HOW TO START FIGURE SKATING | ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS ⛸️

Ever wanted to try figure skating after watching the olympics? Well… it is never too late! And this is how you do it.
With the winter olympic season and Beijing 2022 having just passed, there is always a new wave of inspiration for people from all over the world to try the sport. I wanted to make this video that contains advice from what skates/blades to buy, testing, competitions, lessons, coaching, work life balance and more from my 4 years of experience as an adult skater in the hopes that this helps provide more accessibility to information about figure skating to beginners or late starters.
If you decide to start your own skating journey, please leave a comment down below or if you have any questions that I can help answer to help kick off your journey. Always love supporting other skaters! ♡
As always personal thank you again for watching, subscribing, and coming back- means the world internet heart
(For international viewers, some of the information only pertains to the US Figure Skating Federation but most of the information is applicable to viewers from every country)
✩ S K A T E S + B L A D E S ✩
Jackson Ultima Mystique + Mark II Blades
www.amazon.com/Jackson-Ultima...
Jackson Debut Fusion Firm 2450
jacksonultima.com/products/de...
Jackson Ultima Legacy Blades UB50
usaskates.com/ultima-legacy-f...
Edea Concerto Boot
edeaskates.com/en/roller/inli...
˖⁺ C O N T A C T + C O N N E C T ˖⁺
IG: @cathydingg
/ ​
Email: [e-mail]
♬ M U S I C ♬
Onion | Lukrembo
Olympic Sport Music Non-Copyright | FREE MUSIC
Foolish Thoughts | The Laidbackz
✩ L I L B I T A B O U T M E ✩
Based currently in NYC | 23
Life ~Passions~: Fashion, Fitness, Figure Skating, Food , and of course photography+digital content creation
#figureskating #adultsskatetoo #adultskater #olympics #beijing2022 #sports #figureskate

[@lxrx8494]

That intro is literally word by word what happened to me HAHAHAHAHA

[@cathydingg]

HAHA that was me exactly 4 years ago

[@hey_itsme480]

Deadass😂

[@yotaeminem7324]

i literally got attacked in the 1st second of the video LMFAO

[@catriziacat1756]

@@yotaeminem7324 same lmao

[@shallots28]

SAME 😭

[@katevaughn9673]

I'm 23 just starting, have my first lesson this weekend and currently sitting at the rink during public skate lowkey panicking ... Found your video and it's saving me🙈 Thanks SO MUCH for making this. I'm motivated again. Going to get back on the ice now (and watch out for little boys going nyooOOOOM)

[@girlfromogyt]

oooh how was your first lesson and your progress from then? i’d like to get into figure skating as a complete beginner (i don’t even know how to ice skate) but i have no idea what to expect…any words of advice from your experience is greatly appreciated :’)

[@lovemiiiina]

I wish you all the best of luck and don't forget to enjoy 🎉

[@cathydingg]

AHH congrats! So proud of you for taking that first step forward even thought at times it may be scary. Keep going and keep us all updated on your progress!

[@katevaughn9673]

@@girlfromogyt For some reason I wasn't notified about your comment. But the lessons were great. Learn to Skate is super flexible and focused on the foundational skills so it doesn't matter what level you're at to get started. And I made friends with some other adult figure skaters as well. They're all super chill and supportive. I really recommend getting into it if you have the means!

[@katevaughn9673]

@@cathydingg Thankyou so much!! Just a week ago I graduated from Learn to Skate and am now learning jumps with my coach (working on salchow now)! Such a cool community. I'm going to have to revisit your video now for advice on new figure skates, my current ones are already breaking down haha, but thanks for commenting to remind me to come back here😂 And thank you again for making these videos, you are a star

[@_https.Kenzie.3]

My childhood dream was (and still is)to become a figure skater but I’ve always been to scared but this helped me get the courage to ask my mom about it!

[@cathydingg]

Yes! You can do it! Hopefully your skating journey is going well!

[@gracelandaiche]

I’m in high school and wanting to start I can’t thank you enough for sharing your knowledge with everyone

[@cathydingg]

Of course! Hope this was helpful and wish you the best of luck on your skating journey!!

