Expert: Dr. Bruce Forciea - 1/29/2009

Question
Hi,
My daughter is 8.5, learning Axel and preparing for the Pre-Juvenile MIF test. I have two issues that I'd appreciate for your advice.

1.  She falls unexpectedly - I know it's part of the learning process for skaters to fall but my daughter have been falling all of a sudden lately.  She'll be doing the most ordinary move like stroking and fall suddenly.  You can see from her face that she was shocked and puzzled. I'm wondering if it has something to do with her skates.  For the last two times when I sent the skates to be sharpened, the technician told me the bottom screws were loose and he tightened them.  Is it normal and could I tighten them myself after skating?  I found out that after skating, the bottom of the skates were damp and discolored.  I've noticed it for some time and I asked my coach if I should have it sealed.  She said there's no need because my daughter will outgrow these boots before they are broken down.  Do you think there's something wrong with the skates?  
2.  Need new blades? - My daughter is currently wearing Riedell boots size 1.5 with Coronation Comet blades.  Lately, I've heard that Coronation Comet is terrible but I don't know the reason.  I know it has big rocker but is it really that bad?  Should I buy new blades for her and what's your suggestion on new blades changing from the old one?
Thank you very much for your time!

Answer
HI Jen:

As far as your daughter falling I really don't know what to tell you. I would have to see her fall in order to determine the cause. However I may be able to help you with the skate issue. It sounds like your daughter's blades become loose because the soles are not sealed. Moisture can really damage the soles and cause the screws to become loose. I would recommend taking the blades off and letting them completely dry out and then seal them. Once the soles are dry and sealed the screws should hold much better.

As far as the Coronation Comet blades they have an 8.5 foot rocker which means that more blade is in contact with the ice than those with a smaller rocker. The more the rocker the greater the stability but you lose maneuverability. The choice of blade is really a personal preference although if you are using a blade for both MIF and freestyle (which most skaters do) then blades with an 8 foot rocker would probably work better than the 8.5 foot rocker.

In my experience I haven't seen skaters fall because of blades unless there is a dramatic difference in blades. I have seen skaters go through bouts of falling like you have described when they have recently experienced a growth spurt or have changed blades to a completely different blade.

Hope this helps. Good luck with your daughter's skates...

Bruce