Learning to skate: tips from a coach

As published in MapleLine Magazine: Nov.4, 2009

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by Pamela Portal

As winter winds begin to blow and Christmas draws near, it’s time to think of hot chocolate and....ice skating. Skating is a very Canadian pastime – fun and healthy for people who like action and don’t mind the cold. If that’s you or your kids and lessons are needed along your icy way, here are a few pointers for getting started.

Are you or your kids interested in skating as a team sport such as hockey or in developing skating skills as a recreational or figure skater? Both will teach simple, practical skating skills as first principles.

If hockey is your goal, the Sooke and District Minor Hockey Association offers programs for all ages. For simple ice skating or figure skating, then programs locally through Sooke’s SEAPARC Leisure Complex or the Sooke Figure Skating Club may be your option (following the national Canskate program).

Community recreational skating programs are cost-effective. You can test out the sport and more readily evaluate interest without making a long-term commitment to lessons. Private figure clubs may require a full season commitment, but may offer a more structured and detailed program that leads smoothly into more complex figure skating skills. Clubs offer a social community of other skaters as well as special skating activities and events.

Introductory skating is typically taught in groups, focusing on the basics: starting, stopping, falling (that’s important!), getting up, turning and gliding. Even if falling and stumbling, you are still getting a good workout! Skating is physically demanding, requiring the use and manipulation of your arms and legs, but also core body muscles to balance and propel yourself across slippery ice.

Aside from a solid pair of skates (rent at the rink or buy used), the most important equipment for new skaters is a helmet (mandatory for kids). Head injuries are rare in skating, but can happen, so skating helmets should be attached securely before going onto the ice (don’t wear a hat, and secure the strap snugly under your chin).

Then there’s warmth and comfort – wear thick pants, a long sleeved t-shirt and sweater, a vest or light jacket, and mittens or gloves (as children in particular tend to put out elbows or wrists to break a fall which can cause serious bone injuries). Skating will heat you up quickly, so avoid over-dressing in ski clothes. Scarves can get tangled. Knee or elbow pads might help in the first few weeks, but pads are not necessary and make skating more cumbersome.

Is skating for you? You will know by how you feel. Signs that skating may not be enjoyable or suitable for your child include being persistently timid about venturing onto the ice or trying new skills; becoming easily upset or injured by tumbles; or being consistently frustrated when trying new skills. Evaluate these reactions against their age -- five is usually the best age to start as children have achieved a certain amount of core strength and control. Some children can start as early as three, but pre-schoolers may resist instruction or become more easily frustrated by balance and propulsion. If there’s no fun and no enjoyment, then there’s no learning and no point. MM

Pamela Portal is a Victoria mom who has been a professional level figure skater and coach.

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This article was first published on page 25 in MapleLine Magazine (Holiday 2009 issue / Nov.09-Jan.10).