Chaos Today on Public Ice

 Today's rink

8 Birthday Parties

Two teams of Mites in full hockey gear

Unknown number of people skating because it's raining and the parents want the kids out of the house because they can't stand the screaming and the ice rink is the only place available where screaming is allowed

16 people who know how to skate

One rink guard

 At one point there were so many people on ice she just threw her hands in the air and devoted herself to defending the center. I've never seen any other rink guard do that.

Only one person got through--and that was an adult who skated past me--with a combined expression of terror and embarrassment while I was doing spins (because I gave him 'the look')--but not one other hockey mite, dimwitted ice tourist, or  kid who refused to look up from staring at the ice. My lesson was bliss....

 My rink has code names for staff--We've named her--

Wonder Woman

Blinding Spins with Science

Let's just say, I'm taking my own 'direction' in improving my spins. 

My left hip bursitis can't stand much repetitive motion, and my right great toe has arthritis and can't stand repetitive practice either. I can't practice in one direction over and over, so I now alternate to take the load off.

Fortunately, when I practice spinning to the right, I've noticed that my spins to the left improve. This is based on some solid science: when you work on a skill or strength on one side it improves the weak skill and strength of the opposite side of the body. In my case, what's happening is the flaws in one side are improving due to the better skills on the other, so that my spins are averaging into mirror images of each other.

If I spin to the right: I get two rotations. Immediately, I spin to the left: I get two rotations, and my  free foot and leg position have improved. When I spin to the right, in the opposite direction, I already have good free foot position, but my skating leg position and strength improve. 

   The two sides of my body working together

But OMG are my spins sLoW....

 but I'm making progress and feel secure

Then Group coach wants me to do alternating inside outside spirals
She says I'm 'close' to a passing position 

I think she's just being nice.

I'm a skating mentor!!!

So, a married couple I know approached me about helping them get ready to learn to skate.

I've already sent them a list of times of local LTS classes, with advice on schedules and publics for practice ice. It's their choice of course due to their location and personal schedules, but it's a good first start.

I'm trying to find a source of boots because my old tech has had a shop issue due to a lease problem. I'm still trying to get hold of him.

 I'm making a list of skating protection and head protection, encouraging them to get gel ankle sleeves, wrist guards and Katstrapz and the half dozen things you want to have in your bag.  Have them handy because you will.need.them. And the Mrs is going to get my old Ice Halo.

Oooh, and they'll need skate bags. But, I won't give advice on that. Bags are way too personal and I'm sure they already have sport bags and it's way too early for Zuca's.

But FINALLY I will have someone to unload all my extra gloves on!!

Let me go open the glove cabinet to get them out!