New Used Ice Skates
Years ago I choose to become a NHL Hockey fan. I had gone to few San Jose Sharks games and fell in love with the game. It is fast pace and exciting. Plus the players are not bad to look at. Over the years I learned more about the strategy of the game, terminology and teams. On my quest to “just keep moving”, I thought that ice skating would be a great activity to add to my menu of choices.
Skating Day
Everyone I know told me to never use the rental skates at the local rinks. Not only is the blade dull, they do not support your ankles. So since I am on a very tight budget (got laid off from my job in July 08) I choose to buy used skates.
Depending on time of year and when the hockey season begins/ends, the inventory in used equipment stores varies. I did find one store “Play it Again Sports” that had a huge selection. I found a great pair of Bauer (men’s) skates. I got the the blades sharpened and was on my way to the rink. Well, little did I know how important it is to have a well fitted skate. Ends up that my skates were a half size too big. I had to wear very thick socks just to be partially comfortable in them.
Me and My New Skates
I did try a drop-in beginners hockey class. The rink let you borrow the full gear needed. I got there early, they fitted me for the gear and 30 mins later I was on the ice. It ended up being more of an advance class. Most of the classmates were on league teams and skating circles around me. My focus was to not fall down no matter what. I had to get through the class with my dignity. The instructor knew that I couldn’t do the various drills he had everyone else doing, so he had me take a stick and puck and move it up and down the ice.
Let me tell you something, it is NOT as easy as it looks during a NHL game. The puck would either go super slow and I would skate right over it or it would go fast and I couldn’t keep up with it. After about 15 mins. my feet were hurting so bad (from big skates with no arch support) that I had to sit down a couple of times. I felt so defeated. I love this sport and pictured myself on a team zooming around the ice making goal after goal. I kept my skates in the car for months. Each time I opened the trunk it reminded me to get back on the ice. I tried a couple of times but had the same aching problem. I finally got waxed laces and even thicker socks. It wasn’t a perfect solution but at least it kept me moving.
About a year later a twitter friend said she had a pair of skates for me. They fit perfect. They feel like slippers compared to my men’s Bauer skates. Now I skate when I can. Still dreaming of being on a league team and getting closer to making that happen.
Tags: clinic, Ice Hockey, skates
fitness, Ice Hockey | Jane | 
March 10, 2009 1:02 am
