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S k a t e L o g F o r u m Closed in June of 2020 |
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*** The SkateLog Forum Has Been Replaced by SkateDebate Dot Com ***
FROM SKATELOG FORUM HOST KATHIE FRY IN MARCH OF 2020:
NEW FORUM NAME: SkateDebate Forum
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Beginning Skaters Forum This is the place for beginning skaters to ask questions and share their stories. We would love to hear about your experiences learning to skate. No question is too dumb! |
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#1 |
Forum Host
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Clemente, Southern California USA
Posts: 1,632
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Which skating instructors and skating schools would you recommend as being among the best, and where are they located? Here are some of my favorites. I have either taken lessons from these instructors, worked with them in other ways, or they have been recommended to me by other people. Note that this is not a complete list by any means... I am still adding to it.
AUSTRALIA Andrea Winzor of Highett, Victoria Phone: 03 9555 7988 http://www.baysideblades.com.au James O'Connor of Sydney, New South Wales Phone: (04) 11 872022 http://www.rollerblading.com.au/ (he taught me to skate off curbs and eat vegamite) BELGIUM Oscar Karekezi of Brussels Phone: 0495 80 41 04 http://www.ganzaroller.org/ Johnny Grootaert of Gent Phone: 09 231 56 47 http://www.rollerman.be/ BRAZIL Erika Cordeiro of Rio de Janeiro http://www.erikacordeiro.com.br/ (we skated Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches together and I watched her teach a children's skating class at a Rio de Janeiro Fitness Club) CANADA Barry Publow of Quebec http://www.breakawayskate.com/ (speed workshops in Canada and worldwide) Lorne Milne of Vancouver Phone: 604-708-1055 http://www.inlineskatingvancouver.com/ Stephen Fisher of Toronto Phone: 416-531-7600 http://www.geocities.com/fisherxc/ GERMANY Norbert Demps and Kerstin Demps of Erding Phone: (49) 8122-93621 http://www.inline-skate.com/ GREAT BRITAIN Don Morton of Glasgow, Scotland Phone: 07733 276 902 http://tryskating.com/ John Kirkham of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England http://www.northernroll.co.uk/ Mike van Erp of London, England Phone: 020 3239 9301 http://www.londonskaters.com/main-ro...ons-london.htm Naomi Grigg of London, England Phone: 07867 848883 http://www.skatefreestyle.com/ Asha Kirkby of London, England Phone: 0771 204 5133 http://www.skatefresh.com/ SINGAPORE Emeline Tan Phone: 065-97469699 http://skateline.tzin.net/ Felix Yoo Phone: 065-97808381 http://skateline.tzin.net/ Jeremy Wong Phone: 065-93379746 http://www.faithinline.com/ SLOVENIA Franc Pirc of Portoroz Precna Pot 18 6320 Portoroz, Slovenia Phone: 973-471-0967 Men Se Rola of Ljubljana Phone: +386 1 512 25 08 http://www.menserola.com SPAIN Escuela de Patinaje en Linea http://www.escolapatinatge.com/ USA - ARIZONA Ed "Fast Eddie" Wachter of Tucson Phone: 520-722-7434 Kathy McSparran of Phoenix Phone: 602-799-3206 Penny Wright of Phoenix Phone: 602-361-6616 http://www.sk8right.com/ Simona Garbarino Phone: 480)-570-3306 Phoenix Inline Skate School http://www.phoenixazinline.com/ USA - CALIFORNIA - NORTHERN Bernie Scoville of Sacramento Phone: 916-447-8288 http://www.fortunecity.com/marina/an...nglessons.html David Miles of San Francisco Phone: 415-752-1967 http://www.cora.org/skate-rollerblade-lessons.html Liz Miller of Danville Phone: 925-323-0486 http://www.getrolling.com/ Phil Lenihan of Cupertino Phone: 408-996-8302 http://www.lenihan.org/ USA - CALIFORNIA - SOUTHERN Brian Gallagher Phone: 888-880-7655 (888-870-ROLL) http://www.skateschool.com/ Debbie Merrill of Santa Monica Phone: 310-821-5489 http://www.skategreat.com/ Heather Lacayo Phone: 888-880-7655 (888-870-ROLL) http://www.skateschool.com/ (I took one of her beginning marathon skating clinics) Janet Miller of El Segundo Phone: 888-880-7655 (888-870-ROLL) http://www.skateschool.com/ (she taught me t-stops and crossovers) USA - FLORIDA Katina Salafatinos of Miami Beach Phone: 305-531-3430 USA - GEORGIA