AboutLezly Ziering Expertise Ask me technical questions about how to skate, where to skate in N.Y.C., what to look for in a skate, where to learn to skate indoors or outdoors in N.Y.C. Where to buy traditional skates (quads). Do not ask things like - give me a list of skates from the best to the least desireable or prices of inline skates.
Experience
Past/Present clients Head instructor & Director of Lezly Skate School since 1979 where I have taught in excess of 10,000 skaters both traditional & inline skating. I trained most of the cast of "Starlight Express" (Broadway & road companies) & have coached Donald Sutherland & Michael O'Keefe for film roles involving skating.I am the artistic advisor to the New York Express Roller Dance Co. & founder & chairman of the Central Park Dance Skaters Assoc.
Question I used to skate a little when i was younger. I put on some skates this weekend and could not make it around the rink. i felt so nervous. I want to skate again. I want to be able to turn and skate backwards, and look like i am comfortable, at a better than average speed. I am willing to work on it everyday if need be. Should I buy in line skates or roller skates? Any suggestions on how to master turning?
Answer Sandy,
First of all I'd recommend roller (quad) skates for rink skating.
I must say, however, that what you ask - to master turnig & skating backwards - would take 2 chapters in a book to describe. If you are in the NYC area you could take my classes & I'd have you turning from front to back - skating backwards & turning from backward to forward skating in short order. But it would take me longer to put it in writing than it would to teach you.
I'll give you a tip though. To turn to skate backwards - skate forward onto your right foot, pivot on you left toe so that your left foot turns 180% & gets your weight as it rolls backward, heel in line with your right heel (Spread Eagle Turn). Pivot on your right toe to bring your right foot 180% & parallel to your left foot - you are in position to skate backwards.
I hope this helps. If you are in NY - you can call 212 777-3232 for classes - I'd be glad to teach you.
Roll on!!!.................................Lezly (Lezly Skate School - NYC - estab. 1979) www.SkateGuru.com