[@nottzo]

Same here!! Uh update: my mom doesnt want me to take classes bc the rink is 20 minutes away from home and she doesnt wanna drive me once a week

[@user-jy9rq8nj7q]

@@nottzo That sucks. do you have your learner license yet? I offered to drive to my rink (its an hour away) so I get my learner hours in and it makes them more convinced, I also pay for the fuel (well and my lessons lol)

[@garysimkins2179]

You are a complete blast! I believe that so many adults deprive themselves of trying new things and your video really does inspire. I was a competitive Equestrian in my youth and on and off throughout my life. I have been thrown many times, and got back on, even after a really bad one in my fifties. I figure skated a bit as a kid and loved it, but horses stole my heart. Now I don't ride much but still want to stay fit, and have decided to return to the ice. I have signed up for the CanSkate here in Toronto, and I am really looking forward to getting to the point where I can work with a personal coach. When I watch videos of adults that have really advanced in short periods it reinforces the fact that anything is possible if you really put your heart into it. Let's face it, staying active means longevity and having fun at the same time. I am so stoked now having seen this video, and have subscribed because I know there is tons of good advice here. For anyone else out there who might be hesitating, I am 71 and I have no fear of failure, just a keen desire to Dance on Ice. So Thanks for your great channel.

[@cathydingg]

You are amazing!! Keep doing what you love to you and never give up!! You are such an inspiration. Hope I am still able to do what you are doing when I hit 71!!

[@gojo-ep5zu]

aww go for it !! ur such an inspiration, wishing you good luck and good health !! ❤️

[@Lee_Yes895]

I started learning figure skating when I was 5 or 6 but I had to stop after a year, I’m now in high school and wanting to start relearning everything so this was very helpful! Thank you!! 💜

[@cathydingg]

Of course! Wish you the best on your skating journey!

[@Lee_Yes895]

@@cathydingg Thank you very much! I really appreciate it!

[@user-kl5br2pj8u]

@@Lee_Yes895 how are u doing right now? do u think you will ever reach a near-pro figure skating level if you start in highschool?

[@daesnggg]

The intro is SO ME 😭!! I’m 13 currently and have read books about ice rink sports but nothing has ever caught my attention like figure skating. I always saw TikTok edits of random skaters but there was one edit that caught my attention, and it was Yuzuru Hanyu. I looked more into him and his performances were like serotonin to me. I watched him skate and felt butterflies from imagining how it would feel to glide against the ice, and here I am! I really hope I can be as great as him if I ever start. I wish I could’ve been older so I could experience skating with him. I’m currently asking my mom about it and she’s thinking about it, and glad I found inspiration from such an amazing/determined person as Yuzu, so I think that might be a yes!!

[@enhaworld]

i’m so happy i found this! im 20 and ice skating has always been something i wanted to do but coming from a low income family with many kids ice skating was inaccessible. i don’t necessarily want to make a career out of it but i’d love to do it for fun and if i get good enough maybe a competition. thanks for all of your information!

[@serioussushii8652]

the intro was me and i was the intro. LITERALLY YUZURU HANYU IS THE EPITOME OF FIGURE SKATING AND I LOVE HIM.

[@flowerss.992]

I live in a tropical country but I still dream of figure skating lol

[@DaveCalungsod]

Philippines?

[@notpennyet]

It’s coming up on my 10th year doing ice dance and this video is actually soooooo helpful for newer skaters!

[@cathydingg]

I'm so glad this helped people out there! Thank you for watching and congrats on your almost 10 years anniversary of ice dance!

[@sweetpotato281]

I skated for the first time a few years ago and I liked it but just this week I started skated again and it is such and it’s an amazing feeling, I’m at the point where I’m looking to buy skates so I’m really grateful for this video

[@cathydingg]

Thank you for watching and I'm glad it helped (:

[@willstotallynotgay3185]

rn im in highschool and i never really thought about figure skating, but recently we've been to and iceskating place like every day bc we hed nothing better to do. i kept seeing this little girl who was skating BEAUTIFULLY and i was like "im gonna do that" so now idk why but ive been trying to learn a few tricks and stuff for figure skating. thANK YOU SO SO MUCH and the intro is legit what i did too lol

[@Alejandra653]

I started the learn to skate program back in April! The people at the rink got me in contact with the local guy who sells skates and he helped me chose the correct size and molded the skates to my feet! I’m currently looking into getting a private coach :)

[@cathydingg]

Love to hear it! Good luck on your skating journey!!

[@speedyturtle1234]

2024 - start skiing this year, ppl recommend ice skating in the off season… I’m so excited as my little 5 yr old girl is stoked!!!❤❤❤

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

As I've started in LTS for exercise and fun and not to aim for anything fancy, I'm in hockey skates, I may one day switch to ice skates but right now I lack the bravery for jumps and spins so I decided to go with hockey skates. Honestly the SOCIAL element is just as valuable to me as the actual coaching.

[@nicolasbikic2861]

Thanks a lot for this video: not only is it full of rare and precious informations, but your passion for figure skating is visible and transmissible. Now I am twice as motivated as I was before watching it. Thanks ! ❄️❄️❄️

[@cathydingg]

Thank you for watching and good luck on your skating journey!!

