Thread: Learning to skate

Get your own skates. Rental Skates Suck, the edges are almost flat, they'll hurt your feet, etc. You can get a decent pair to learn in for around $99. Go to Ice Hawk in Santa Ana and they'll hook you up. TSC has Hockey 101 or whatever it's called and it's really all skating w/ dry land hockey tips. Just skate skate skate.

1) Learn to skate first. Don't even think about sticks and pucks yet.

2) Best option for learning to skate is 1-on-1 lessons, but those are expensive.

3) Next option for learning to skate is group lessons. Most every rink has some Hockey 101 classes.

4) If you really can't afford # 2 or 3, the last resort is to watch the Robby Glantz DVDs (right before your twice-weekly public skating session):

http://www.robbyglantz.com/volumeone.asp
http://www.robbyglantz.com/volumetwo.asp

Something else to think about. I started by playing roller hockey when I was about 15 I think. Before I even played hockey, though, I was on the inlines for a couple of months, really learning to skate and move around and feel comfortable. We played stupd games like tag on inlines in the cul-de-sac (dodging trash cans, mailboxes, cars, and people). Then, I started playing pickup roller hockey out on the tennis courts. After all that I got onto a roller hockey team.

From that, the transition to ice, as I said in my previous post, was really easy. But that might be a cheaper way to go about it out in SoCal (or just about anywhere other than Mystery, Alaska - where the ice is abundant and free year round).

I have been pleasantly surprised with the open ice prices in my area (Burbank and TSC). It makes it a lot easier to want to go out there. Tomorrow is my first time on ice, so I will keep you all updated.

Originally Posted by Player Misconduct

No, Los Angeles (West side). But I would be willing to meet up, nobody wants to look like an idiot alone!

culver ice arena has a pretty good league, but it is not really for the rank beginner.
if you play roller hockey or roller blade, it's not that huge a jump. it's different, for sure, especially stopping. but you won't be completely clowning.
definitely get your own skates. go in and get fitted. it doesn't cost anything extra, and it's totally worth your time. your feet will thank you.
don't skimp on gear. you'll fall a lot. get good elbow pads and shin guards. i'm a fan of high-quality pants, but i block a lot of shots. get shoulder pads, even if you play non-contact. even small shoulder pads will help.
wear a helmet.
have fun.

Ok, I just got back from my first skating session. Why didn't anybody tell me the ice was so slippery?!?!

Overall, I had a great time...and I made leaps and bounds from when I entered the ice (had to hold the wall) to when I left (didn;t have to hold the wall). I noticed that I was skating on my inside edges...hopefully my ankle strength will improve and I will get better. I plan to go M,W,F.

Originally Posted by Player Misconduct

I noticed that I was skating on my inside edges...hopefully my ankle strength will improve and I will get better. I plan to go M,W,F.

That's normal, and yes your muscles will adapt. You'll notice when you start skating that you're using muscles that you rarely ever use, simply to keep balance. Ice skating is also great cardio. Good to hear you had fun!

Originally Posted by Player Misconduct

Ok, I just got back from my first skating session. Why didn't anybody tell me the ice was so slippery?!?!

Overall, I had a great time...and I made leaps and bounds from when I entered the ice (had to hold the wall) to when I left (didn;t have to hold the wall). I noticed that I was skating on my inside edges...hopefully my ankle strength will improve and I will get better. I plan to go M,W,F.

yeah, the inside is where you want to be. good skates will help your ankles, but you'll get stronger soon enough. you'll also notice your groin, hamstring and glutes will tighten up. the big bonus is, you'll get the round ass chicks dig.

another thing... bend your knees a lot more than you think you need to. if your lower back hurts, it's because you're leaning over way too much. lower your center of gravity by bending your knees, not your back.

As others have said, hope you got your own skates.

Work on Xs and Cs to help start feeling both edges.

Here's an interesting site I just found:
http://www.nfha.com/ahmdrills/crossovers.htm