I have been skating a long time, but have only had a few lessons. I re-started lessons 2 weeks ago and it's amazing how much I remember which I thought I had forgotten. It is sooooo much better to skate in the mornings outside of public sessions and to have lessons. Also to have the most comfortable skates you can get, and to get beyond the initial problems with balance, hurting feet etc, - persevere beyond that and it is really worthwhile.

 I skate at Guildford and heard a rumour that one of the next DOI series contestants will be training there. Didnt catch who it was, but I will try to find out. Also according to applausestore, the format of the show has changed. They seem to be going back to the original idea of Chris and Jayne each training a team of their own, then competing against one another. This should be interesting. I hope they will still do their opening routine together!!

Hi ,

I totally agree about the skates. I use Riedell Blue Ribbon boots with MK Professional Regular blades.

I skate in Milton Keynes. 

I thought they'd have a change after last season as I guess the phone voting may be an issue .

I do hope they push them to learn and use their abilities to the full rather than having the females constantly being lifted rather than skating. I know some of the lifts last season were difficult but I'd have liked to have seen more skating. 

I have Softskates, which I hadnt heard of before, but they are well padded and wider fitting. I havent been to MK. Only to Guildford, Telford, Deeside and Blackpool (a long time ago before the rebuilt it). They are supposed to be building a new rink/arena in Brighton in the next few years, which I hope will be a bit easier for me to get to. Although the coaches at Guilford are really good. But I think Jayne and Robin (and possibly Nicky?) will be involved in the coaching at Brighton.

I havent heard anything about the phone voting, but I cant imagine they would not have that, a lot of revenue comes from that. I agree about more skating skills.They have to put the fancy lifts in to please the non-skating audience, and also to show how much progress is possible from complete beginners. But I hope they will deliberately focus more on the skating skills this time.

I did hear that ITV were planning a show similar to X-factor-on-ice called Ice Talent, but not sure if the notice I saw was recent and whether that show will happen in future, or maybe already abandoned?

Hi,

That's a brand I haven't heard of either.

It would be nice to have a rink closer to me as I have a minimum of a 50 mile round trip each time I skate.

There's one couple in my class that travel from Rugby so I guess they have an even longer journey.

I think the skating skills shows more progress than having a very good partner to carry you around the ice. Unless you are attempting some of the more advanced lifts like Clare did last time ,but I would have liked to have seen her skate more.

I know there was a discussion on here about an amateur version of DOI but I never heard anything about the idea being taken up but there are hundreds of talented youngsters around the country who would put an older person to shame so you'd need different age groups to be fair. But I've said to others that if I'd had the level of training the celeb's get before a series starts I'd hope to be a lot better than most of them are on the first night. I think they got last time 4 hours a day for was it 3 or 4 months ?

Reguarding the phone voting - I heard that they were dropping all phone-in competitions as the numbers taking part now have made it a non-profitable service. But they still have to monitor the voting carefully to ensure nothing goes wrong.

I dont know much about phone voting. I dont usually vote anyway. But the Tour had phone voting as well, so I'm not sure how that would work if they do another tour. I thought the next tour was confirmed on the ITV site, but I'd like to see further confirmation of it, just to be sure.

I think the notices I saw must have been old ones, cos one of them was regarding the rules for pro skaters taking part in what the ISU suddenly decided was an 'amateur competition' under their rules. This is why Marika Humphreys couldn't be in the show last year, as she is an ISU judge. So that info is one year old.

I'm not sure what kinds of things they would expect people to be able to do in an ice talent show and I dont think I'd really want to watch it. Much rather see pro's doing shows, or competitions. Maybe they'll start televising more competitions again in Britain - esp. with the Winter Olympics coming up in 18 months??

I'm going back for my lesson tomorrow, and hopefully alternate days every week for as long as I can. I only have 20 miles to travel, but I have to go by bus, which takes 2 hours each way. We have some really good pair skaters from Oxford visiting us at the moment.

