So I've been practicing outdoors on tennis courts and empty parking lots 2-3 times a week for months now. I was happy with how much progress I was making and how comfortable I felt on my skates. Unfortunately, when I show up to the rink to put it all to the test I feel completely out of my element! The rink is so much smoother that I cant count on the muscle memory Ive built on pavement. I'm better than if I didnt practice at all, but much better outdoors. Have yall experienced this? How do you bridge the gap? I cant spend 60 dollars a week paying to practice at the rink exclusively.

Every once in awhile I search through fb marketplace to see if there are any decent equipment postings... boots, wheels, etc. Usually there's not much that's worthwhile. But I recently scored 2 sets of vintage skates for $50 from a former artistic skater who used to compete in them in her teens in the mid 80s. 2 sets of riedell boots that looked to be in good condition, so I figured I'd try them and if they were a good fit, I could always replace the plates. Other than the foam on the tongue of one of them disintegrating, the boots are actually still in good condition when I saw them in person, and they fit pretty well! One is a great fit, the others feels a little tight, but it's a much narrower boot than I'm used to, and the lacing may fix that issue. But the cool part is the plates on them. The one used for figures has an Atlas plate on them (which I've learned was pretty much the predecessor of roll line, and though they don't make them anymore, they seem to still be well loved by a lot of figure skaters) The other is a Chicago Gold Medal I custom plate that was used for dance. I looked them up and these skate set ups would have run around $350-400 in the mid 80s.. and they are still solid. Super stoked to work on getting these restored and trying them out!

So…since April, I’ve started learning to play roller derby. 😳 This requires an entirely different set of skating skills. We train/practice for 2 hr a week. I’m learning new skating techniques, becoming really proficient and developing a community. The pictures are from our gathering at a skate park. My first time ever rolling over ramps and elevated, curvy structures…like skateboarders. It was an experience indeed. Skate parks force you to work on and master your balance, which makes you a much better skater on level surfaces.

Broken wrist chronicles - I went to the rink when it was a learn to skate class in session. I put my skates on and promptly fell lmaooo! It wasn’t bad though I just went to a knee gently. I was a little shaky at first but I could see my skating coming back by the end of the session. I still need a few more but I’m definitely not afraid to get out there

I haven’t been on here in a bit. I’m still here. But just fyi I broke my wrist so I’m benched for a bit. A young lady ran into me at the rink from behind. I was going regular rink direction and she was skating backwards. Obviously not looking where she was going. Sent me flying right off my feet. So I had surgery last Wednesday for plate and screws. I’ll be back though. I am putting on my skates and just sitting on the couch. I’m also going to do some off skate exercises in my socks. This sucks so bad.