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This week's column:
Am I Too Old To Learn To Skate?
July 24, 2013
Hi, Bill: Does it matter how old you are when you learn to skate? I am a young 66. I have Rollerblades but no technique. Thanks. - Sandra from Eastport, New York
Hi, Sandra: In skating as in life, age is only a number on a calendar. I surfed for the first time when I was 55 and skied for the first time when I was 61.
If you are in reasonably good health, learning to skate during your mid-60s should be no problem. I’ve even read about senior centers that offer inline skating lessons for residents.
Of course, as the years add up, it becomes more important to wear protective gear: helmet, knee pads, wrist guards, etc. In addition, you might want to wear crash pads to protect your hips.
As you learn to skate the most important things to remember is to maintain a bit of knee bend and to focus on transferring your body weight. When you land a skate, the hip on that side should be pushed out.
Also be sure to push out straight to the side — not to the back — and to keep all your wheels on the skating surface until the end of your push.
One other thing I would suggest: start on completely flat ground.
Cheers, Bill
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World renowned coach Bill Begg shares his vast knowledge of skating in his weekly advice column, "Ask Bill Begg!" ... Every Wednesday on the Inline Planet.
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