Thanks for the responses . . . I just want to be able to reliably skate forward and back for exercise and enjoyment. I don't have any big ambitions such as jumps, spins, etc. Eventually would like to try cross-overs.
Night and weekend public skates are too crowded/chaotic, so my only options right now are 12-2pm public skates on Tuesdays & Thursdays (my days off).
The seasonal rink where I started had Adult skate times, but the nonseasonal rinks don't have those, unfortunately. The kids are a little too rambunctious for a newbie!
I think what's holding me back is fear; I see the youngsters out there falling as if it's nothing (granted, they have a shorter distance to fall!) and just get back up and continue. I wish I'd taken it up then.
I've fallen several times and not gotten hurt, but I guess subconsciously you think the NEXT time you WILL get hurt.
I wear knee pads, wrist guards, elbow pads, and padded shorts, and recently ordered an Ice Halo, so I've got all bases covered.
They say to fall to your side, but when you've lost all control how do you "aim" where you're falling?
Anyway, I'm not giving up!
Thanks again,
Weeze