Sky Sports and Eurosport seem the only source.

I don't have Sky but did download some footage of UK competition from Figure Skating videos dot net (fsvids) and they originated from Sky.

I do have access to a Germany free Eurosport channel but trying to work through the schedule on the website isn't much fun.

Then there is the new on-line skating channel that Skate UK were promoting ,but when I went to look at the preview it didn't work !

A Pro skating is always better to watch.

My lesson is also tomorrow (night) which is 30 minutes plus the public skate afterwards. I've been thinking about arranging to have Wednesday mornings off to get some practice in. The Rink is supposed to be empty most mornings during the week. The last Bank Holiday morning was like that for the first hour with at most 3 people including myself on the ice ,though I was the only one part of the time. 

I'm currently trying to master the backwards glides on one foot. Normal backwards skating in fine using various methods including cross-overs but single-footed  hasn't been mastered yet but it just needs practice.

I must remember to get the coach to update my progress card so I can collect my level 5 award. One problem with the class is that there's a wide range of ability so while some are on catch-up others are going over the same things again and again and not moving forward. There was talk of splitting the class into two so the more advanced could progress while another coach worked with the others. I think so far we have had every coach at some point with I think maybe 1 or 2 exceptions. I prefer the ones that both explain and show you what your supposed to do. The acoustics of the Rink doesn't help as some of the time you can't hear what's being said and you do the wrong things added to this some don't say precisely what the want leaving you to fill-in the missing bits.

 At this stage it's fun and challenging while keeping you fit at the same time.
 

Sorry, I had trouble replying since yesterday, I had to go thru the sign-in process all over again. I just got back from my skating session. I think my Monday coach is too slow, I have progressed much further with the other coach, I think I need to be in his group.

I dont really know what the levels are, we are not following them, or doing tests. I need to ask what we are supposed to achieve by the end of term. What types of things are you doing other than backward glides, at level 5? I can do backwards on one foot, only just! But I can do most things going forward.We havent got up to crossovers yet, but I think I could manage them by the end of term.

I dont have Sky either. I downloaded masses of T&D, other skaters and Stars on Ice from fsvids, but no competitions. I dont even know who the main competitors are any more - shame on me! You are lucky to have an empty rink in the holidays - Guildford is absolutely MANIC then! We also have lots of going over the basics and splitting of groups, I think the same problem is everywhere.

OK, thanks. There are elements of levels 2 & 3 that we havent been taught, but I reckon I am up to level 4.

We are not doing these levels - I think they teach the kids that way, but not the adults. But it's good to see what we should be aiming to achieve by the end of the term/year. I get stuck on the backwards stuff and the 3-turns (which we havent been taught yet, but I have tried to do before). I am going to ask to have the same coach every time now, as he knows what I can do and I wont have to start from scratch every time.

I will go and look at that website now.

Hi,

With backwards skating there are a few different methods to get moving.

I started doing lemons (sculling) and it took me about half and hour solid until I could move without catching the picks but doesn't work for everybody. The posture helps if you bend your legs and sort of sit back while keeping your back straight. The other method is stepping forward where you alternativity push with each foot. Once you have the basics and feel comfortable you'll get a lot smoother .

My one-foot backwards glides are improving.

I discovered last night that the backwards crossovers are in fact level 7. I have them almost perfect going clockwise around a circle which has the weight on the left leg which is the inside leg. counter-clockwise I'm not very good. But we'll be working on them again next week.

 We have done some things that are at different levels like I think it's called a lunge where is take a position as if your going down on one knee and drag the other foot behind you with just the boot in contact and not the blade. And depending on how flexible you are the lower you'll be able to get. If you get it right and your weight is over the center of the blade you should be able to glide about half the width of the rink without having to get up to increase speed but if you haven't stretched that far in a while expect to be a bit sore the following day. I know I was.

