USFSA Basic - 4.5 yr old skate recs

[jlspink22]

I started taking my 4.5 yr old DD to the rink on a whim (who doesn't want to try after seeing the Olympics) and a month and a half later we are in Basic 1. She skipped snowplow sam and actually can do all of Basic 1 pretty well. She has a gently used pair of Riedell model 12, which appears to be discontinued. They fit her foot well, but realistically how long will they last her (skill level)? I can't find much about them.


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[JSM]

At 4.5 years old, it's likely that she will outgrow these skates before you know it! 

At 4.5 and in Basic 1, just be sure that she is able to stand up properly.  She should have enough support to be on the flat of the blade when learning one and two foot glides.  It's common for poor quality and/or rental skates to be so broken down that the kids fall to the inside edges.  At this stage, if her boots are supportive, they should be fine!

[littlerain]

I did a quick google search and it says that they would be suitable for snowplow sam. However, I think if they are the right fit for her, you can probably make it work until the end of basics. Of course, she may grow out of them by then!

[jlspink22]

I checked the skills list for basic and snowplow sam and they were working on one foot glides, rocking horse and swizzles. She can't lift her leg as long as the coach but I'm guessing that's partly due to leg/ankle strength. She also has the proper skating motion for forward skating but doesn't glide as far on each push. I thought maybe it's the "cheap" blades. If she does outgrow them should I upgrade her skate?


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[jbruced]

The more important thing at this stage is for the blades to be properly sharpened regardless of what blades she has.

[jlspink22]

I feel like many of the rinks focus more on hockey in the area (Philadelphia) so any recommendations on skate shops would be great too.


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[CaraSkates]

I feel like many of the rinks focus more on hockey in the area (Philadelphia) so any recommendations on skate shops would be great too.


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There is a good pro shop at the Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society Rink - in Ardmore, PA.

Those skates sound fine for her age and level - snowplow sam 1-3 covers the same skills as basic 1, just broken up into 3 levels for younger skaters. At her age and level, she just needs to be out on the ice, having fun. She'll learn skills without even realizing it. As long as the skates fit and are properly sharpened, they are fine. Odds are high she will outgrow them before needing more support. You have to remember, boot and blade recommendations are based on an average kid skater - this is why many adults wear a stiffer boot and many younger kids wear a softer boot.

We have a tiny 8yo at my rink, can land all her doubles. She *just* this past year moved into a non PVC sole, attached blade skate. She doesn't weigh enough to need the boots suggested for landing doubles!

[littlerain]

I agree about her size as well - when I was a kid, I was tiny tiny and didn't find any issues with my cheap sporting goods store skates until I started jumping. I did have to revisit some of the 3 turns to really understand the rocker and all that once I switched. In any event I think your daughter is likely fine until she outgrows them/gets through basics as long as the blades are sharpened and the fit is good. Perhaps her coach can recommend sharpeners? I know mine is familiar with quite a few in our area

[jlspink22]

Definitely will ask around. She's having fun for sure, I can't get her off the ice, even though I'm frozen.


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