[@Victoriaaaa11111-]

My parents put me into hockey when I was in kindergarten, and then had me playing competitively by the time I was in 4th grade. My needs were ignored... I was a very sensitive little girl who loved things like creating, dancing, singing, frilly skirts and glitter. I longed to figure skate instead of playing hockey, but my dad couldn't live vicariously through that. I tried to be who my family wanted me to be, i played the part, and I deeply regret it looking back. I cut my hair, dressed like a boy, wore hockey jerseys whenever possible, tried to act tough, pretended to like rock music, and ultimately suppressed every feminine part of who I was. It was very confusing because it took me years to even understand what what was doing and what was happening. I didnt even know I had a choice! Now as an adult I'm reclaiming all the buried parts of myself that were left behind. In my 20's I am understanding who I truly am, and what was never me to begin with. I'm going to put glitter on my face and buy a pair of figure skates, it's time to finally learn. Thank you so much for this video, it is the perfect starting point. Its never too late 💗 P.s if you have any tips for transitioning from hockey skates to figure skates, or where to begin with skating lessons based on my skill level from playing hockey, that would be extremely helpful and appreciated 😊

[@cathydingg]

Yes!! Love to hear that you are now living your truth! I would say the biggest difference is getting used to the toe-pick because I know that hockey skates don't have those. I would say don't be afraid of the toe picks and keep your weight centered and over yourself instead of hinging upper body too forward to avoid hitting the toe picks! Other than that I think starting lessons should be a smooth process as you are likely used to at least being on the ice and have good balance from hockey!

[@imagicmaya2217]

you are describing how I feel on the ice right now!!! FINALLY I now understand why all the olypic skaters look as if their skates are loose! Thank you! :D

[@imagicmaya2217]

I can't believe it! Someone who actually understands the crowdeness of the rink! :D

[@ZhiznFigurista]

Hi, I'm from Russia. I'm also an amateur skater and have been doing it for a long time, it was very, very interesting for me to watch ❤

[@orangeishdays]

I've learnt to ice skate back in grade 1 & 2 for a school program but I know we used hockey states at the time 🙃 Now a student in high school and I want to try to ice skate again so thank you very much for this video, I know no one who figure skates in person so this guide really helped me!

[@cathydingg]

So glad to hear that you want to try skating again! Good luck on your journey and as always, please feel free to ask me any questions/if I can help in any way!

[@orangeishdays]

@@cathydingg Thank you!

[@lizad6030]

IM A FIGURE SKATER ITS MY FAVOURITE THING EVER, I PROGRESS FAST BC I LOVE IT SM I CAN DO THINGS EASIER AND IM GOING TODAY FOR FIGURE SKATING LESSONS AND MY FRIEND STARTED IT TOO

[@rainbowtravelingyogi]

Love the humility and thoughtful tips. ❤❤❤

[@sunnyhxney]

I’m in pre skate right now and I feel this was helpful!

[@serenatheresegonzalez1660]

Already a huge fan of yuzuru!

[@cathydingg]

Ugh yes, he is the best

[@vamp4fun]

Thank you I’ve always wanted to do hockey (which I have) but now I want to give figure skating a go! I’ve never really been the best at tricks so your advice is helpful I really do appreciate this.

[@buzzlightyearg3580]

Your information was well received I started skating in December during a cruise my short goal is to buy skates after a year an a personal review of my solo ability on ice but I thought about going into the best skates I could find but i see the difficulty in Using skates i dont have the proper skills to safely move in so I'll get an intermediate pair

[@buzzlightyearg3580]

I'm on backwards crossovers (balence or transfer of weight) an figuring out the one leg spin (leg strength building up) more then likely where I'm lacking to at least execute the move maybe doesn't look as elegant as I'd want in a performance but that's latter down thanks for dropping knowledge on us in a year I'll be talking about my spinny jumpy swirly stuff lol

[@musickitchenwleyla9352]

I'm 36 years old , yesterday was my first lesson, it was OMG ...) cooool Learning something new is coool)

[@theclownsjoke]

Just checked the ice rink nearest me and they’re having a free session! Definitely signed up for it

[@paulyeung6608]

nice video!

[@Lexie.143.]

Literally been on and off about skating for years, I’ve always loved it but I didn’t have the courage to just buy some good beginner skates .. just bought my first pair and I’ll take lessons in January 💙 thank you

[@cathydingg]

That's awesome! I'm so glad to hear that you will start lessons soon! Best of luck on your journey and you have to keep me updated on how things go!

[@pink7778]

I NEEDED THIS SOOO BADLY!!! I’m gonna start getting into figure skating because I’m moving to an area with ice and I had NO idea where to start or what to do

[@emilielarsen3862]

I Can so reccomend The Edea chorus boot if your doing yor singles and Axel, they to all The Way to doubles or tripple depending on The blade, i papired mine with The coronation ace Lite blades and i have been Living for them

[@Itz_caz]

As a professional figure skater this is all true, and a message for Cathy , your amazing !