And the other one was from a still position to jump and turn half a revolution and land safely. We did try skating forward and doing the same but I didn't the explanation so didn't do that part too well.

We've also done single-foot spins .Best I've managed is 3 revolutions ,and that's using the other leg for extra momentum by bringing it across the other leg while doing the arm movements. Works well but balance play a big part and you should never lean backwards at any point for you could land up doing some damage to yourself.

The natural progression from single-foot backwards glides will be to use the edges. So much of figure skating is done backwards. All but one of the jumps start from backwards the exception is the Axle which starts forwards then turns to backwards before launch.

Also for 5 pounds you can sign up for 8 weeks access to the Skate UK videos which goes through each level and the elements.

Again if your looking for videos there are some by a Russian skate Dometry Olympia which you can watch for free. Think I've spelt his name wrong but I'm sure Google could find them.
 

I really like skating and am wishing I'd started many years ago. My first introduction to it was at school some 25+ years ago when they have the Gym covered in artificial Ice for a day. We got to skate during our games lesson and then in the evening. But as there wasn't anywhere local I moved to roller-skates which I did for about 3 years before the placed closed. 

I managed to find Everglides - they have a photo of Guildford rink on the homepage, but I wasnt in it, or anyone that I know!

I reckon I could complete level 4 and some of level 5 by the end of our 10 week course, but I'd need a lot more practise at level 5 and above. I think a big part of why I struggle with backward skating is I get nervous and can only do a few steps at a time, esp in public sessions, I cant look behind to avoid anyone who might be there. I think I am doing OK in general, cos a lot of the people here seem to repeat the beginners course and not progress on from there for 4 or 5 terms. I think I will be able to move up by the end of this term.

My friend said to me today "Be careful that it doesnt become an obsession". I thought "Its too late for that - 35 years too late!"

A crowded public session is very difficult to skate backwards. You have to be so observant all the time. But it can get two crowded at times.

The position that one of the coaches said we should be in while skating backwards around the circle is like sitting in a chair reaching backwards with the inside arm for the remote. And as long as you can see the hand of the inside arm you will be able to see where your going. You may find your neck muscles  a bit sore to start with as your looking over you shoulder all the time but you soon get used to it. 

You can normally fine members of the gliders in the center circle in the middle of the rink where it's normally fairly safe to practice around the circle or other elements inside the circle. You do get some who insist in going down the center of the rink but most will stay out of the way.

The Planet Ice Gliders courses are an on going thing ,you just keep signing up for as long as you want. There are now three groups on the ice at the same time at different levels. But it would be nice to be pushed a bit more and for the group to progress. I know we have to practice everything to make it second nature but most of the stuff we have been doing for what seems like months .

Yes the obsession part ,well my colleagues know that if I won the lottery one thing on my list would be a property where I could have a rink of some kind. In fact I'd skate every day if it was possible and closer. I really do wish I'd started earlier. When I was in my teens I had near perfect balance which meant I could skate unaided ,to the surprise of the instructor that day at school. And later when I used to roller skate I almost never fell unless pushed. But a couple motorbike accidents have altered things a bit. The thing that I know I have to over come is to do with right foot as I only have partial feeling on the underside which I think is affecting the counter-clockwise backwards crossovers as I'm not putting my full weight on the right side. I've probably been doing it for years without noticing but with lots of practice I'm sure I get around it.

But before the motorbike crashes who knows how much quicker I might have learnt things. Don't get me wrong I'm anything but clumsy and still have very good balance but it's not like it used to be. Just trying to think ,I doubt if I've fallen more than 7 or 8 times in 5 months which is still very good. But I want to be pushed out of the comfort zone to explore my limits. 

Had my lesson tonight and have now passed level 4.

To complete level 5 I've only got the backwards snowplough stop to demonstrate. But these new blades are so sharp the snowplough in any direction is taking some readjusting to after the old rather blunt blades which made it easy.

