New skates, should I wear them in a lesson? And a few other questions?

[mmady16]

I have been skating once a week (now that it is almost April it will probably change to around 2 - 3 times a week, I was so busy before!) for about a month or so and after passing Basic 1, I decided to purchase new skates as the rentals we have are absolutely terrible. They have little support at all and no edges. It was ridiculous. I purchased a pair of Jackson Mystiques, planning to upgrade after passing Basic 6 or 7, yesterday. My lesson is on Monday and I haven't skated in the yet, and I'm worried about wearing boots that aren't at all broken in yet to a lesson. Should I wait until next weekend when I can wear them to public skate first? Or will I be fine?

Also, how many hours of doing Basic 1/2 skills will it take to break in my boots? I'm fifteen and around 150-ish lbs. Around 5'4. Thanks! And lastly, is my progress slow or normal? Like I said, I've been skating once a week for an hour and a half for 5 weeks. Half an hour warm-up, then half an hour lesson, then half an hour practice. Thanks again!

[nicklaszlo]

I would wear the new boots.

[Willowway]

I agree, wear them. Yes, you will feel that you're regressing because they're stiff but if you work hard (in lessons and beyond) they will break in faster and your coach can give you some break in tips (if the coach doesn't offer, ask). Make sure the coach knows you are in brand new boots with brand new blades (do a lot of sideways scraping, making snow, to get them to the point where you can stop in them - really sharp blades, ugg for stopping). And you'll learn how to break in your equipment and what to do with sharp blades - you need to know this stuff anyhow as these are just the first, not the only.

There are some rules for thumb for breaking in but every combo of boots and person break in differently. I have had boots I just couldn't break in quickly and my new Jackson's weren't broken in but still comfortable right away - so who knows. After tens hours you should feel confident in them (maybe sooner) and after 20 the initial breaking in should be pretty well done. Of course they will continue to soften and morph a little over time but that's not a bad thing.

And I think you're doing really well!

[littlerain]

I agree - wear them! I do think you're doing quite well in 5 weeks too, especially if you've never skated before!

[mmady16]

I have another quick question. When I purchased my skates, I bought hard guards and soakers as well. They're the two piece guard dog style (10 in). Problem is though, I have 10 1/3 in blades, so in the middle when I put them on, there's a small hole where there's no guard. Is this okay? Or should I go try and find bigger guards? Looks like this: https://31.media.tumblr.com/fcb25ed4f3f0ad2b5847e3568f5d1ec5/tumblr_n37w67mB2o1r5e5goo2_1280.jpg

[aussieskater]

Don't worry about a gap that size, it's fine.  Remember always to take your hard guards off before putting your skates away.  And (*rubs backside painfully*) remember to take them off before you get on the ice (yes I forgot.  Ouch.)

[ChristyRN]

Don't worry about a gap that size, it's fine.  Remember always to take your hard guards off before putting your skates away.  And (*rubs backside painfully*) remember to take them off before you get on the ice (yes I forgot.  Ouch.)

Hasn't everybody? At least once? I know I have.

[Willowway]

Good advice and Aussie is right.

As said, don't leave your skates in your bag with the hard guards on - rust can form when the guards are left on. Use the guards for walking around but when you dry (keep a small towel or chamois in your bag to dry then) and put the skates in your bag, change to the soakers. Also, if you remember, it's best to take your skates out of a closed bag when you get home (don't leave the bag in the car) to let some air get around them. If you take good care of them, they'll be better for longer.

[aussieskater]

Hasn't everybody? At least once? I know I have.

Yep I think everyone's done it once  .  My latest was just pretty recent and therefore "front of memory" so to speak!

[PhysicsOnIce]

Problem is though, I have 10 1/3 in blades, so in the middle when I put them on, there's a small hole where there's no guard. Is this okay? Or should I go try and find bigger guards? Looks like this:

This is not a problem at all. Infact it is beneficial for you as there is a way for excess water to run away from you blades. Like everyone has been saying make you a) wear them at all times when you are not on the ice and specially if you plan on walking around the rink B) make sure to take the off when getting on the ice and C) Make sure to take them off, wipe off the ice and dry your blades when you are putting your skates away and use your soakers religiously.

As for your progress, I think you are doing quite well for only skating five weeks. Good luck on the ice.