Help me teach a cute date how to skate!

[curves2000]

Hi all,

So I have recently met someone who's in town for a few months from Europe, she grew up loving figure skating but has always been scared about attempting basic skating herself, plus where she grew up, there aren't really skating rinks.

Anyhow so we've gone out a few times and I thought fun date might be to hit up an outdoor rink like Olympic Plaza, Bowness Park etc and take her skating and try teaching her a few tricks.

I know how to skate perfectly fine but I am struggling with how to TEACH it to someone else. I will be holding her for support and whisk her around the ice but would like to offer some entry level pointers.

I remember years ago I read an article about current NHL coach, Paul Maurice who was struggling to teach his little son how to not be a one legged skater. Couldn't get his son to use both feet no matter what. Some young skating coach said something along the lines of "Stomp like a dinosaur" After that, the kid was flying out there

Thanks!

[ripTDR]

Originally Posted by curves2000

Hi all,

So I have recently met someone who's in town for a few months from Europe, she grew up loving figure skating but has always been scared about attempting basic skating herself.

Anyhow so we've gone out a few times and I thought fun date might be to hit up an outdoor rink like Olympic Plaza, Bowness Park etc and take her skating and try teaching her a few tricks.

I know how to skate perfectly fine but I am struggling with how to TEACH it to someone else. I will be holding her for support and whisk her the ice but would like to offer some entry level pointers.

I remember years ago I read an article about current NHL coach, Paul Maurice who was struggling to teach his little son how to not be a one legged skater. Couldn't get his son to use both feet no matter what. Some young skating coach said something along the lines of "Stomp like a dinosaur" After that, the kid was flying out there

Thanks!

This and genuinely enjoy teaching her, you got the vibe



Also, I think you answered your own question

[Northendzone]

personally, i would not want to go to olympic plaza in the evening as the area residents my cast a little shadow on the evening

i'd imagine there are some youtube videos that will help you become a level 5 skating coach and i might be easier to watch them that have someone explain the process

one important thing i would say is remind her to keep her head up - have her look into your eyes. The human head is heavy, if you look down, you are going down

[Rubber Ducky]

The skating instructor that taught my girls to skate always had them "stepping on bugs". I'll never forget it - these little kids on the ice, with the instructor calling out "keep stepping on bugs! Step on those bugs!!".

And sure enough, the kids could get around the ice. Sounds very similar to the "stomp like a dinosaur" tip. Get using both feet on the ice, gain some measure of control, and then move up to little push-offs that turn into strides.

Good luck!

[GGG]

Wear helmets.

It’s not cool looking but an adult leaning to skate will at some point smash their head on the ice.

[calumniate]

Agreed - helmets and condoms

[#-3]

I taught my kids at the Olympic Oval, I think you see a lot of people who don't know how to skate, skating there as a tourist attraction. And to a person almost every single one of them would 2x better at skating if they just tied up their damn laces.

If your ankle can move around inside the boot your skates aren't tight enough.

Then walk around on the rubber mat for a bit before stepping on the ice, get the feel for the boots, and being a little taller... You are essentially standing on stilts that are a couple inches tall and it effects when you need to lift / set down your foot. Better to learn that without the slippery surface.

Once she's on the ice, one foot at a time, soft knees first time out.

[undercoverbrother]

Does she ski

I didn’t learn to skate till I was early 30’s

I struggled until a buddy told me to think of them as little skis, all about edges.

Also she should relax and bend her legs, to this day my daughter (who can skate circles around me) says I skate like the tin man.

Also helmet and maybe elbow pads, but certainly a helmet.

[OutOfTheCube]

My wife and I's first date was at the Olympic Oval, she feigned not knowing how to skate so I would help her out and hold her hand, etc.

I'd recommend the Oval and not an outdoor rink, the ice can be pretty unpredictable especially at somewhere like Bowness.

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by curves2000

Hi all,

So I have recently met someone who's in town for a few months from Europe, she grew up loving figure skating but has always been scared about attempting basic skating herself, plus where she grew up, there aren't really skating rinks.

Anyhow so we've gone out a few times and I thought fun date might be to hit up an outdoor rink like Olympic Plaza, Bowness Park etc and take her skating and try teaching her a few tricks.

I know how to skate perfectly fine but I am struggling with how to TEACH it to someone else. I will be holding her for support and whisk her around the ice but would like to offer some entry level pointers.

I remember years ago I read an article about current NHL coach, Paul Maurice who was struggling to teach his little son how to not be a one legged skater. Couldn't get his son to use both feet no matter what. Some young skating coach said something along the lines of "Stomp like a dinosaur" After that, the kid was flying out there

Thanks!

Take her to the Oval. It’s surrounded by padded barriers.

Skating dates are an A+ Move, btw - great way to a gal’s heart. Just don’t let her fall.

Oh, and you won’t find a better skating instructor than a plastic patio chair - once she gets the basics of standing up locked down, nothing accelerates development better.

[Sliver]

I'm not doing a lot this weekend so could probably help. Not the best skater, but maybe two hands are better than one? I'll try not to ####-block. PM me for my number if you want.

[calumniate]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I'm not doing a lot this weekend so could probably help. Not the best skater, but maybe two hands are better than one? I'll try not to ####-block. PM me for my number if you want.

Hello cute date.. I brought along my friend from the internet!

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by calumniate

Hello cute date.. I brought along my friend from the internet!

He'll be here soon. Look for a guy rolling around in a rascal.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

You can talk about banning dogs, the utility of owning a rascal and how teachers are overpaid slackers.

[Doctorfever]

Curves2000. Are you really looking for advice on skating, or rather advice on scoring?

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by calumniate

Hello cute date.. I brought along my friend from the internet!

True, we'll need an elaborate backstory so we don't come off as weirdos.

[Sliver]

Duuude. You should get a bunch of us to show up and make you look like a local hero.

"Curves! Thanks again for helping me move...I wish you'd accept some payment!"

"Curves! The orphans say thanks...you made their Christmas last year!"

"Curves! The old folks home is forever in your debt for all your volunteering...we can't thank you enough!"

"Curves! You really stole the show on talent night...we love you buddy!"

"Curves! My little sister says thanks. She aced the test thanks to you!"

"Curves! Your donation to the animal shelter has saved over 200 dogs so far!"

etc. etc.

[CroFlames]

Bend your knees.

Only tip you'll ever need. (for skating)

[TheIronMaiden]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Bend your knees.

Only tip you'll ever need. (for skating)

Push down if you need balance ( bent knee's help).

[Derek Sutton]

Present her with kneepads as you tie her skates, ask her is she wants to put them on now or later?