Cindy Spalding of Atlanta Phone: 404-377-5811 (404-DR-SK8-11) http://www.bohemianskateschool.com/ USA - ILLINOIS Carl Michael Rossi of Chicago Phone: 773-278-0113 http://www.lhdragon.net/sk8.html Thomas Grosspietsch of Chicago Phone: 708-445-8608 http://www.teamrainbo.com/thomas-grosspietsch/ USA - MARYLAND Jane Beech of Silver Spring Phone: 301-919-2017 http://inlineclass.homestead.com/ USA - MASSACHUSETTS Jennifer Staller of Boston Phone: 617-782-8028 http://www.4wheelsinline.com/ USA - MICHIGAN Vivian Dawson of Detroit Phone: 248-474-7225 http://skatedetroit.org/lessons.html Walter Johnson of Detroit Phone: 313-378-3880 http://www.detroitbladingcompany.com/ USA - MINNESOTA Noelle Robichon of Minnesota Phone: 612-827-5283 (612-82-SKATE) http://www.inlinelessons.com/ USA - NEW YORK Joel Rappelfeld of New York City Phone: 212-744-4444 http://www.rollamerica.com/ Paul Rankin of New York City Phone: 917-881-0266 http://www.inch.com/~prankin/skates.html Steve Kay of New York City Phone: 212-362-6672 http://www.gogoweb.com/SteveKay.htm USA - OHIO Kristine Simeone Fondran of Cleveland Phone: 216-371-2977 http://www.northcoastinline.com/ USA - OREGON Nancy Hartman of Portland Phone: 503-244-0830 http://www.portlandskate.com/ USA - TENNESSEE Steve Larios of Nashville Phone: 615-242-2115 http://www.asphaltbeach.com/ USA - TEXAS Fritz Blaw of Austin Phone: 512-554-4043 http://www.motorblade.com/ Gordon Sanders of Dallas Phone: 214-537-7774 http://www.pegasusflyers.org/ Renee Coffman of Houston Phone: 713-504-2758 http://www.reneecoffman.com/ Richard Littrell of Austin Phone: 512-659-0541 http://www.regalinline.com/ USA - VIRGINIA Bill Hicks of Warrenton Phone: 540-347-7915 http://www.proskateinlineschool.com/ Eddy Matzger of Floyd Virginia http://www.skatecentral.com/ (speed workshops in Virginia and worldwide) Krista Heubusch of Fairfax Station Phone: 703-385-8155 http://www.skatersquest.com/ USA - UTAH Eric Kraan and Kimberly Simons-Kraan of Salt Lake City Phone: 801-944-5516 http://skatenow.home.att.net/ USA - WASHINGTON STATE Trish Alexander of Seattle Phone: 206-276-9328 http://www.skatejourneys.com/ ______________________________ Who are some of the other great inline skating instructors out there? Do any of our forum visitors teach inline skating? - Kathie Last edited by Kathie Fry; August 22nd, 2009 at 10:57 PM. |
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#2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Kingston upon Hell - UK
Posts: 356
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I have received instruction from both Mike van Erp and Asha (of SkateFresh) in the UK. Both are excellent instructors and get a +1 from me.
There are quite a few other instructors in the UK, and there is a growing emphasis on specialised sides of skating. For example: Naomi Grigg teaches Freestyle slalom, and John Kirkham who teaches RollerDance in Leeds
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http://www.daveyspeedstar.com/ My Skates: http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/3507/mlna0026uu1.jpg Last edited by Kathie Fry; August 22nd, 2009 at 10:56 PM. |
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#3 |
Caribbean Speed Team
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Posts: 766
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For starters, I give Props to Naomi Grigg too....by all accounts she's simply the best there is.
A great coach I know of here in Melbourne Australia is Andrea Winzor. She runs www.baysideblades.com.au and is located in Highett, Victoria. Phone 1300 665 272. ![]()
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http://www.baysideblades.com.au Bayside Blades- Aussie Skate Shop |
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#4 |
Dances with Short Buses
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 926
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Well, considering that I just finished hanging out with Eddy Matzger for the weekend… I’d say he belongs on that list. I did the weekend roadshow in Greensboro, NC and am seriously considering doing a five day stay at SkateFarm in Floyd, VA. He is such a great instructor that he even helped ME!