[@JustMe-12345]

Also look if your uni/college offers a course. I happened to find one at my uni (it wasnt a lot, just like 7h or so in total), but since we already were "intermediate" (aka know forward crossovers, backwards stroking etc), so we got super far for just a few weeks. So we all got a good basics course and for now i just practice that and learn some additional stuff.

[@whosnanaa]

Just came back from figure skating with my friends, im thinking of being "professional" figure skater because the worker/coach said i had future in skating :))

[@Lesbun03]

Love your figure skating videos! ❄️💙

[@cathydingg]

Thanks for watching!

[@milehighmolly3609]

Thank you so much for this!! I’ve roller skated since I was 5, and in middle school really enjoyed ice skating. I wanted to learn more and always watched the figure skaters practicing but never got to take lessons. Now at 30, I bought myself some skates and am ready to learn!!

[@cathydingg]

That's so awesome that you roller skate! I tried once before and it is honestly so hard haha so huge kudos. I'm sure it will translate beautifully on ice- good luck with your journey and keep me updated!

[@alezehh]

So helpful thank you

[@cathydingg]

Of course! So glad to hear that it has helped (:

[@mushroomgremlin7805]

Yes, omg yuzuru Hanyu and Evgenia med edema are my idols istg

[@jenfiveten]

good context for how long it takes for different skills!! Keep going on your axel!!! :) :) :)

[@JustMe-12345]

I started like... 2-3 months ago (i had some old recreational skates)... i could already do the basics. So recently i switched to the Graf Prestige with Lausanne blades. (Yes, they hurt in the beginning, now pretty much broken in) they are for single (up to double) jumps, but you can get them a bit before. Go to your pro shop and wear them (i compared them with the graf caprice), and had by far not enough ankle support in the Caprice ones (i have flexible feet so needed more) => so i got "higher" ones that maybe were not exactly skill level. But i got further very quickly. So in short... go to a pro shop and ask questions you have and why they choose this or that)

[@Julia_AAAAAAAAAHHHH]

I just finished watching a show on Netflix called Spinning Out and now I’m so fascinated in figure skating, I really want to try it!!

[@cathydingg]

Go for it! You can do it- you can do anything you put your mind to and it is always good to try to push yourself to try new things (:

[@HannahCoziCorner]

Me and my brother loves that show!

[@k4ia]

i skate with edea chorus boots with john wilson coronation ace blade they're so good.

[@elstepsgames1810]

I just startend my Figure skating classes! Thank you sm for this Video

[@cathydingg]

Yesss do it! Keep me updated on how your journey goes!

[@sofiaoronaa]

i love you so much! it’s always kind of been my dream to figure skate and i really want to get started at some point. you’re amazing and beautiful! God bless!

[@cathydingg]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@emmymitch]

I'm taking learn to skate lessons right now and this video was super helpful!

[@cathydingg]

Yay! That's awesome, hope your journey has been going well (:

[@ntinagon.5742]

Figure skating is my passion!! But unfortunately, I'm in my 20's now and still haven't learned! I wanted to since I was a kid and saw figure skating competitions on tv etc! It's a bad thing that I live in a country without any coaches, or even good ones and without ice skating rings. There is only one in the whole nation! And that is one of the reasons why I wasn't enabled to even learn figure skating. Another is the fact of family. Big family that we couldn't move to a foreign nation to take lessons there. But I REALLY want to learn figure skating, even now. And sometimes, I don't know if I'll even be able to start, even if I want to very much! But I like this sport SO much that I really hope I could! I've been researching on things related to figure skating, for example how to find a coach etc. I still have some things to find out. I really hope that I'll be able to start and stay in this sport! I really want to be able to start competing after learning! Because figure skating is my dream! It still is! And I REALLY hope that I'll be able to start and be successful in it!

[@salfuwa]

When you first recommended the skates for beginners i rushed to ny amazon cart and checked if i had them 😭 TYSM!!; THIS REALLY HELPED!

[@cathydingg]

I'm so glad this helped! Thank you for watching (:

[@Tom18795_]

Great content, there have been many open questions that you answered in the video. We have been skating for about a year now, I started with Hockey skates which are so much fun but realized that I want to practice and move towards the figureskating direction. First coaching lesson will happen this week so looking forward to get a lot of input what to practice and to fix some postures, edges, etc.

[@cathydingg]

Thank you so much for watching! So glad that this was helpful and good luck on your skating journey!

[@TiaMorrison]

Really great video!

[@cathydingg]

Thank you so much for watching!! Glad I could help (:

[@angelanoel7643]

I’m just starting out in my adult years lol I went to my skate rink and bought my skates there which is jackson mark 2 haha but I’m just beginning.

