Monday morning bright and early. looking forward to a five hour long skating session with my teacher and some friends. so really looking forward to it. we got there at 10 , ready to start the session as soon as it started, laced up and got on, it was empty, really smooth so that was good, unfortunately for us we all forgot that its the holidays so it got really packed really fast. mashed up ice here we come. after an hour of being there the public have completely wrecked the ice and you could barely stand on it let alone skate on it. it can't get any worse, OK I lie it can. was just about to get off to grab Loren's bag when I oh so perfectly landed in a very nicely dug out pot hold someone had so kindly made in the ice, so naturally I fell, knees and shins are bruised all over, swollen palms, badly bruised hips and not a very happy Casey, so hey don't worry nothing else could possibly go wrong, can it? well here's where Todd proved me wrong. my teacher was helping me practising tucks and spins as well as reverse crossovers when Todd came shooting round the corner grabbed me, slipped and brought us both down on the ice extremely hard. like I wasn't in enough pain as it is. so in the end I was advised to just take it easy and come back when everyone is back at school. funnily enough I agreed. so to sum the session up, it was a disastrous practice of balance, backwards crossovers, forward crossovers, spins, tucks and of course making pineapple shapes in the ice. now its time to go lick my wounds or something like that.
Casey
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Found a teacher!
Tuesday 16/12/08
For me the best thing about skating is the freedom of the sport, that and the fact that everyone else is either at work or school during the week and therefore I do not get stuck behind a chain of people causing an ice jam, which lets face it, is a pain in the backside for anyone trying to get a good rhythm going.
So today was fun, I got up early woke a few people up and dragged them along with me, we arrived at 10:00, laced up and got straight on the ice. Its better doing it first thing in the morning because it’s pretty empty and the ice is at its smoothest. Did a couple of laps to warm up and get my feet, and then decided what I wanted to focus on, after about five minutes of random discussion with Jordy we attempted a few small spins and increasingly got faster, so that went well.
After an hour of being on the ice I was confident and pleased with the progress I was making with my spins and speed of my skating. I’m always wanting to learn more when I’m on the ice and I got offered an opportunity which I couldn’t refuse, I met one of the staff that work at the ice rink, he’s a steward there and he was giving me tips all through my time on the ice, he then offered to teach me at no cost, during work hours, I’m really excited that I now have a teacher, I know I wouldn’t of been able to do anything with out help and basic support. My lessons with him continue every Monday starting at 10:00am and finishes at 3:00pm, he helped a lot with my balance and my posture, especially going round corners. Next we tackled backwards manoeuvres, I found these a bit tricky at first, but by putting pressure on the front rather then the back of my feet I grasped it quick enough.
My next task I need to focus on is finding some pads, I’ve seen even mature skaters fall and I would rather feel a little bit more comfortable for next time, just encase.
So all in all, I would say that today went well, I’m looking forward to continuing my training and moving up with my skating. I’ll shhhh up now, and hit back next time.
Casey out.
For me the best thing about skating is the freedom of the sport, that and the fact that everyone else is either at work or school during the week and therefore I do not get stuck behind a chain of people causing an ice jam, which lets face it, is a pain in the backside for anyone trying to get a good rhythm going.
So today was fun, I got up early woke a few people up and dragged them along with me, we arrived at 10:00, laced up and got straight on the ice. Its better doing it first thing in the morning because it’s pretty empty and the ice is at its smoothest. Did a couple of laps to warm up and get my feet, and then decided what I wanted to focus on, after about five minutes of random discussion with Jordy we attempted a few small spins and increasingly got faster, so that went well.
After an hour of being on the ice I was confident and pleased with the progress I was making with my spins and speed of my skating. I’m always wanting to learn more when I’m on the ice and I got offered an opportunity which I couldn’t refuse, I met one of the staff that work at the ice rink, he’s a steward there and he was giving me tips all through my time on the ice, he then offered to teach me at no cost, during work hours, I’m really excited that I now have a teacher, I know I wouldn’t of been able to do anything with out help and basic support. My lessons with him continue every Monday starting at 10:00am and finishes at 3:00pm, he helped a lot with my balance and my posture, especially going round corners. Next we tackled backwards manoeuvres, I found these a bit tricky at first, but by putting pressure on the front rather then the back of my feet I grasped it quick enough.
My next task I need to focus on is finding some pads, I’ve seen even mature skaters fall and I would rather feel a little bit more comfortable for next time, just encase.
So all in all, I would say that today went well, I’m looking forward to continuing my training and moving up with my skating. I’ll shhhh up now, and hit back next time.
Casey out.
Party time!