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YTD: 445 miles outdoor, 7 hours indoor, 3257 miles by bike |
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#5 | |
Forum Host
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Clemente, Southern California USA
Posts: 1,632
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![]() Quote:
(Andrea, my apologies to you if you ever read this post... you definitely belong on this list!) - Kathie Last edited by Kathie Fry; April 22nd, 2008 at 11:34 PM. |
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#6 | |
Forum Host
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Clemente, Southern California USA
Posts: 1,632
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- Kathie |
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#7 | |
Caribbean Speed Team
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Posts: 766
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He's having a crack at speed skating these days; he's in the same Masters category as me and so we know each other fairly well and compete against each other regularly. I'm not familiar with the other two...probably because they're not from Melbourne, and/or not part of the speed scene. And, yes, all Australians are that hot ![]() ![]() ![]()
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http://www.baysideblades.com.au Bayside Blades- Aussie Skate Shop |
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#8 |
Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 49
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Adapted for Singaporeans from: http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/sh....php?t=1971493
Hey i just need to post some information on skating boo boos.. I would like to advice on 2 main shops and kudos to one shop. 1) Skate Line at Bishan Park 2 - The MAIN OWNER of this shop (the one who is always there and mostly the one who opens the shop) is very proud, unfriendly and rude. Only one thing will turn him nice.. You gotta buy something from him! If you're there just for advice or asking him if you can try the skates, he will speak loudly and in a very heck care manner. sometimes even in a scolding manner. (i think this is important information for those who are new at skating and hate looking like some fool in a shop) *has costly repair service: refer to extreme bottom of this post. Skate models are limited and even if there is a design, there might be no size for you. Once you really take out your money or card and seriously show him you're going to buy.. you'll see that he suddenly treats you very nicely and talks to you like a long lost friend.. My personal opinion: Nearest to my house.. good skates.. bad customer service 2) World Of Sports & Sports Link (a general outlook) - shops have little knowledge about inline skates. Infact, dont say inline skates to them.. Say rollerblade. otherwise some shops would say they dont sell it. Main brand on sale is 'bladerunner' for both shops. Customer service is good, and shops are quick to admit a lack of expertise in equipment knowledge. Their product quality on the outlook is good (meaning the box, blades etc look very new - skateline bishan's one is usually very bent and folded, you know it has been kept a long time). There is a huge draw back.. Bladerunner blades are pretty average to bad on quality. It is common that they have bearing raptures or ABEC 7 wheels turning as slow as an ABEC 3 wheel. reason being due to quality check (either screws too tight, insufficient oil, bent bearing cover etc) You dont usually see professional skaters choose blade runner as you dont get what you pay for entirely. My personal opinion: Easily available.. average skate.. good customer service KUDOS! To be honest i havent been to many other shops. I will add them to this list once i can visit them and done test to ensure quality of service etc. 1) Urban Inline (EAST COAST PARK) This shop guarantees cheapest prices for their skates. I found this to be true. I compared K2 brands with other skateline and another shop at the east coast park central area (nearest to the bike rental shop and beside 7eleven) their prices can be negotiated and stated prices are already lower than elsewhere. Shop sells interesting accessories such as brakes, wheels, bearings, frames for inline skates. *They also have cheap repair service: refer to extreme bottom of this post. HOWEVER, be very careful.. if you want to enter this shop to buy skates, no prob.. if you want to ask for advice.. I