Ice Doesn't Care--2nd Year Blogiversary!

Can't believe I made two years!  I thought I'd run out of topics after a couple of months, then I realized I  could  cover things so trivial no other skater would touch them…and, of course, pictures of cats.

So, what were my most popular posts of the last year (based on page views) ?

The Six Stages of Adult Figure Skating thanks to Lori over at International Adult Ice Skaters for mentioning it.

Judges--Thinking Positive. Apparently a coach at Bowie Ice Rink (I don't know who) posted it on Facebook. Thanks!

My favorite posts of the last year?

Types of Coaches

The Great Skate Bag Debate,

The most popular posts involving cats…

When I'm the tallest skater on the ice.  I have to admit, the punchline on this was a lucky find.

String Theory for Figure Skaters

So, do you have a favorite post? Waiting to hear about it!

My motto for every lesson is as follows:

The Great Skate Bag Debate

(The pictures in this post are scramble because of a 'thing' blogger has with tiffs snapped in Mac OS X. Don't have time right now to fix them. I'll do it when furlough starts--stupid Congress.)


Over on www.skatingforums.com another round of "To Zuca or not to Zuca" is going on. This can be quite amusing as some people rant a bit pro or con.

I've decided to shift to the 'pro zuca' camp.

I don't carry one now, but I can see that in the future when I'll 'live' at the rink (do a freestyle, wait until noon public starts and haul my yoga gear plus a change of clothes) I may need one. So I went over to Zuca.com and tried to pick out one I liked. You can custom design your Zuca by matching bag and frame.

Then I decided I had a better idea.

Welcome to a game of Worst Zuca Combination!

First pick a frame. Then pick an insert that clashes.  Give it a name.

Some clashes can violate rules of color combinations. They're 'wrong' and they set your teeth on edge.

The Preppy Traffic Cone

Other combinations are okay in that they don't clash, but bring up awkward thoughts. Perhaps the fact that I'm descended from dairy farmers on one side and butchers on the other, led to this creation:

Slaughterhouse 5

Others match too well. There's not quite enough contrast. Memories of a summer doing ecological measurements in an urban forest brought about the subtle glories of:

Algae Filled Pond

Other combinations send mixed social signals:

Army Bimbo

As to what I would actually pick? Probably the understated combination of Gloss and Gray.

The Lady

As to why get a Zuca? Well, hauling a lot of stuff, in a rink where there's problem seating (such as comps),  or where you have to haul a long distance.

The why not? You hate them to the core of your very being, think they're over priced and have a good solution in a $10 bag from Target.  Or you just don't need one.

I was a person who didn't need one, didn't see the need for them, but as I said, I'm shifting to the 'need one' camp!

The Perfect Skate Bag

The perfect skate bag is winging its way to my humble abode.

What makes a bag perfect is a matter of personal discretion. Serious skaters with lots to haul to comps and to the rink everyday started using Zucas. Soon 8 year olds craved Zucas because 'just everyone' (the good skaters) has one. (Maybe there should be a rule 'No zuca til you get your axel')  Other skaters have other needs. Coaches use suitcases.  There's the tote bag contingent. The no bag group. And the Transpackers.

I'm a duffel girl.

But not just any duffel. It has to meet my strict engineering standards. It's a functional object not a fetish.

a. It's a duffel--just the right shape for carrying boots
b. Pockets on each end--to put my protective gear
c. HARD BASEPLATE--to keep the bag from sagging in the middle when I carry it with the boots inside
d. FEET--to keep it off the floor, saves wear and tear on the bottom, and keeps it above wet spots
e. U shaped opening for the middle section--big enough to put skates through
f. No less than 22" long and 11 wide and 11 " tall--that's what my present bag is, so those are minimum dimensions. No bigger than 25" long-it gets too heavy
g. Costs less than $30 (USD)

I can't tell you how many times I trolled eBags, and Zappos, and Amazon.  At one point I was this >< close to buying a Hartman club bag (it was perfect) but it violated rule g.

Anyway, the other day I was trolling around eBags. I don't remember how I found it (unlike Zappos ebags won't let you search on terms like 'duffel feet') but I found the perfect bag!

Voila! The Calpak 22" Hollywood duffel.

