Master the Art of Breaking in New Figure Skates
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Importance of Breaking in New Skates
- Swizzles for Feeling Edges
- Power Poles for One-Footed Twizzles
- Crossovers for Edge Control
- Choctaws for Transfer of Weight
- Half Pumps for Feeling Edges
- Taking Breaks and Retying Skates
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Article
Introduction
🎉 Welcome back to my channel! In this video, I'm going to share some exercises to help you break in your new skates. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, breaking in new skates can be a challenging process. However, with the right exercises and techniques, you can make the process much more manageable. So, if you're excited to lace up your new skates and hit the ice, keep watching!
Importance of Breaking in New Skates
❓ Have you ever wondered why breaking in new skates is important? Well, the answer is simple. When you purchase a new pair of skates, they are often stiffer and less flexible than your old ones. This stiffness can make it difficult to feel your edges and maintain proper balance on the ice. By breaking in your skates, you allow them to conform to your feet and become more comfortable. This not only enhances your overall skating experience but also helps prevent blisters and foot pain.
Swizzles for Feeling Edges
🔧 One of the first exercises I recommend for breaking in new skates is the swizzle. Swizzles are great for helping you feel and control your edges, especially on new blades. When performing swizzles, focus on getting nice and deep on your inside edges. Start by gliding forwards and then try them in reverse as well. Backward swizzles are particularly beneficial for feeling your knee bend and getting a sense of where you are on your blade. Practice going forwards halfway across the rink and then backwards all the way back to develop better edge awareness.
Power Poles for One-Footed Twizzles
💪 Another exercise that works wonders for breaking in new skates is the power pole. Power poles are essentially one-footed twizzles that allow you to feel both your outside and inside edges. It's crucial to start this exercise slowly to avoid slipping off your edges or losing balance. Begin by going outside inside outside in a slow and controlled manner. Focus on going as deep as possible to engage your knee bend and feel the edges. Practice power poles on both feet by going forwards and backward, doing half the rink in each direction. This exercise will significantly improve your edge control and help you get used to your new skates.
Crossovers for Edge Control
✂️ Crossovers are a fundamental skill in figure skating, and they are also helpful for breaking in new skates. Performing crossovers on a circle allows you to work on your knee bend, feel your edges, and get a sense of control on your new skates. I particularly recommend doing back crossovers as they provide more opportunities to go deep on your edges and increase your comfort level. Start by going forward and backward in both directions, focusing on getting as deep as possible without losing your edge. Practice this exercise regularly to improve your edge control and adapt to your new skates.
Choctaws for Transfer of Weight
🔄 Choctaws are an excellent exercise for feeling the transfer of weight from one edge to the next. While it's more of an advanced move, beginners can still benefit from practicing simplified versions. A basic choctaw involves transitioning from an outward to an inward edge or vice versa. This exercise helps you gain control over your blade and improve your overall stability. Feel free to experiment with different patterns and variations, allowing yourself to become more comfortable on your new skates.
Half Pumps for Feeling Edges
⚓ If you want to enhance your edge awareness and feel your new skates better, try incorporating half pumps into your routine. Half pumps involve performing mini power pulls on one foot while going around in a circle. This exercise helps you feel the edges and the knee bend, further improving your overall skating ability. Start by going backward and then switch to going forward, paying close attention to your inside and outside edges. Perform as many half pumps as you like, allowing yourself to explore the feeling of being in control of your new skates.
Taking Breaks and Retying Skates
🌡️ One crucial piece of advice when breaking in new skates is to take breaks and re-tie your skates every 15 minutes or so. New skates tend to be stiffer and have more friction, which can cause discomfort and even blisters if you don't take proper care. By taking breaks and re-tying your skates, you give your feet a chance to rest and prevent any potential damage. So, remember to listen to your body and lace up your skates correctly to make the breaking-in process more comfortable and enjoyable.
Conclusion
⭐ Breaking in new skates can be a challenging but rewarding process. By incorporating these exercises into your skating routine, you'll be able to feel more confident and in control on the ice. Whether you're working on swizzles, power poles, crossovers, choctaws, half pumps, or simply taking breaks, remember to go at your own pace and give your skates time to adjust to your feet. Soon enough, you'll be gliding effortlessly on your fully-broken-in skates, ready to tackle new skating challenges with confidence and style!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to break in new skates?
A: The time it takes to break in new skates can vary depending on factors such as skate stiffness, usage frequency, and personal comfort. On average, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks of consistent skating to fully break in new skates.
Q: Are there any specific exercises for breaking in figure skates?
A: The exercises mentioned in this video are suitable for breaking in both figure skates and hockey skates. These exercises focus on improving edge awareness, balance, and comfort on the ice.
Q: Can I use these exercises if I'm a beginner skater?
A: Yes! These exercises are designed to benefit skaters of all skill levels. However, if you're a beginner, make sure to start slowly and gradually increase your intensity and difficulty level as you become more comfortable on your skates.
Q: Are there any risks associated with not properly breaking in new skates?
A: Skating on improperly broken-in skates can increase the risk of blisters, foot pain, and discomfort. It can also affect your overall skating performance and make it harder to execute certain moves and techniques.
Q: How often should I re-tie my skates when breaking them in?
A: It's generally recommended to re-tie your skates every 15 minutes when breaking them in. This helps prevent excessive friction, hot spots, and blisters, allowing your feet to stay comfortable throughout the breaking-in process.
Q: Can I speed up the breaking-in process?
A: While it's important to give your skates the necessary time to break in naturally, you can speed up the process by consistently skating and performing the recommended exercises. Additionally, working with a professional skate technician can help optimize the fit and break-in time of your skates.
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