One of the things that got marked off on level 5 was the single foot backwards glide. Personally I didn't think it was that good yet but I'm not the coach. Having the levels gives you something to aim for and you get something each time to show for your efforts.

We started working on 3-turns on the outside edge again which is something to work on Sunday if the place isn't full of little kids like this week. These freestyle blades are designed to make turns easier so with a bit of practice they should be easier than before.

We were also doing two-footed and single-footed spins tonight. I always feel a bit dizzy after two revolutions. I've done the spins better than I did tonight as I've done more revolutions in the past but the sharper blades come into it again I think.

All told it went well tonight ,a couple of stumbles but no hitting the ice this week. 

Well done for passing level 4.

I've never been able to do spins. I used to be able to glide backwards a bit, but now I am starting from scratch, trying to get the technique right. This foot problem I have is stopping me from progressing during the lessons, I have to warm up my feet for at least an hour before I can do anything properly. Has anyone ever advised you what to do about that? I thought about doing foot exercises before I go on the ice - but I'm not sure if it's just the action of skating which makes the difference?

At least I have the same coach for every lesson now. And they are FINALLY getting round to replacing the rubber flooring (Hooray!!!) this week. It will take 2 weeks, and we have been told to expect fumes from the adhesive (yuk!) They are also replacing all the seats and a lot of the lighting, so we should be good as new before Christmas.

Have you heard any news about DOI recently? I havent really looked on the websites/forums yet - I might do that later today. Someone from last year's tour is selling their limited edition DOI fleece on ebay. I cant afford it and it isnt my size, or I would have bid for it. Jayne's 50th birthday in 12 days time - I wonder if she'll be on the telly?

icicle:

Well done for passing level 4.

Thanks

icicle:

 

I've never been able to do spins. I used to be able to glide backwards a bit, but now I am starting from scratch, trying to get the technique right. This foot problem I have is stopping me from progressing during the lessons, I have to warm up my feet for at least an hour before I can do anything properly. Has anyone ever advised you what to do about that? I thought about doing foot exercises before I go on the ice - but I'm not sure if it's just the action of skating which makes the difference?

At least I have the same coach for every lesson now. And they are FINALLY getting round to replacing the rubber flooring (Hooray!!!) this week. It will take 2 weeks, and we have been told to expect fumes from the adhesive (yuk!) They are also replacing all the seats and a lot of the lighting, so we should be good as new before Christmas.

There are a detailed set of recommended stretching exercises for figure skaters on the Skate Canada - Western Ontario Sciences website. I can see one for the ankle but not the foot. Even when I had physio after my motorbike crash back in 1990 I had exercises for my ankle and my toes to get them moving again but not much in between. I still haven't got total feeling across the whole of the underside on my right foot and some mornings it is slightly puffed up so my skates are a lot tighter which isn't the most comfortable way to skate but I can adjust the lacing of the boot in one place that makes a big difference with affecting the stability of the boot. I can just sense the blade most of the time which is the main thing.

Yes having the same coach should make a big difference. I've had the same one now for about 2 months and it's far better than them changing around every couple of weeks.

I'd hope they'd have the extractors on full to get rid of the fumes as they could be quite dangerous and some people could have problems breathing them in.

icicle:

 

Have you heard any news about DOI recently? I havent really looked on the websites/forums yet - I might do that later today. Someone from last year's tour is selling their limited edition DOI fleece on ebay. I cant afford it and it isnt my size, or I would have bid for it. Jayne's 50th birthday in 12 days time - I wonder if she'll be on the telly?

No I haven't heard anything yet. I'd expect training to begin October / November and that's when details will start to leak out.

I'd expect Jayne  to appear of This Morning and maybe the odd breakfast show. I wasn't sure of her age ,I still remember watching them in the Olympics . Doesn't time fly !

I hadn't spotted the fleece on eBay but I'd expect it to fetch a lot of money.