22x12x12

 

 It meets every requirement! I never thought I'd find one which would!

Some nice things: there's a handle on the end for pulling the bag out of overhead bins or the trunk, some extra small zippered utility pockets for small stuff, that wavy ribbon in the front will come in handy for clipping pens and my carabiner clips or hair clips to.

Extra bonus. No interior pockets (they get in the way). Doesn't have one of those stupid shoe pockets either.

Total with shipping: $23.95.

My little bag junky soul is satisfied

source

Skater Emergency Preparedness--Useful Stuff

There's some things I've found useful; Even though I don't need them often, when I need them, I really, really need them.  This is a hangover mindset from my horse show days plus 30 years in the military with 'be prepared to deploy within 3 hours' bags. When I lived in a small town in the Mojave desert, every time I left town I had water and food in the car plus a pair of hiking boots. When I lived in Minnesota, I had a bag of sand, winter boots, and a shovel in the trunk from October to March. Yes, I'm 'that kind of person'.  I'm the one that plans how to survive disasters.  However, the only disasters I have at the rink are my attempts at Choctaws, still, I plan ahead.

Useful Stuff

1. A Screwdriver for the skate bag.  In 4 years of skating, I've needed to tighten one screw, but it's nice to have. My skate tech usually tightens the screws as part of my sharpenings, so they don't have a chance to get loose. Other people, with other stresses on the skates may need to test their screws more often.

2. An icebag in the car. Yes a genuine, screw top rubber icebag, not one of those things you put in the freezer or a ziploc bag. With an icebag you can always put ice in it, over and over. With one of those things you put in the freezer, you have to use it in a specific amount of time, or carry a freezer in the car.  When I broke my ankle I had to use a plastic bag with ice in it that the rink gave me. It dripped all over my friend's car and slid around on my leg. An icebag with a fabric cover stays where it's put and doesn't drip.

3. Colored facial tissue. When you go on the ice and pull out a tissue, it's nice if they're tinted. That way if you unknowingly drop one on the ice, other skaters can spot it. You can find these in drug stores, but it takes some looking. I like the pink.

4.  Over the counter pain killers. I don't need a whole bottle, just a few tablets in a pill case. If I  take a bad fall, I take one right away.

5.  A stone for the blade to take out nicks.

6.  A nail clipper with file.

7. Toothbrush and toothpaste. In case I have a dance lesson after lunch.

8. Blister pads or callus cushions.

9. Hand or foot moisturizer.

10. Old pieces of insoles for patching. (I actually had a nail come up through an insole once.)

11. A $20 bill.

Everyone should have an emergency kit, not just in the skate bag

If you're interested in preparing for a real emergency, there's good advice at Ready.gov.

Skate Bags

As an adult skater, you have something that child skaters don't have: a credit card! You can buy your own skate bag so what do you buy?


ZUCA--The Dark Side
You may see the kids in the rink with their Zuca bags trailing them like faithful dogs. Now look around; Do you see many adults using them? Probably not (your mileage may vary). There's a reason most adults don't go the Zuca route. It's the weight.


Kids love the Zuca so they can pull all their things around the rink. But it's Mommy who's taking the Zuca in and out of the car. Imagine how much stuff you can get in that locker on wheels. Imagine putting it in the trunk, then out. In. Out. Feel the back pain yet? Right. That's why I went another route.


Duffels Can Be Evil
 In general hand carried duffels (I'm not talking about the rolling duffels) can be a useful answer for the adult skater. They're anonymous, nothing says 'Skater'. The duffel just says 'athlete'. (Or in my case 'athlete wannabe'.) Duffels come in an amazing variety of sizes, so if you have really big skates you can find something to meet your needs.


But, like a Siren of Greek mythology calling you to a shipwreck, duffles can be beautiful--but evil.


They're widely available, and the quality widely varies too. I've had them that came apart at the seams in a few weeks. The zippers come apart or get stuck in the cheaper varieties. The pockets can be too small, if you don't select carefully. Better quality duffels don't have these problems, but with that big single compartment, even if the bag is well made, all your stuff is mixed higgledy piggledy in there.


As a general rule, duffels come with a soft bottom, and don't have feet, so when you set it on the floor everything just bangs down. The lack of feet means that if there's any water on the floor, it soaks in.


