Expert: gary beacom - 9/2/2009

Question
I am just starting lessons and I am now learning forward crossovers. I can do them, but my skate usually slips under me and I go sliding like a penguin. I am naturally a lefty so I usually cross my right foot over my left. I was wondering which edge that I am suppose to use?

Answer
The most difficult part of learning cross-overs, Emmaleigh, is the outside edges. Inside edges and flats are much easier for beginners. You would cross your right over your left only for counter-clockwise cross-overs. My guess is that you are not that comfortable on the left forward outside edge. To answer your question, you should be on a left outside and a right inside when dong counter-clockwise cross-overs. Practice your outside edges to get better at cross-overs.  
The cross-overs are also cumbersome without plenty of knee and ankle bend.
I hope this helps.