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Finally! You’re on that frozen surface and it’s SLIPPERY! Especially if it’s the start of a session and the ice has just been resurfaced and there can be a few puddles. This is where you have to be extra careful. If you’re a Nervous Nellie, then wait a few minutes until the ice is dry. Otherwise, stay near the barrier of the rink and get your balance.
Here you’ll want to bend your knees like in a Level I Squat. You might hold onto the barrier, or stay near it.
Starting to Skate:
You’re ready to go and nothing’s happening. Or else you’re slipping and sliding and those blades are going every which way but the right way!
Like the squatting exercise, you want your feet to be hip distance apart and both of your blades facing the same direction. For example, if a skating coach came up behind you and began pushing you then there would be no problem; you’d be that much in alignment. If you’re not taking lessons then no one will push you—except for you. Stay focused, breathe deeply and now’s the time to use those inside edges.
Your blade has 3 Edges.
1. The FLAT. This is what you’ll use when standing on the ice. It’s the entire center length of the blade.
2. The INSIDE EDGE. When looking down at your blades, the inside edge is the part closest to your big toe and runs the length of the blade. Should you relax your ankles and assume a pigeon-toed position, you’ll be on your inside edge.
3. The OUTSIDE EDGE. When looking down at your blades, the outside edge is the part closest to your little toe and runs the length of the blade. Stiffen your ankles and splay your feet like a duck and you’ll get a sense of the outside edge.
To skate Forward Swizzles, you’ll be using your inside edges. This will enable you to feel what it’s like to GLIDE around the rink. Many people attempt to skate by walking around the rink. There’s little point to that as it exerts too much effort and no results.
To begin your Forward Swizzles:
1. Stand approximately one arm’s length distance from the barrier. It’ll be there if you need it but it’s better to avoid getting too close to it.
2. Keep your arms out to the side for balance. (Ideally, your arms should be extended out to the side so they’re at shoulder height. Your palms should face downwards, fingers extended. If you’re not able to achieve this arm position at first, don’t be concerned).
3. Allow your feet to go into the pigeon-toed position. BEND YOUR KNEES! For the first few minutes of skating it’s okay to look down at your feet. Soon you will stop doing this, as it’s a bad habit. But in the beginning you may do this, but remember it’s only temporary.
4. The gliding sensation will begin as soon as you allow your feet to separate. This begins the Swizzle. As soon as you’re about hip distance apart, you’ll bend your knees more and use those inside edges to get you back to that pigeon-toed position.
5. Swizzles leave a scalloped pattern on the ice. If you were to do them over one of the painted red hockey lines along the width of the rink, you’ll create scallops on either side of the line.
6. The more you bend your knees, the stronger and faster your Forward Swizzles will become.
After doing a few series of Swizzles, it’s time to look up and begin working on improving your posture. Proper posture is essential for figure skating. That means your shoulders are down, your back is straight and your chin is up. Even if you’re working on this first skating exercise you can still look and feel like a real skater.
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