Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I take lessons?
You can learn to skate from books, from the internet, by looking at
other people skating... but taking lesson from a certified instructor will ensure that you progress
faster, that you work on techniques that are suitable for your level,
and that you don't get into any bad habits that are going to hold you
back at a later time when you're trying to progress further.
Who can learn to skate?
Anyone - my students range in age from 5 to 75, in ability from
absolute beginner who need to learn to stand up on skates to
experienced skaters who want to push themselves to another level in
ability, style, and speed. Whilst lessons are a must for beginners to
ensure safe enjoyment of this sport it can also be The Way to advance
beyond your ability if you've reached a plateau.
What's better in individual tuition
compared to the group lessons skate schools offer?
The benefit of individual or small group tuition is that you don't have
to share an instructor with a group of other students of varying
abilities, you get all the
attention instead of the occasional glimpse. It will also allow for the
lesson to move at your speed, instead of the average speed of your
group, and to take place where and when you want it, instead of a pre-determined area. Yes, it might cost you up to twice as much, but you'll get much
more than twice the attention from your instructor for it!
Where can I rent skates?
Most skate shope in London will be happy to rent you skates, with the
exception of
Decathlon at Canada Water. If you have problems finding a shop to rent
skates from let me know where you're looking to rent, and I'll let you
know where to find a shop.
Should I wear pads and/or a helmet?
I definitely recommend wearing pads (knee, elbow, wrist), and strongly
suggest looking into buying a helmet. All skaters fall at times (that
includes myself!), and wearing pads helps to avoid bruises, skin loss,
and torn clothes. If you're not sure what kind of pads or helmet is
right for you get in contact, and I'll give you some pointers.
Where should I go to buy skates?
Look for a shop with a good selection, like Slick Willies (Gloucester
Rd, Kensington), Club Blue Room or Decathlon (Canada Water, huuuge! but sometimes no qualified sales personnel available) and no rip-off prices (some of the smaller skate shops have been known to sell unsuitable material to beginners, or charge over the odds for skates, only approach the smaller shops if you know what you need, and how much it should cost). Make sure to wear your skates for 5-10 minutes before you buy
them, to ensure you're not buying something that will be terribly
uncomfortable.
Which brands are good skates?
Most of the brands sold in the UK (Bauer, Fila, Hypno, K2, Mission,
Nike, Roces, Rollerblade, Rossingol, Salomon, Technica, ...) are fine.
For
good recreational skates you should plan to spend about £100 -
look out for sales and last year's models, you can safe significant
amounts on good skates!
I know more people who are
interested in skating!
Excellent, have them contact me, or form a group and take lessons
together!
If you have the means to advertise my services in your company or
environment, and can motivate a number of people to take lessons then
I'd be happy to discuss a commissions arrangement with you!
I'm looking for group lessons, not
individual ones - where should I go?
I recommend the Citiskate
group lessons in Spitalfields, Victoria, and Kews. Please check their
website for up-to-date details of courses.
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