Thursday nights I attend a group beginner skating lesson, followed by shinny, at Wallace Emerson. It's a free program offered through the city, for people who want to learn to skate and play hockey for fun. Typically about 20-25 people show up, and 2-4 instructors. We divide into groups according more or less to skating ability (lousy and average or so), and have a focussed lesson on a few specific skills such as stopping, skating backwards, crossovers, or puck handling. Then, we have a friendly game of shinny.
Last week it was so cold that for three days, students stayed inside for indoor recess all day! Yuck! Nevertheless, I ventured out to Thursday night hockey. The ice was so cold, our skates made squeaking noises as the blades rubbed against the super cooled ice. The ice also chips more easily when it is that cold, apparently (who knew?!), so there were a number of chunks missing from the rink's surface. My nose was cold and my toes were complaining within minutes of my skating out onto the ice.
Despite some of these extra hardships, it was well worth driving out to Emerson that night: Only 9 people showed up, including myself, and 3 instructors. That meant I practically got a private skating lesson for nearly 40 intensive minutes. Rowan worked with me on crossovers and backwards skating, both of which I suck at. My improvement after his relentless 1:1 coaching was remarkable. I was even inspired to go pleasure skating this afternoon to practise my newly learned skills!
I never thought skating and hockey would be my thing; only started last winter, dragged out by my girlfriend, who is an avid women's shinny participant. But I must confess I am quite enjoying this new, healthy hobby. Even when it's cold.
Last week it was so cold that for three days, students stayed inside for indoor recess all day! Yuck! Nevertheless, I ventured out to Thursday night hockey. The ice was so cold, our skates made squeaking noises as the blades rubbed against the super cooled ice. The ice also chips more easily when it is that cold, apparently (who knew?!), so there were a number of chunks missing from the rink's surface. My nose was cold and my toes were complaining within minutes of my skating out onto the ice.
Despite some of these extra hardships, it was well worth driving out to Emerson that night: Only 9 people showed up, including myself, and 3 instructors. That meant I practically got a private skating lesson for nearly 40 intensive minutes. Rowan worked with me on crossovers and backwards skating, both of which I suck at. My improvement after his relentless 1:1 coaching was remarkable. I was even inspired to go pleasure skating this afternoon to practise my newly learned skills!
I never thought skating and hockey would be my thing; only started last winter, dragged out by my girlfriend, who is an avid women's shinny participant. But I must confess I am quite enjoying this new, healthy hobby. Even when it's cold.
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