[@victoriamctaggart]

The intro took me out! lmao Great video, loved it!

[@AmyRobertsonNZ]

Just found your channel, so happy I did I starting skating in January just before my 27th birthday. Im in Risport Rf3 pro with coronation ace I was a gymnast and skated on inlines as a child hence my boot and blade choice only a few months in. I do 1 hour private lessons 3x a month and group lessons for Skate UK but I love my private lessons. Im in the uk but would love to compete in the next year or so!

[@cathydingg]

Yes! Do it!! It is never too late to compete. Not sure how things are like in the UK but if you want to check out how competitions are for adults in the US, I have some vlogs on my channel that may help to provide context! Regardless, you should go for it! I'll be rooting for you here in the US!

[@---on8ef]

Omg I’m in learn to skate basic 1😊

[@ten.549]

My first skates were the jackson ultima freestyles which was a year ago. I still havent gotten new skates which I am due for new ones. Luckily I'll be getting new skates and a better blade pretty soon.

[@cathydingg]

Ah yes! Same here, I slowly upgraded over the years as I progressed! (:

[@hastivahidi3895]

Hey! I am in between Elle and freestyle for my first pair. Our pro shop coaches say different things. One says free style is too stiff for my first pair cause I just began and the other says it's better cause it has even more protection and lasts longer

[@fantomhalo3938]

Wow not even 20 seconds in and I'm already getting called out for something I 100% did

[@Mariannab.]

Omg we go to the same rink! Great park ice in Irvin I think I have seen you on the ice and in the lobby before!!

[@cathydingg]

Definitely come say hi! I mostly skate in NYC now since I moved but every now and then I'm back in Irvine (:

[@Mariannab.]

@@cathydingg ok!

[@cynthiamcgee4829]

I would love to get back on the freestyle sessions back in the seventies I actually got to skate with the whole 76 Olympic team at the world famous Broadmoor on freestyle although now I can barely stand up on them but I'll get back to it, it won't be that hard once I find a good coach.

[@cathydingg]

That's incredible! I'm 100% sure you still have it in you! You can definitely get back into it so I wish you the best of luck on your journey in returning back on the ice! Hopefully I hear more about it!

[@oscaraguayo8065]

I’m so happy I found this video I really needed it. I’ve been trying to find a new passion in life since I had an accident in the last sport I was in and likely can’t continue and I’ve just had so many questions and you answered so many of them so thank u for that. Also does it matter if me a male buys female skates?

[@cathydingg]

Of course! I'm so happy I could help and hope you are recovering well from your accident- injury is definitely no fun and a lot of mental and physical stress and pain. So happy to hear that you are still seeking to find passion in new areas! Regarding your questions on skates, I think sizing may be slightly different? I don't see why not if you prefer the white ones but I would recommend going to a skate shop and saying you want to get fitted for a female model just to make sure you are sized correctly!

[@Charly_Cheesycake]

I wanted to learn how to figure skate since I saw Yuzuru Hanyu in a video (just like you explained in the video) and wantetd to know how it feels to be really good at something aka being a profesionell at something. So I asked my mom (I'm 13 currently) what I could do in my area but unfortunetally we don't have something like that... We do have a ice rink around here but they don't give lessons so now I'm struggling on learning how to ice skate since i need to do it on my own but this video really helped so thanks a lot! I really loved this video and i'm sure I'll learn quickly now

[@cathydingg]

Hi! Thank you for sharing your stories! Even if there are not a lot of coaching see if your rink maybe has a learn to skate program or any group lesson programs. If not, I know KZbin has a lot of great videos for on-ice and off-ice exercises that can help in the meantime in your situation!

[@_qingxin_]

Bro the intro really called me out 😂😂😂❤

[@foxlyroses]

hi! super new to skating, thank you so much for all this info. most of the other videos ive seen are either way too basic or way too complicated. my problem is that the only rink in my town is a 20 minute drive away and i don't have a car lol so i'm just watching as many videos as possible until i can get someone to go with me

[@cathydingg]

Yes! Try some off-ice exercises first that may be helpful until you can get to the rink! There's always a way to make progress (:

[@foxlyroses]

@@cathydingg i will, thank you so much for your reply!! if it isn’t too much trouble, do you have any recommendations for good off ice drills?

[@cathydingg]

@@foxlyroses Depends on what you want to practice! There's so many exercises that I feel like I could give you a whole list. For jumping- it's always good to practice off ice rotations from a stand still, hopping backwards on one foot on your landing position is a great one for landing, practicing all the variations of jumps off-ice. For spinning, I recommend getting one of those balance ball things, and practice holding your camel and sit positions. It may be also good to get a spinner so you can practice spinning off-ice. And lastly, for general strength, I recommend doing a lot of pilates and HIIT. I have a couple of videos on my channel that are workout videos targeted towards figure skaters- they are quite old and one of the first things I posted here when I first started YT but maybe they could be helpful!

