Learning to skate

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Originally Posted by VisionQuest

Id go to public sessions ,5-10 times. ....

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Nothing angers me more than ice rinks that don't (or worse, won't) turn the direction around once in a while during a public session. All the laziest people on the planet must be drawn to working in ice rinks.

You must get just as comfortable doing left-over-right crossovers (going clockwise around the rink) as right-over left (going counter-clockwise ... the default for most rinks). If your rink won't turn the direction around, then just go against the grain on your own every 20 minutes, and if the rink attendent complains that you're not going in the "right" direction: tell him to get on the PA system and switch it up or else **** off.

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Originally Posted by beingbobbyorr

Nothing angers me more than ice rinks that don't (or worse, won't) turn the direction around once in a while during a public session. All the laziest people on the planet must be drawn to working in ice rinks.

You must get just as comfortable doing left-over-right crossovers (going clockwise around the rink) as right-over left (going counter-clockwise ... the default for most rinks). If your rink won't turn the direction around, then just go against the grain on your own every 20 minutes, and if the rink attendent complains that you're not going in the "right" direction: tell him to get on the PA system and switch it up or else **** off.

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Yes, it's very retarded that they don't change directions.

I usually just go into one of the corners and go the opposite direction around the face-off circle, keeping and eye out for oncoming traffic of course.

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Originally Posted by Bogey Man

Yes, it's very retarded that they don't change directions.

I usually just go into one of the corners and go the opposite direction around the face-off circle, keeping and eye out for oncoming traffic of course.

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I've seen enough head-on collisions from this (usually between adults and children) to know that this is not the appropriate solution.

If I were making an unreasonable demand (which I've been known to do), I could understand the rinks ignoring it ..... but I'm not. It's just flat-out how-did-****-sapiens-ever-rise-from-the-caves laziness.

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Originally Posted by beingbobbyorr

I've seen enough head-on collisions from this (usually between adults and children) to know that this is not the appropriate solution.

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Not a solution, just what I do.
Never had any close calls myself.

I purchased a pair of skates over the weekend. I got them "baked" and I had to get one section stretched out a little. Of course a sharpening came with the package. I am going out on the ice today to try them out. Maintenance tips?

I ended up getting these skates: http://shop.nhl.com/sm-nike-bauer-su...i-2213061.html.

Wish me luck! I will give you an update of the embarrassment tomorrow.

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Originally Posted by Player Misconduct

I purchased a pair of skates over the weekend. I got them "baked" and I had to get one section stretched out a little. Of course a sharpening came with the package. I am going out on the ice today to try them out. Maintenance tips?

I ended up getting these skates: http://shop.nhl.com/sm-nike-bauer-su...i-2213061.html.

Wish me luck! I will give you an update of the embarrassment tomorrow.

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Let me know how they feel. How much did you pay total with the sharpening package and all.

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Originally Posted by fansince67

And learn to skate well WITHOUT THE STICK!!! Get your own skates, those rentals are no good.

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Everybody has given great advise, but this is my favorite. I've seen guys try to learn to skate in pickup games - it really hurts you if you use your stick for balance (your skating and your game).

I would add, if your goal is to play hockey, that you get some pads on. then, first thing when you step on the ice, fall on them. That gives you confidence in your pads and takes away some of the awkwardness because you know falling won't hurt.

Good luck and have fun!

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Originally Posted by Player Misconduct

Maintenance tips?

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I don't really know. Pretty common sense stuff like let them air dry after you skate, buy some blade covers, wipe the blades off after your done. Other than that I don't think there's much to do. At least, I don't do anything else to my skates and they seem to be fine, had them for a few years now.

moisture definitely hurts - I learned the hard way. Make sure your skates can dry off. dry the blades, don't keep them in your hockey bag, and take the footbeds out so they can dry.

Hey man.. good to see you did it!

Lots of good advice in here.. I would also add to hit the stick times as much as you can. You dont even have to use a puck, just getting out there with the stick in your hand and the pads on will help.. I felt I progressed slower in publics cause it hurt like a mofo if you fell on your knees or something without your pads.. so I tried less.

Let me know if you are going to hit a stick time at TSC or Culver, and if I dont have to work I'll come out and give you some pointers :)