Yoga Totes
If you're a woman, certain totes can be useful for skating. But there's usually ties or or a flap, designed to hold a mat. These can get in the way. I think yoga totes aren't big enough for men. Also, yoga totes don't often have enough space in them to carry more than a pair of skates and some rags.


Rolling Suitcases
I've seen some people bring in suitcases (of varying sizes). Usually these are coaches who carry their lives in there (I've seen a small boom box appear out of one). Ice dancers also seem to accumulate an amazing amount of stuff.  These potentially have the weight problem of the Zucas, but if you need the space and the organization, you need it. These are almost always cheaper than Zucas and can carry more stuff.


Gym Bags
There's gym bags other than duffels. A lot of sports have specialized bags. I've met one skater who used a bowling bag. So if you have something and it fits, no reason you can't use it. Or explore Amazon, eBags or Zappos and see what's offered there.


Do you need a bag at all?
Actually, no. I've seen a couple of high level skaters (not elite skaters), who just used shopping bags. One woman I met used a reusable grocery bag. Adult skaters are usually more impressed by your skating than by your stuff. Pick what you need. 


What I use
I wish I could say I have the magic answer. I'm a 'bag junky' and I want my bag to be perfect. Here's what I want:


Big central area for skates and a light jacket
At least three big pockets for gear
Handles (not shoulder straps)
Stiff bottom
Feet to keep it off the floor
Lightweight


Is it too much to ask for? Apparently so, as I can't find a bag with everything.
Right now I carry my freestyle boots in a duffel with handles and three big pockets. 
My dance boots are in a yoga bag with the mat straps cut off (Not enough pockets) Grr! but it has feet (and a hard floor). Also too small.
I also have a small carry on roller suitcase for when I take my skates on the road. Not enough pockets. Weighty.


I'm eyeing the bowling ball bags now. Someday my skate bag will turn up, like Cinderella's prince.

No, not Prince Smarming. Prince Charming!

What's in your boot bag?

Understanding someone is easy. Go through their iPod playlist, their purse or wallet, or the trunk of their car.

Understanding a skater is easy. Go through their bag.

Kleenex: This skater cares about the health of others.
Used Kleenex: This skater needs a mother to clean out the bag. Yeeeuch!

Gloves: Complete with little sparkly SK8R on the backs, This skater is under 10
Gloves: Missing fingers. This skater is either having trouble with jumps or skates with an iPod.
Glove color: Matching gloves--start of the season. Non matching gloves---this skater is normal
Glove color: Black--normal; Red--a rebel; Yellow--cheerful/perky/a fun person to be around; Purple and red--over 50

Soakers: Shaped like an animal--This skater is under 10; Shaped like an animal with a squeaker--under 8
Soakers: Leopard/Tiger print---This skater is a woman in her 30's and knows the address of every bar within 5 miles of the rink.
Soakers:  Brocade--this is a woman of mystery, she has secret connections with art dealers, Racehorse breeders, and museum curators. Always skates with earrings on, and wears lipstick. May speak russian.
Soakers: Terry cloth, plain, can be walked in--Do not stand between this skater and the ice. This skater is here to skate, not get style points.

Blade rag: Has their name embroidered on the corner--coach (xmas gift from a skater)
Blade rag: Cut up cotton towel: The skater who thinks anything will do
Blade rag: Microfiber super soaker towel: The skater whose blades don't rust

Jacket: In a color that is part of the marzipan spectrum--teenage girl

Jacket: Black, plain--an adult skater who is not a coach.
Jacket: Black, sparkly designs--everyone else

Head protection: None--coach. teenager . or an adult not working on back threes
Head protection: Yes--an adult working on back threes

Callus pads: This skater has been skating more than 1 year
Gel pads: This skaters is breaking in new boots.
iPad: Facebook junkie: "Hi I'm at the rink, I just flutzed. I'm going right out and do it again and I'll post an update."
Pencil and pad: Skater over 50.

Screwdriver: This skater is prepared for emergencies
Vodka Screwdriver: This skater is REALLY prepared for emergencies

Starbucks gift card: Coach
Nieman Marcus gift card: Brocade soaker skater
Tie Domi Sports Card: Someone playing for the other side. Hey! we don't let hockey players in here!