Saturday 13/12/08
Tried speed skating, didn’t fall, tried a spin, didn’t fall, tried ‘crossovers’ didn’t fall, tried going backwards, didn’t fall, tried a jump, didn’t fall, ok slipped a bit but didn’t fall! It was Monique’s birthday and what do you think we did? That’s right, skate. And not just any skate, oh no, the disco session, so yeah, like its bad enough not being able to skate on smooth ice, we had to skate on mashed up ice, with big flashy lights, so concentration was out the window. It was packed on the ice, so once again, I felt like a sardine, but it was a night for fun and enjoyment. Although I did manage to kidnap a steward for a while so work on my ‘snow plough’ and other random stuff, so all is good. Me and Jordy raced all night, sending people flying as they tried to move out the way, I managed to rip a nail, and splatter blood everywhere, amusing? Yes very! We did some funky dancing spins for a laugh and nearly fell over each other, managed a small conga line. And yes I do realise that ice is and amazing thing. So ice dancing is fun, when all you serious skaters out there have a spare 5 minutes, grab a few friends and go for a disco session!
casey out.
Tried speed skating, didn’t fall, tried a spin, didn’t fall, tried ‘crossovers’ didn’t fall, tried going backwards, didn’t fall, tried a jump, didn’t fall, ok slipped a bit but didn’t fall! It was Monique’s birthday and what do you think we did? That’s right, skate. And not just any skate, oh no, the disco session, so yeah, like its bad enough not being able to skate on smooth ice, we had to skate on mashed up ice, with big flashy lights, so concentration was out the window. It was packed on the ice, so once again, I felt like a sardine, but it was a night for fun and enjoyment. Although I did manage to kidnap a steward for a while so work on my ‘snow plough’ and other random stuff, so all is good. Me and Jordy raced all night, sending people flying as they tried to move out the way, I managed to rip a nail, and splatter blood everywhere, amusing? Yes very! We did some funky dancing spins for a laugh and nearly fell over each other, managed a small conga line. And yes I do realise that ice is and amazing thing. So ice dancing is fun, when all you serious skaters out there have a spare 5 minutes, grab a few friends and go for a disco session!
casey out.
Practise for me, fun for Monique.
Friday 12/12/08
Friday mornings are fun! Especially when you’re half asleep and trying not to fall on your face. We started off with a chatty couple of laps, to wake up, of course. Then split to do are own thing. It was pretty much a relax session. Had a bit of an accident with an ice ninja, I’m not sure if he saw us coming round the corner as he came shooting out the docks, but he managed to send me flying, so that was a bad start. Unfortunately due to that, my leg was pretty hurt and I couldn’t skate without wanting to scream, managed a few spins, but had to get off the ice. So watched Mon for a bit while I re-laced my skates and flexed the leather a bit. Really unhappy with the session and hope I get a better go next time, until then I have nothing else to say, so I’ll shhh up.
Casey.
Friday mornings are fun! Especially when you’re half asleep and trying not to fall on your face. We started off with a chatty couple of laps, to wake up, of course. Then split to do are own thing. It was pretty much a relax session. Had a bit of an accident with an ice ninja, I’m not sure if he saw us coming round the corner as he came shooting out the docks, but he managed to send me flying, so that was a bad start. Unfortunately due to that, my leg was pretty hurt and I couldn’t skate without wanting to scream, managed a few spins, but had to get off the ice. So watched Mon for a bit while I re-laced my skates and flexed the leather a bit. Really unhappy with the session and hope I get a better go next time, until then I have nothing else to say, so I’ll shhh up.
Casey.
Short skate.
Tuesday 02/12/08
Well only a quick one, guess I couldn’t keep away, was meant to be shopping, oh well, couldn’t resist. Nothing special, just wanted to be on the ice. Practised my stopping, still haven’t got the hang of it, but I’m sure given time I will. I don’t like being to serious at the moment with my skating, I do like to mess around sometimes, especially when the music’s on, rave time! So yeah nothing special this time or as usual just a bit of fun. My skates feel really good now, not super good, but nearly there. There’s not much I can say, I wasn’t on the ice for long, just a quick practise, fell over once, and bruised my arm a bit, other then that had a go session.
Bye x
Well only a quick one, guess I couldn’t keep away, was meant to be shopping, oh well, couldn’t resist. Nothing special, just wanted to be on the ice. Practised my stopping, still haven’t got the hang of it, but I’m sure given time I will. I don’t like being to serious at the moment with my skating, I do like to mess around sometimes, especially when the music’s on, rave time! So yeah nothing special this time or as usual just a bit of fun. My skates feel really good now, not super good, but nearly there. There’s not much I can say, I wasn’t on the ice for long, just a quick practise, fell over once, and bruised my arm a bit, other then that had a go session.
Bye x
Ice ninjas.
Thursday 27/11/08
Yup, that’s right ice ninjas. For those of you who don’t know what ice ninjas are, let me fill you in. Ice ninjas are children most likely ages 7 or 8 who are very quick on the ice, like little bullets circling at your feet when you’re trying to focus, cute when you’re watching from the sides, deadly when you’re trying to concentrate. So after adjusting to our newly found weapons of destruction, we attempted some ‘forward crossovers’ went well after a while of practising but needs some work, will keep trying. My skates are feeling more comfortable with each use and with that I am able to manoeuvre a lot more, as well as relax my ankles so they settle into my skates more. Today I decided just to relax and enjoy the company of my friend, so we just had a random skate together, did a few turns, and practised stopping. The blades on my skates are adjusting well to the ice and I love the feeling of then colliding together as I skate. I didn’t cover much today, but next time I will, looking forward to that. But for now I’m going to carry on working my skates to get the best feel out of them for next time.
