AboutDianne DeLeeuw Expertise I can answer questions about figure skating, choreography, ISI or USFSA. Also questions about competing (my Olympic experience or your own competition). I`m a National referre for ISI. Recently I also have been appointed a National Technical Specialist for US Figure Skating. But remember I am not your substitute for a coach! They can see what you are doing! To correct or instruct you on manuevers is really not what I want to do.
Experience Experience: World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist, coaching all levels of skaters at in California. I coach all levels and ages of skating from tiny tots to adults, first timers to International competitors. I also do choreography, music editing, teach specialty classes and give seminars.
Organizations: USFSA, ISI, PSA, Los Angeles Figure Skating Club
Publications: Recreational Ice Skater, The Edge
Awards: 1976 Olympic Silver Medalist, 1975 World Champion, 1976 European Champion, 6 time National Champion, US and Canadian Double Gold Medalist, 1999 ISI Great Skate Award, 2002 Woman of the Year
First of all, WOW! I saw your awards, etc...on your profile. That's really impressive. :-)
Can you please tell me, if new ice skates need sharpening, prior to using? I am brand new at ice skating (I'm 43) and a "wall skater" but did just purchase a pair of entry level skates (American Athletic 524). Can you please let me know if these skate blades will need sharpening, prior to skating? I keep reading you should sharpen them and just as many say you should not!
By the way, I'm only interested in basic skating, that's it. Just skating around the rink - nothing more. Also, I will probably skate, a couple of times a month! (I thought I'd add that, since it may be pertinent to my question)! LOL!!
Thank you so much and I appreciate your time.
Beth Wilson
Raleigh, NC
Answer Hi,
First thank you for the compliments.
New skates don't always come with the best sharpening. Sometimes you are lucky but for the best experience get them lightly sharpened. Ask for not too deep of a hollow so you can get used to them. And if you can try some lessons! Your overall skating experience will improve. Who knows you may become a skater!
Good luck,
Dianne