[@horebeliot7090]

Almost the same as singing. I thought heck yeah I can hit that high note and riff until I listen to the recording. Excited to try adult skating soon! Thanks for these vids!

[@cathydingg]

Thank you for watching and good luck on your journey!

[@hachikomatsu8352]

Figure skating has been one of the only things in life that I have discovered an emotional attachment too. As a young adult that also would wish to learn to skate professionally this video was very helpful. I was wondering if you take ballet classes alongside your skating lessons?

[@cathydingg]

Ballet is definitely super helpful for skating when it comes to off-ice strength and artistry! It really helps work some of those tiny muscles that are only used for skating/dance and is a good supplement in strengthening those muscles. It also helps a lot with on ice posture etc. I personally have only tried ballet a handful of times mostly because it's so expensive in NYC in addition to skating but if you can afford to take ballet I would highly recommend it!

[@AyaaAcademia]

As a beginner, I feel so self-conscious being in the same session as the figure skaters doing jumps and spins. I kept braking to give way to other skaters. Until my coach told me that we have the same right to be here as they do so don't worry. Tho, here in Russia, usually in indoor full sized rinks, we always have mixed sessions, where the public skaters would stick to the outer part and the figure skaters in the centre.

[@thosedangbirds5484]

it's about 4 dollars to skate for 2 hours at my skating rink (without renting skates those are an additional 3 dollars) and I am a shopaholic so my mom said that she'll take me to skate anytime I want as long as I don't ask to shop every week (she'll even buy me skates as an investment)

[@-chopsticks-]

This is a year ago bit idc this is really helpful i wanna start figure skating and im only thirteen i really hope to get good and i didn't knkw how to start so thank you💜

[@evabixler]

I need to get better skates. Just started skating lessons and got rental skates and I could immediately tell they sucked. One of them made my foot slide inwards and was off balance. Rental skates need to be better cus I almost hurt myself on them because of how one of the skates kept twisting my ankle and making me fall.

[@user-lw5th6ii5v]

i am currently 12 and used to skate when i was 8 so thank you i can finally start again. I am also pretty sure i forgot everything

[@razmataz13drums]

No own told me about how much new skates hurt! Even in the shop they were like nah will be fine lol. I've been once in my new skates and they hurt, and now I can't stop properly lol. Cause the blades on the rental skates must've been so bad, so I'm kinda relearning the basics a little! But I'm hoping it's just finding that biting point and I'll be back to doing my crossovers

[@Baklavavecay]

Im not an adult but I wouldn’t say I’m a little kid either, I’m 14 n really wanna get into skating since my friend introduced me but my parent is telling me I needed to have started at a younger age and that it’ll be awkward for me to start n it kinda put me down but hearing stuff from and actual experienced person gave me that confidence to just go for it so thank you sm 🫂🫂

[@cathydingg]

Of course!! Good luck on your journey and keep me updated!

[@easethefallofficial]

The only ice-skating place in my state has closed :( I'm hoping to move out of my state and learn how to do figure skating when im older.

[@Just2Brothershl1314]

I did skating for like 6 months as kid almost got to basic 3 but ended up quitting cause I couldn’t bare the rental skates and my dad wasn’t gonna buy me a pair of skates until I had been doing it for at least a year. I wish I had kept up with it and I always wanted to go back just to teach myself. But my anxiety always makes me second guess myself.

[@cathydingg]

You can do it! Please don't second guess yourself, you can always do whatever you set your mind to! Don't be afraid to get back into it- having done some skating as a kid is definitely a great start to go off of! Good luck and hope you find your way back into the sport!!

[@hannahmontana4401]

as a child i did learn to skate lessons and i would stroke by pushing off on my toepicks for YEARS, and once i got with a different coach for that session i finally stopped that because she told me and i still push off on my toes.

[@spaced4rlin546]

The video is so great so far! But question what if I want to learn how to ice skate just for fun haha like a few jumps and spinns

[@cathydingg]

You can still ask a coach just for some casual lessons on a public session! You don't necessarily need to find a super elite level coach or skate on freestyle sessions if you are just looking to do it for fun! It is also cheaper that way likely!