Casey and ice ninjas out.
Yup, that’s right ice ninjas. For those of you who don’t know what ice ninjas are, let me fill you in. Ice ninjas are children most likely ages 7 or 8 who are very quick on the ice, like little bullets circling at your feet when you’re trying to focus, cute when you’re watching from the sides, deadly when you’re trying to concentrate. So after adjusting to our newly found weapons of destruction, we attempted some ‘forward crossovers’ went well after a while of practising but needs some work, will keep trying. My skates are feeling more comfortable with each use and with that I am able to manoeuvre a lot more, as well as relax my ankles so they settle into my skates more. Today I decided just to relax and enjoy the company of my friend, so we just had a random skate together, did a few turns, and practised stopping. The blades on my skates are adjusting well to the ice and I love the feeling of then colliding together as I skate. I didn’t cover much today, but next time I will, looking forward to that. But for now I’m going to carry on working my skates to get the best feel out of them for next time.
Casey and ice ninjas out.
Breaking them in, always fun.
Monday 24/11/08
Ok, according to my sources (coaches, friends, and mostly internet) I have discovered that it takes approximately 10 hours to break ice skates in, so you can imagine my enthusiasm as I was approaching the ice today, yes my ankles we’re still sore, but I managed to pad and support them quite well with the use of bandages. Unfortunately for me, breaking them in is a lot more painful then I originally thought, but no pain no gain right? Anyway, it was empty so I made the most of it; there were only four of us on the ice, me, Monique, Alex and this random kid we didn’t know, so we made the most of it. I met some of the stewards there or “ice guards” and they have the luxury of being able to skate all day and get paid for it, dream job? I think so. They helped me make the most of my skates in the sense of making sure the way I tied them was best to suit my feet, and they we’re right me feet we’re a lot more comfortable then they were originally. People who skate backwards make it look easy, when you’re doing it for the first time, not so easy, as me and Monique found out. The stewards explained that falling was a part of learning, so I guess it’s all good, although I didn’t fall, thankfully. My skates still have a small distance to go until they have completely broken in, be they’re getting there. I attempted my ‘snow plough’ and after about half an hours I started to adjust to doing it, I’ll keep practising, not quite there yet. Today was a good day overall, we got some basic moves down, and I feel a lot more stable now that I can correctly tie my skates, my ankles are still sore, but they’ll be better soon. Need to get a skate bag, I’m not quite fitting in with the cool kids.
Casey out.
Ok, according to my sources (coaches, friends, and mostly internet) I have discovered that it takes approximately 10 hours to break ice skates in, so you can imagine my enthusiasm as I was approaching the ice today, yes my ankles we’re still sore, but I managed to pad and support them quite well with the use of bandages. Unfortunately for me, breaking them in is a lot more painful then I originally thought, but no pain no gain right? Anyway, it was empty so I made the most of it; there were only four of us on the ice, me, Monique, Alex and this random kid we didn’t know, so we made the most of it. I met some of the stewards there or “ice guards” and they have the luxury of being able to skate all day and get paid for it, dream job? I think so. They helped me make the most of my skates in the sense of making sure the way I tied them was best to suit my feet, and they we’re right me feet we’re a lot more comfortable then they were originally. People who skate backwards make it look easy, when you’re doing it for the first time, not so easy, as me and Monique found out. The stewards explained that falling was a part of learning, so I guess it’s all good, although I didn’t fall, thankfully. My skates still have a small distance to go until they have completely broken in, be they’re getting there. I attempted my ‘snow plough’ and after about half an hours I started to adjust to doing it, I’ll keep practising, not quite there yet. Today was a good day overall, we got some basic moves down, and I feel a lot more stable now that I can correctly tie my skates, my ankles are still sore, but they’ll be better soon. Need to get a skate bag, I’m not quite fitting in with the cool kids.
Casey out.
Woop woop new skates!
Oh yes! They have arrived, my new skates are finally here, white leather, size 4, go me. Today I sat at the side of the ice rink re-lacing my skates about 3 maybe 4 times to help break them in a bit before I used them. So let me tell you something now, I have never ever had my ankles feel friction that badly before in my life, ok me forgetting to pack long socks is a bit silly, don’t you think? Any way, even the new experienced pain I was enduring didn’t really stop me from doing what I went to do, I just stuck some plasters on them, it shut me up for a little while if anything. Basic skating as standard I’m afraid nothing special because I would probably break my neck or another various part of my body. The ice was pretty mashed up when we got there, it was a public skate after all and it was a Friday night, joyful. But hey, it was just a test run for my skates, ok I admit I fell on my butt a couple times, but who doesn’t? I’ve decided the best way for me to learn is to do it while the ice is at its smoothest, otherwise I’m never going to get a good chance at doing anything with half the Bristol population packing me in like a sardine. So there we have it, pain, trapped in and mashed up ice. So my advice when going skating, if you want to learn, then practise when its quiet and spacious. As for me, I’m off to clean up my ankles.
Casey out.
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