessons or try group lessons again.
Some children socialize slowly, and quiet individual attention with these children
works best. Others fit right into the group experience and are soon leading the
parade. A good instructor can help you reinforce the right moves and make it fun
and rewarding whether alone or in a group.
What should we wear?
Although I've already mentioned gloves, mittens and helmets, be sure to have warm
and thermal outfits which are comfortable to move around in. Snow pants are ideal
for children; jeans with long underwear or wool pants are fine for adults. Cover
your ears and wear a hat. Fashionable scarves are always fun. This is when you
can start a hat collection. I see lots of teenagers and children with kooky
hats—imitate them and feel young again!
When entering the ice for the fist time, skaters should start slow and work their
way around the rink. Take your time and remember to keep your feet together and
start with small pushes from side to side. Bend your knees and glide (keeping your
feet together) before taking your next push-off. Don't work just for speed, but
rather work on balance, style and grace. Keep it simple and know that there is a
wall nearby. If you fall whether you want to or not, relax your body and prepare
to meet the ice. Most people make matters worse by tensing up and fighting the
fall. Over the years I've paid special attention to teaching falling and getting
up. This is now incorporated in every lesson. If you remove the fear of falling,
you will take your skating to a whole new level. And very soon, you won't be a
beginner any more.
And there you have it.
RESOURCES:
Classic Pom Poms by NetSkate.com
Pom Poms by Clover: available at Knitting Central, Westport, CT. www.KnittingCentral.com
George Knakal - Skateologist: skates and skating accessories, Norwalk CT. 203-857-4670
Fuzzy's by Sew Sports LLC skatefuzzys.com
Skating Tape by Sk8tape sk8tape.com
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