
“Wow, did you find that!? I requested the skater sitting on the seat next to me. I’d just witnessed the most wonderful leap as I was putting on my skates in the lobby, preparing to step onto the ice for the first time following a virtually decade-long hiatus. The skater alongside me answered nonchalantly,”Oh, that?
I won’t ever forget that day because up until that point I had never seen a leap like that up close and in person. I’d just seen ice skating on tv, where professional figure skaters appeared to perform jumps effortlessly, almost as though they were just dancing, rather than barreling down the ice rink at 20 mph. And, I must tell you that nothing prepares you to find that sort of speed and power up close. What I remember is that I saw David’s skates at almost eye level as they reached the top of the planks that day- almost 4 feet off the floor! That is what I call flying!
At this time, I got to see a whole lot of terrific skating like that all the time. Seeing the raw energy of the jump, and the ideal landing made me want learn how to jump and twist and do those tricks I saw the other skaters do, and I became determined to do what David did this day… She introduced me the notion of learning how to roller skate or ice skate because she believed a hobby with a workout facet would be good for my health. Originally, I thought about roller blading, but the roads around our house were irregular, and had lots of cracks, which made it hard to roller blade, so I picked ice skating since there was an ice hockey rink near our house. It was that easy!
I returned to the game at age 21, and ever since that time, I have learned many spins and lots of jumps and all of the moves in between. And yes… I the reverse I watched David perform that fateful day. Through time I took on new components, practiced themtook quite a few drops, got back up and eventually mastered them.
I’ll let you know, there’s no better feeling in the world than learning how to spin so fast it feels like you are floating over the ice, or the short weightlessness you feel when executing a jump – it is almost like flying. And learning how to control your borders, the way to stick the landing and continue through footwork like it were a melody performed before you. It took years to master some of those moves but they’ve been the best years of my life, since I did not just learn the physical motions, but gained the confidence that comes with mastering difficult physical patterns!
As well as learning components, I learned a few other things along the way too such as discipline and perseverance, attention to detail and elegance, strength, and confidence – all of which have served me well on and off the ice. I spent many hours in the rink drilling and working hard on my components and that I did this as frequently as possible not because somebody told me to, but since I loved it! I even went so far as to take gymnastics and dance courses to be able to enhance body awareness and elegance, and that I cross trained off the ice so I could become strong and confident. All this spilled over into other areas of my life and created the person I am now.
I must mention that I did nearly all my skating as an adult. I realize ice skating as a sport can be intimidating, particularly for adults, but no matter your age, you can participate at any level you would like to. And the best aspect of studying ice skating as an adult is that you get to select how often you participate in this remarkable sport.
Another fantastic part is that there is not a learning barrier. You can take lessons from a professional coach, or just get a learn-to-skate program and practice by yourself, at your own pace and comfort level. The main thing for adults to see is that everyone can learn (men and women ) and nobody is too old! During my years, I have fulfilled all ages and individuals from all walks of life on the ice and have formed great friendships and come to understand that everyone can learn how to skate!
I have been teaching skating for more than 15 years now and I really like passing on the fire of the remarkable sport! Come join me on the ice, and I would like to share the joys and private development it can bring into your life!