[@spaced4rlin546]

@@cathydingg okay! tysm I finished the video and it’s very helpful😊

[@LlamasAtMidnight]

I don't know why I'm watching this, I have been figure skating since I was a child

[@louiseek9309]

So I'm a 23 year old beginner skater. I have taken beginner classes for 3 terms now. Only once a week sadly. But every new term there is new people so we always start with the basic. Like slalom, crossovers and chasse and a few spinns . But we don't do much 3 turns, lunge, waltz jumps wich is where I'm at. So I get a little frustrated and don't get to make progress with iceskating like I want too but I will continue. ❤️

[@cathydingg]

Keep going if you love doing what you are doing! Sometimes it's hard and its easy to lose motivation but if you keep trying, you will eventually be able to achieve what you want and improve little by little!

[@gojosatoru__]

intro was me but truly it was watching yuri on ice and wanting to fall in love on the ice too 😞 but mostly yuzuru and yuna kim 🙏🏾

[@Preciouslovesjesus]

BRO I SAW UR COMMENT ON ANOTHER ICE FIGURE SKATING VIDEO 😭

[@gojosatoru__]

@@Preciouslovesjesus yess i’m always lurking on ice skating now pfft you’ll see me a lot

[@b1tlover]

I have so much fun with ice skating but in Berlin there is no hall that is open all year and now i’m so disappointed

[@naomigarcia3616]

Can you make a whats in my bag video? Also which bag is preferred to carry skates like a bookbag or duffle?

[@cathydingg]

Thank you for the suggestion! I just made a video about it! (:

[@Its.Lupita]

The fact that yuzuru Hanyu inspired me and I have a post I made of him on my wall

[@Cabecadeplanta]

I honestly want to start figure skating but the problem is my country is tropical so there are no ice rinks unless it’s in a mall at the peak of winter, planning to go to college in any country in the northern hemisphere so I can start, because even if I’ve only done it like once or twice a year skating on ice is soo soo fun, if it wasn’t for the country I live in I would have started way earlier. Good luck to anyone who’s just starting tho!!!

[@cathydingg]

Never say never!! Hoping for your that one day you will have the opportunity to start whether that is now or when you find a rink when you go to college! Best of luck and keep me updated on how things go!

[@buzzlightyearg3580]

I'm still not interested in a coach until 2years on ice maybe 1year 6months.... I believe if money isn't slowing me down after 3years in this system I will have the confidence to compete against anyone an dance beside someone an keep her looking good on ice I'll be good enough to hold my own but I'm skeptical about getting judged fairly but I know I could get the crowd to enjoy the moves I'm willing to do an the show I'm putting on 😎 we will fuxk that ice up

[@maeratovc]

where i live i have a lot if rinks but only opened in the winter season filled with crowds of people who can't even simply skate forward and these rinks don't have any figure skating lessons😭 i think the closest lessons are 2h away from me so i'm never gonna take them obviously... but i always dreamt of figure skating and idk what to do am i supposed to teach myself by youtube only in winter or what

[@RJ-zs6nv]

We skate at the same rink in ny! I am just starting out and thanks for letting me know that it also took you some time to see progress you wanted to see. So motivating

[@cathydingg]

That's awesome and thank you so much! Please say hi sometimes if you are at the rink! (:

[@midoritakamine.]

i love yuzuru hanyu.

[@cranma0125]

Thank you for the video! I'm looking to but my very first pair of skates, once I've saved up enough. I also have very flat feet - absolutely no arch to be seen at all. I also use orthopedic insoles daily in every shoe I own. Do you perhaps have any recommendations for what brand I should look for, that are flat-feet-friendly? There are no shops near me with anything that looks like skating equipment sadly, so I can't ask around... I contacted my local skating club, and they haven't replied either. So now I'll ask around on the internet😂

[@cathydingg]

Hi there! I unfortunately am not sure what is specifically good for flat feet. I personally wear Edeas and I find them pretty comfortable because they were way easier to break into than my Jacksons when I first started skating. I think if you go on facebook marketplace there are sometimes groups that sell figure skates that can also be helpful!

[@ocean_thegamer8740]

When you said yuzuru you caught me

[@rebeccaoloyede7640]

This really helped...but I'm confused about what to do cause Iive in Germany so idk what to really do

[@alaskafurler]

So I just started skating. My bf was holding my hand like 30min then slowly I did. First 3times were like that and we did on the lake. Now I go to an ice ring by myself and in my 4th time I can skate by myself, so my problem is I only fall once and it hurt so bad and I still dk how to fall safely lol

[@andreadelgado6211]

This video is really helpful! I had a question tho. I'm doing ballet, and I just started 4 months ago. Would that help with figure skating? Also are there any extra tips you would? Again great video!

[@cathydingg]

Yes! 100% ballet is so so helpful for posture, balance, lines and strength. Ballet helps target a lot of the niche and specific muscles used in skating that is not strengthened as often by other more typical workouts. Extra helpful tips, I found pilates to also be very helpful and similarly supports skating much better than most other workouts!

