Learn to Skate FAQ's (Page 3):
- How do I lace my skates properly?
- Where can I get skates and how much will they cost me?
Hockey skates can often be purchased through our pro shop. For figure skates, we recommend Go Figure Skate Shop in Webster Groves, Missouri. When you purchase skates, please make sure that the boots are made of leather and NOT plastic or vinyl as both plastic and vinyl negatively compromise the foot’s ability to support the skater properly. We do not recommend purchasing skates from non-specialty stores such as Wal-Mart, Sports Authority, Sears, et cetera.
- Can I buy a bigger size skate so that they (the skates) last longer?
Simply put, no. A skate is meant to “hug” the foot and support the ankle. By buying a skate that is bigger than one’s foot to allow for growing room, the foot will be allowed to “wiggle” inside the skate. Not only does this negatively compromise the ankle’s ability to support the skater’s weight, but blisters and muscle soreness will result.
We recommend beginning with a skate size that is comparable or slightly smaller than your street shoe size. To ensure proper sizing, please visit a shop that is trained in how to properly size and fit skates. If your skates feel as comfortable as tennis shoes, chances are, your skates are too big.
If cost is a concern, you can purchase used skates as long as the skate is not too broken down and/or the blade is not rusted or improperly sharpened. Club S.K.A.T.E. has re-sales throughout the year featuring quality used skates.
- Why can’t my child pass this level? It is his/her [insert amount] time in this level; can’t you just pass him/her?
The Basic Skills curriculum is designed to work on a progressive basis. This means that elements in higher levels build upon elements mastered in lower levels. If a skater is put in a higher level without mastering elements from a previous level, he/she will struggle to attain the elements in the new level and there is an increased risk of injury. If your child is struggling to pass a certain element and/or level, please ask the following questions:
- Is my child practicing? Learning skating skills is comparable to learning fractions or multiplication. If your child attended math class and then never did homework to reinforce what he/she learned in class, he/she will struggle to achieve higher math skills. In much the same way, skating, which is reliant on muscle memory, must be practiced to reinforce the body’s ability to “feel” the element.
- Does my child need supplemental instruction? Private lessons are available. For more information, please see the questions below on private lessons.
- Have I talked to the instructor about why my child is struggling and ways to improve? Our instructors are here to help you. Please speak with them whenever you have a question about your child’s progress.
- Is your child consistent with class attendance? During a 7-week session, skaters are given progress reports on the 4th week, tested on the 6th, and given report cards on the 7th. If your child only attends week 1, week 3, and week 7, he/she will miss valuable instruction and ice time. Consistency is vital to progressing through the levels.
