If you are new to skating, I assume you know that all skating involves a fair number of falls. You can learn to make most of them gentle, and you can wear padding and protection, but there will always be some falls and some level of danger. Also, figure skating can be expensive.
See also this thread:
http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=3983.0;topicseenReally old figures, which could be extremely elaborate, before the more recent "school figures" were in very old books - e.g.,
http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=6960.msg83038#msg83038You might also look into low level Ice Dance (e.g., Pattern Dance). Though it can be extremely hard to find and coordinate time and coaching with a Dance partner, even for a guy. If you aren't married to a potential partner, Solo ice dance, or dancing with a paid coach, might be more practical.
You might also look into low level Synchro and Ice Theater groups. If there are figure skating clubs in your area, ask around for info. (BTW, other good skaters and coaches might also know about local School Figures classes.) Do expect there to be try-outs and auditions. From what I have seen, as with many forms of choreographed dance, most of your time in group rehearsals will be waiting around while coaches figure out what you and others should do, or while they rehearse other sub-groups. Also, most of these groups revise their choreography several times per practice session, so you need extremely good memory. If someone doesn't show up, they typically revise their choreography, orally without practice, on the day of a performance or competition. Most Synchro and Ice Theater groups are very expensive to join, because of the costs involved in joining clubs, fees to ISI or USFSA (I assume you are in the U.S.
), coaching fees, ice rental, costumes, competition fees, and travel. But some rinks and ISI clubs run Adult (or mostly adult) Synchro groups that are less serious, less expensive, and that only compete or perform at a local level.
Most Synchro groups are all-female. Costumes, make-up and choreography can get interesting for a guy who wants to join. There might be some resentment, and a feeling that they shouldn't have to adapt to having a guy.
It isn't skating, but, at the lower levels, ballroom dance, various forms of social and country dance, swing dance, Salsa, country line dance, etc., can also be low impact, are less expensive, and can be more social, as long as you stay away from the competition crowd. For the most part, figure skaters tend to take a more serious view, and rarely socialize, at least in my experience.
Of course, as with all things, local customs differ. My experience is based on the D.C. area, which has a lot of type-A competitive people.
Anyway, good luck, and take care.