[@michellecontreras8301]

I remember that when I started skating I only used rentals because I was broke and my rink borrowed them, so after the first 4 months of skating I decided to finally buy my own skates. My rink sells Jackson’s, and I was gonna buy ones but they were around $400 dollars and it took 3-4 months to arrive! I couldn’t wait and found a store which sold me Edea skates by a little lower price, with blade! I was amazed and had to buy them. Tbh, It’s so comfortable that I have no problems with them 😭 Still, I don’t know if it was the right decision since I was a beginner but now I don’t have to worry about buying new skates until they give up lol. In comparison of my mates I have no sprains or worries related to my skates. Give me your thoughts pls 😭❤️

[@cathydingg]

I agree! I love my Edeas, my first pair were also Jacksons and I found them really hard to break into and a bit uncomfortable at first!

[@Brit1104]

Hi!! I have a question about buying skates. I was looking on Amazon for the Jackson Ultima figure skates and they have 2 kinds. They have Mark 1 blades (which are cheaper) and Mark 2 blades (which are more expensive.) What's the difference between the two blades (since the Mark 2 blades are more expensive)? Are the Mark 2 blades better or do they last longer? Do they have more benefits...? Thank you! 😊

[@cathydingg]

Hi there! I think in my opinion, the skates with the pre-attached blades don't have too much of a difference. I got the ones with the Mark 2 when I first started but I had to quickly retire those skates anyways. I think once you start learning to spin a bit more it may be good to upgrade. So depending on how far you want to take your skating- you can decide which one you want! If you plan on using these skates for a while before you upgrade to anything ore advanced I would recommend going with the Mark 2!

[@oanasamartean2147]

Hi! I live in a country that has 1 or 2 inside rinks that are opened all the year. In the winter, i have a lot of rinks that are opened, and i go to one of them as much as i can, but i feel that if i take a break all the summer, i won't get anywhere with figure skating. I started taking rollerblades lessons in the summer and spring but it is not the same thing. I know that i dont have chances to go to the Olymipics cuz like im 11 and i barely can do a waltz jump and 1 foot spin, but do i have chances to atleast go to a small competition or show? P.S the closest inside rink from where I live is like 6 hours if someone drives me there.

[@Nathan0906]

I am very luck with my rink is that the public sessions are all figure skating and if u have hockey skates u can’t go to fast or u will get into trouble

[@nicakumerica7299]

Can you do a video where you show us all the things you need for skating, on ice, off ice...

[@cathydingg]

Yes!! Hoping to bring to you guys a "What's in my skating bag" video soon! Hopefully that I can answer all the above questions!

[@mariaflores202]

I’m new to figure skating (I’m in basic 2) and I was wondering, do you have to compete or be really good at skating to joint freestyle sessions? I’m going to college soon and I want to have time to practice without the crowded environment of a public sessions on weekends but I can’t do the public sessions on weekdays because they interfere with my classes. The freestyle sessions are early in the morning and work perfectly with my schedule but I don’t plan to do any competitions and I’m not exactly the best at skating. Do I have to compete and be good to do freestyle sessions or can I just join?

[@cathydingg]

Hi there! And no, not necessarily, it depends on rink to rink. I would check in with your rink, some people require to pass a specific level in order to skate freestyle or some rinks may even have sessions divided by level. So I would contact your rink to see what they say. Even if you do have to test, you can just test and not compete. However with that said, also check if you college has a collegiate team! Collegiate skating can be very beginner friendly and help you find a community of skaters at your school. That's how I sort of started getting into skating!

[@nidgithm]

I've never really been a fan of sports, but figure skating is one of the few exceptions. i hope to try it out someday, though i am a bit worried because i have notoriously bad balance & motor skills and am suspecting i have chronic joint problems. plus I'm kinda a coward and have always been even as a kid when it comes to doing tricks and stuff, i mean even when skating normally I'm scared to go too fast (though that's also because of all the other skaters at public sessions like little kids not paying attention or those teenage boys going super fast and cutting everyone off) and yeah, time and money also, i was wondering about injuries with this sport? like what to expect and ways to avoid them. does anyone know a good source of information for that?

[@cathydingg]

As someone who have been injured so many times from sports, I can help provide my perspective, but I am definitely not a medical professional by any means! I think for me, the most important thing that I have learned from experience is off-ice training and strengthening is super important to prevent injuries and also frequent stretching/flexibility training since a lot of skating position require a lot of flexibility. I think muscles used in skating are very specific and need to be trained in a very targeted manner (ballet and barre and pilates help with this) but just generic lifting would likely not be the most helpful approach. I would say that is the biggest thing and if you do get injured which can definitely happen, seek a medical professional immediately and don't brush off any degree of injury and make sure you get physical therapy and appropriate treatment to prevent it from developing into anything chronic. Hope that helps!