How To Ice Skate

The first step in learning how to skate is obviously to find the right pair of ice skates for you. Much like you can't walk comfortably without the right pair of shoes, you need the right pair of skates for your feet in order to be comfortable out on the ice. Depending on the model of the skate, it can range between one to one and a half sizes smaller than your regular shoe size. For example if you normally wear a size 9 shoe, then the skate size you should be looking for would probably be an 8 (or a 7.5 for some makes). Also, there are different width sizes for different shaped feet. For example a wider foot may need a size E or EE while a narrower foot could need a size D. Put it together and you get a size 8D or 8E. Once you find the right skate, you're ready to hit the ice.

Once you have the right skate the next step is on the ice. First of all, if it is in fact your first time, you should have protective equipment such as a helmet, elbow pads, etc. on you to protect from falls. Once you step on the ice don't be nervous or freak out, because that will put you at more risk to fall. The skating technique starts out with you putting your feet together, while pointing your toes outward, forming a "V" shape with your feet.

The next step in the technique is to bend your knees at a 90 degree angle so that your knees would be slightly in front of your toes if you were to look at a side view. Once you can look down and not see your toes under your knees, you should be bent far enough.

After that, the focus should be on maintaining your balance when you skate. In order to maintain the proper balance, your back should be straight. You need to keep your back as upright as possible, almost as if you were sitting with your back against the back of a chair.  

Once you have the proper starting position technique, you are ready for lift off! Start your stride by pushing your strong leg in a 45 degree angle outward and back, in order to push off into motion. 

After you get going, allow full leg extension with the pushing leg to get the maximum power behind your stride (be sure to push off with your toe). Bring your stride leg back under your body in the starting position, and repeat the same step with your other leg. Try alternating legs slowly until you get the hang of it, and then you can begin to speed up the process. Keep in mind that you should try to keep your upper body as still as possible while your legs are in motion (for instance, try to avoid raising yourself up and down, and keep your head on an even plane).

After you get the hang of that and build your momentum, you will probably need to stop at some point. In order to stop, there are many techniques you can use, but the most effective stop is the "hockey stop." With this technique you will need to turn your feet sideways, and "dig" your skates into the ice putting slightly more weight on your back leg than your front leg until you come to a stop. 

When you want to get back into motion, just repeat these steps again and PRESTO! The cycle will repeat itself!