Blog — Skaters Landing

.SKATING! Good heavens, do her skates fit? That’s when you realize that the skate bag residing in the front hall closet hasn’t been opened since the last ice show. Lysol can and fabric softener sheets in hand, the bag is retrieved and cautiously unzipped.

            “Spray first, ask questions later!” has always been my motto.

Through the Lysol cloud, you quickly pull out any laundry that attempts to walk out on its own and add some scented fabric softener sheets to reduce any unpleasant odor. You see soakers on the blades, not plastic guards, and smile with relief that the rust monster must not be battled this year. If they fit, that is. Desperate to remember the last time your skater got larger shoes, the insoles are carefully removed from the skates to check the placement of toe indentations and you realize she had a growth spurt in July.

Pre-Season Skating Checklist:

       When managing a skate shop that is not only located inside an almost legendary arena building, but also surrounded by famous universities filled with brilliant students, it is probable to have a diverse and interesting clientele. A student snowflake, having decided that she wanted to participate in the university sponsored ice show, came into the shop one Monday evening wishing to purchase skates.       She brought her friend along who had been skating since the Fall term began, so obviously had a vast wealth of skating knowledge. Giving them both the benefit of the doubt, they...

Inspiration to experience figure skating may come from being invited to a birthday party at the local ice rink, watching a Disney prince or princess spin and jump in a “Disney on Ice” production or from viewing a televised figure skating competition. Then, one chilly day, your youngster decides that becoming an ice skater is the best idea ever! Before you dig through the basement for cousin Susie’s old double runner skates and send your child onto the ice, let’s look at the ABC’s of knowing whether or not your child is ready for skating. A is for Age. Children...

Now that you have decided that ice skating is a viable option for your child, what are your next steps in providing them (and you) a great ice-experience? Talk First, Lessons later. Sit your potential skater down and ask a few pertinent questions. The following are a good start: Why do you want to skate? Answers can be anything from “it looks like fun” or “my friend skates” to “I want to look like Elsa and be an ice princess.” Movies over the years, like “Ice Castles” and “Frozen,” have inspired so many children to try skating. Many take that...