Hi there,
I know people probably ask a lot about this, but I'm struggling with choosing the right skates + blade hollowing radius for my situation so maybe you can give some specific advice.
I've done some research, but I'm not sure whether I should follow a conventional guide because there are some problems I face.
Background facts:
- 27 female
- Have had flat feet all my life and generally a big and wide foot (43 EU)
- Usually women's shoes don't fit + are to narrow in width
- Ganglionic cysts on both outside ankles (one symptomless, one of them tends to swell up and hurt a bit so need to go easy on this sometimes, but also need better skates! Current ones are crap)
- Current weight 100kg/220lbs at 1.80m/5,9" height (I'm on a long-term change of lifestyle for about 1 year now, dieting currently, down from 120kg, aiming for 90kg)
Skating level:
- Been skating in my teens for several years
- Never got proper techniques taught so started taking group lessons now, watching loads of videos, reading up on skating techniques and equipment, doing off-ice training etc.
- Teacher says I can easily do Skate UK Level 4 in the next 3 weeks and then move up further.
Current goals:
- Brush up my basic techniques further at a pace that's good for my body
- Avoid jumping until I've lost some more kilos (which might take a few months as I'm not starving myself and focussing on healthy changes, incl. muscle build which takes it's time..)
- Get some solid, but not budget-destroying ice skates (between 100-180 GBP is fine)
- Find the right radius of the blade for me
My assumptions:
- Get boots with medium stiffness as I'm not an absolute beginner anymore and quite tall/heavy and need more ankle support?
- Go for a slightly bigger radius than normal
Do you think I should get my blades fitted or does it suffice to just buy them pre-built as I'm still somewhat a beginner?
I was thinking of something like this - Riedell 119Blk Emerald Black for men
[link removed as I got banned temporarily for having a link in my first post ]
It says "support level 25" and that's what this site recommends for adult/beginner skaters that try to advance further, but unsure if that's trustworthy.
Regarding the radius - I asked my icerink to sharpen my blade with a larger edge radius and I think they've done a 5/8" which seems to be okay for me, but unsure how I can figure this out on my own, to confirm. The blade doesn't feel like it slips away, and I seem to have enough grip to do most things, but will I need more grip soon (=smaller radius, right?) with loosing weight and possibly doing more complex things?
Am I going into the right direction with this or am I completely off the commendable road?^^ Please advise - any tips are highly appreciated!
Cheers
Snorlax
I know people probably ask a lot about this, but I'm struggling with choosing the right skates + blade hollowing radius for my situation so maybe you can give some specific advice.
I've done some research, but I'm not sure whether I should follow a conventional guide because there are some problems I face.
Background facts:
- 27 female
- Have had flat feet all my life and generally a big and wide foot (43 EU)
- Usually women's shoes don't fit + are to narrow in width
- Ganglionic cysts on both outside ankles (one symptomless, one of them tends to swell up and hurt a bit so need to go easy on this sometimes, but also need better skates! Current ones are crap)
- Current weight 100kg/220lbs at 1.80m/5,9" height (I'm on a long-term change of lifestyle for about 1 year now, dieting currently, down from 120kg, aiming for 90kg)
Skating level:
- Been skating in my teens for several years
- Never got proper techniques taught so started taking group lessons now, watching loads of videos, reading up on skating techniques and equipment, doing off-ice training etc.
- Teacher says I can easily do Skate UK Level 4 in the next 3 weeks and then move up further.
Current goals:
- Brush up my basic techniques further at a pace that's good for my body
- Avoid jumping until I've lost some more kilos (which might take a few months as I'm not starving myself and focussing on healthy changes, incl. muscle build which takes it's time..)
- Get some solid, but not budget-destroying ice skates (between 100-180 GBP is fine)
- Find the right radius of the blade for me
My assumptions:
- Get boots with medium stiffness as I'm not an absolute beginner anymore and quite tall/heavy and need more ankle support?
- Go for a slightly bigger radius than normal
Do you think I should get my blades fitted or does it suffice to just buy them pre-built as I'm still somewhat a beginner?
I was thinking of something like this - Riedell 119Blk Emerald Black for men
[link removed as I got banned temporarily for having a link in my first post ]
It says "support level 25" and that's what this site recommends for adult/beginner skaters that try to advance further, but unsure if that's trustworthy.
Regarding the radius - I asked my icerink to sharpen my blade with a larger edge radius and I think they've done a 5/8" which seems to be okay for me, but unsure how I can figure this out on my own, to confirm. The blade doesn't feel like it slips away, and I seem to have enough grip to do most things, but will I need more grip soon (=smaller radius, right?) with loosing weight and possibly doing more complex things?
Am I going into the right direction with this or am I completely off the commendable road?^^ Please advise - any tips are highly appreciated!
Cheers
Snorlax