REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Having managed figure skating shops in both Chicago and Boston for well over thirty years, while raising 2 competitive skaters, I often found myself engaged in conversation with anxious parents, distracted, but curious young skaters whom I have lovingly renamed my snowflakes, and occasional situations that defied logic, basic understanding, and, infrequently, general civility. Whether underestimating abilities, or taking a coach's praise to excess, the issue becomes one of maintaining realistic expectations.

Skating equipment, maintenance, skill awareness, and reasonable advancement, should not be a mystery. Parents and skaters need valid information and honesty to avoid unrealistic expectations and disappointment. That information is now easily accessed on line, but so are the multitude of conflicting opinions, so misinformation and "mysteries" may still require addressing.

I do understand that some newbie skate parents’ ideas are based on their own lamentable experiences with skating. My dilemma has been providing enough education and explanation that would convince even steadfast skate moms to look beyond their fears and predisposed opinions to explore new ideas that will make the skating experience safer, more comfortable, and generally more positive for their skaters. Sometimes concerns can be easily addressed and other times......

One such newbie skate mom was overly concerned about the safety of her younger skater being in contact with the sharpness of the blades attached to the soles of every pair of ice skates. She was convinced that the term “blade” was used interchangeably with “knife” and insisted that the hard plastic guards used to protect blades from nicks when walking on a non-ice surface, should remain to prevent almost certain injury on the ice. 

I assured her that beginner skate blades were not excessively sharp nor would they be in contact with any sliceable body parts including gloved fingers. I even attempted an incredibly fast, albeit futile, lesson on the physics behind blade construction. The bottom line was, of course, that the metal edges were needed to grip the ice and allow movement. This concluded with what would happen if her skater attempted to glide while still wearing guards. I even invited her to observe the skaters currently enjoying lessons and practice time so that she could see that it would be perfectly safe for her skater to use standard, supportive figure skates that fit her properly.

Unfortunately, her fears went unabated. Convinced that there would be blood on the ice within moments, she went from customer to customer, mostly other “skate moms,” seeking agreement on the potentially deadly possibilities of early learn to skate classes. Unconvinced, she ultimately decided that dance lessons would be a safer choice and went directly to the office seeking a refund. It was a good decision for her skater, the coach, and all the other skaters that would have been in her class. There have also been newbie skate parents who don't understand why their 6 year old skater who just learned back crossovers should not be in a class with others learning combination spins and double jumps. The time was more convenient and the upper level skaters would be "inspirational."

More experienced skaters and skate parents are not exempt from unrealistic expectations. "Magic Skate Syndrome" often takes on pandemic proportions when technology produces a new design in boots or blades. All it takes is a higher level skater in the new design finally landing an elusive jump. The simple and most obvious answer is that the months of hard work and practice have been effective in achieving the positive result. It could also be a better blade position or other technical change.

On the other hand...It could be the new boots; now considered MAGIC and essential for landing jumps. Sometimes, the change may actually be beneficial, provide a better, lighter fit, and be a major contributory factor in better technique.

NOT for every skater and NOT without the hard work and perseverance needed for achievement. There were days when I wanted to attach a sticker to the sole of each boot saying " Boots are not magic nor independently responsible for clean landings and new skills." 

There are moments that being caught between honesty and profit rears its ugly head. A skater who just landed her first axel does not need to purchase the "Flavor of the Month " boots designed for triple jumps that could be a financial hardship. In fact it could make break in time and flexibility more difficult  or be a detriment to improving current skills. Bottom line is that there is no such thing as magic.

SO.. please keep skate equipment and skating expectations realistic.to get the most joy and benefit from the sport.