Tara's Skating Tips

Baby Steps

Startoff slowly, holding the wall for support. Move forward as if you were walking on the ice, keeping I your knees slightly bent for balance. As you feel steadier, glide a little with each step.

Stop!

There are a couple of simple ways to stop. First, you can use your toe pick (the grooves on the front of the blade). Just lift one foot, then drag that toe pick on the ice, behind you until you stop. If your balance isn't so hot, try a snowplow: Glide forward with feet parallel, then press your knees together and push your heels out and your toes in.

Turn, Turn, Turn

Simply shift your weight to the foot that's pointing in the same direction you want to turn. The more weight you transfer, the sharper your turn will be.

Fance Footwork

Skate backward! Push off from the wall and swivel your hips like you're doing a sexy dance to keep moving. (This is easier if you hold hands with someone who is skating facing you!)

Take Time To Glide

Loose laces equal floppy ankles. Tight laces equal mucho pain. Make skates comfortably-snug and you'll be safe.

Walk Before You Glide

If you're a first timer, walk on the ice to get a feel for things. Bend your knees slightly, hold onto the sideboard with one hand and hold your free arm out, almost level with your shoulder for balance.

Try Airplane Arms

When you're ready, break free from the boards and skate with both arms out to your side for balance, your hands almost level with shoulders.

Taking A Spill

Try not to stiff up, (falling on your butt is the least painful). To stand up, get on all fours, bring a knee forward and place both hands on it, then push yourself up with your hands. (No one ever noticed).

Taking A Dive

Be prepared: You will fall. And that's okay. "It happens to everyone," says Tara. "If you 're gonna go down, don 't be afraid, just go with it." But try to land on your butt and use your hands to break your fall. And try not to tense up: If you fight a wipeout that's already in progress, you can land strangely and hurt yourself. To get back up, get on your knees first and then stand.

Balace Before Everything

You have to practice until it becomes part of your body.

Musicality Is A Must

If you're off, everything is off.