Returning after 14 years

[liveandlearn426]

Hi guys,

I've recently started skating again after 14 years.  I began skating very young (at the age of 3) and stopped at 10 years old because I was really overweight and my ankles couldn't handle it. I'm 23 now, will be 24 in April.  Over the past 2 years I've lost 180 pounds, half my body weight and can do so many things I was unable to do before.  When I stopped skating, I was competing at the ISI freestyle 1 level and taking freestyle 2 group lessons.  I've been working with a coach for about 5 weeks now and practicing for an hour about 3 times a week which I'm trying to increase.  It's amazed me how much has come right back to me after so long.  By the end of my first lesson I was doing  crossovers, three-turns, mohawks, waltz jumps and one foot spins.  I was wondering if I could get some advice from other adult skaters out there with a few issues that I'm having. 

When I started skating again, my coach recommended just getting a basic pair of skates to start off so I got a pair of beginner skates from Reidell which are very comfortable but I fear that they may be holding me back and interfering with progressing.  When I do my jumps and spins, I follow every tip that my coach gives me about body placement, which muscles to use..etc.  and I feel as though my blades are getting "caught" on the ice.   It doesn't happen all the time but enough to make me question whether or not I can get away with using these skates for any moves more challenging than the ones I'm doing or if I'm going to need to invest in a better pair with the level that I'm at.  Any suggestions?

[Isk8NYC]

Welcome to skatingforums - best place for figure skating discussions and advice!


What model skates are you wearing?  Are you tall?  Is your body weight proportionate to your height?


thread moved to pro shop to focus answers on skate question.  no worries.

[liveandlearn426]

I'm using Reidell 110's.  I'm 5'7", 180 pounds and my weight is very proportionately distributed, although I do have a lot of extra skin in different places after the drastic weight loss. 

[Isk8NYC]

110's are. Pond skates for recreational skating.  You need sturdy, supportive skates with better blades. If you can do waltz jumps after five weeks, you should be in at least 121's or 133's.  Since you're 5'7", I'd suggest the 133's.  You can use them up through single jumps. 

(By "proportionate," I was trying to discreetly ask if you more weight to lose.  Skaters who are tall and/or heavy need more support in their skates.)

[liveandlearn426]

Thank you. I really appreciate the advice.  I had actually been looking into the 133's when I bought my 110's but wasn't sure how seriously I would take a return to skating until getting back out there so I guess buying the cheap skates has done enough to show me how much I love it and have the dedication. 

As far as my weight loss goes, I've pretty much plateaued in a comfortable place which is nice. 

[sarahspins]

First off, congrats on the weight loss!  That is a huge accomplishment 

To be honest, I'd suggest the 133's at the bare minimum.  You could safely consider the 229 or 255 as well without much worry that you're getting too much boot.  I say that regardless of your weight, it's based simply on what I have seen at my rink - most adults seem to start out in 133's and most upgrade once they are in low freestyle levels because they either find that they need more boot support in those levels, or they find out that they've already broken down their skates, or are on the verge of doing so fairly quickly once they start jumping.

I wouldn't necessarily suggest anything more than that until you've got a better idea of what your skate needs are, how quickly your skills progress, and how seriously you intend to pursue skating.  You probably want to involve your coach in the discussion about what to get as well - their advice to start with a lower level boot right away may have been a vast improvement from what was available in rental skates, but now that you're moving on from basic skating their recommendation may change.