think you'd better come online. haha.. the shop keeper gives advice which sound super logical but if you compare them to online instructors and even skateline certified instructors, you realise his advice and logic are not the same. My personal opinion: not easy to find this shop.. same skates as skateline.. super friendly and good customer service. They actually remember you the 2nd time you return.. at least they try.. haha 2) SKATE SPORTS - http://www.skatesports.com.sg/rental.php This shop has very nice assistance and a really nice instructor. Friendly and items sold are on average prices. You wont find them too expensive or too cheap. you get what i mean? Gives accurate advice on skating and helps you find your first skates a friendly way. 20% off for first pair of skates. My personal opinion: Easily available.. good skates.. super friendly and good customer service ==================================== SHOP REPAIR COST SKATELINE: COSTLY >> CHANGING STRAPS FOR 2 SKATES = $40. >> AVERAGE WHEELS WITH BEARINGS= $85 (BRANDLESS) URBANLINE: CHEAP >> CHANGING STRAPS FOR 2 SKATES = $24(ALMOST 1/2 ABOVE PRICE) >> AVERAGE WHEELS WITH BEARINGS = $60(BRANDLESS) *did not compare others. ==================================== SHOP LESSON COST SKATELINE: RIPOFF >> $15 PER LESSON (LIKE DRIVING/MOTORCYCLE COURSE) FAIL ONE ITEM IN THE LESSON AND REPEAT WHOLE LESSON. TEACHES ALOT OF EXTRA THINGS LIKE STUNTS AT THE LATER STAGES. THEY EARN ALOT FROM LESSON 2 ONWARDS. TOTAL 6 LESSONS, BUT MANY BREAK UPS IN LESSON. UNLESS YOU'RE A SKILLED SKATER GOING THROUGH THE COURSE, YOU'D SURELY BE FAILING EVERY LESSON TILL YOU PASS EACH OF THE COMPONENT EACH LESSON. HENCE IF LESSON 2 HAS 5 LESSONS, BE PREPARED TO PAY FROM 15X 5=$75.. AND IF YOU FAIL MORE THAN ONCE (A SUPER COMMON CASE, THEN PAY MORE FOR LESSON 2) ON TOP OF LESSON COST, YOU NEED TO PURCHASE A SKATING BOOK FOR $5. SKATESPORTS: MARKET PRICE >> $88 INCLUSIVE BOOK FOR 4 LESSONS. 1 LESSON EACH WEEK. WITHIN 4 LESSONS YOU LEARN EVERYTHING THAT SKATELINE TEACHES EXCEPT FOR FANCY UNNEEDED MOVES SUCH AS GOING THROUGH CONES, OR SKATING ON ONE LEG WHILE LIFTING THE OTHER LEG UP FOR 5 FAST CLAPS. THERE IS NO FAILING THIS COURSE. THEY TEACH YOU THE SKILLS, YOU PRACTICE. IF YOU WANT, GO FOR THE LESSON AGAIN (THEN YOU NEED TO PAY FOR THE LESSON AGAIN), IF YOU DONT WANT AND WANT TO PROCEED, THEN GO TO LESSON 2. THEY WILL TEACH YOU, BUT IF YOU CANT PERFORM IT, THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. (I FEEL THIS IS GOOD.. YOU KNOW THE SKILLS.. GO BACK AND PRACTICE! - WHY BOTHER PAYING A LESSON 3 TIMES TO PRACTICE 3 TIMES JUST TO PASS TO LEARN ANOTHER THING) URBAN INLINE: MARKET PRICE >> $75 NO BOOKLET. SAME AS SKATESPORTS. TEACH WHAT IS NECESSARY IN FOUR LESSONS. SO FAR LESSONS ARE NOT THAT POPULAR AS ITS QUITE INACCESSIBLE (AT PIT ONE OF EAST COAST PARK) SISTC: SINGAPORE INLINE SKATING TRAINING CENTER: VERY COSTLY >> $120 FOR 4 LESSONS. http://shops.st701.com/shops/view/21137 TEACH WHAT URBAN INLINE TEACHES. SELLS SKATES AS CHEAP AS $60.. I PERSONALLY DONT TRUST THIS SHOP.. THATS MY OPINION ============================================= Yeah.. i think i've stated it easy for inline skaters to understand where and which shop to go to buy things. Wanna find out more? let me know.. ^^ i love finding out about sports i like.. take care.. God bless ^^ |
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#9 |
Pro Bike Chaser
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Maryland
Posts: 2,976
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I'm going to go out on a limb and self anoint myself as an outdoor speed skating instructor if you are in the Baltimore metro area and want to get into speed skating, I'll work with you. Yeah I might be a pompus, ego inflated, pretend to be know-it-all, but I don't see anyone else in this area stepping up to the plate.
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#10 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 12
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Oh ah, imagine my delight when opening this page to se my name right at the top of the list!
![]() After 15 years of skating and over 6 years instructing, I still get a big kick out of teaching. My specialty is adults as I understand the fears that adults go though as I can relate that having started skating as an adult! I have only stayed at Level 1 with the ICP certification and feel that I have more than enough skills to get people skating with safety for themselves and safety of others. More recently, I gained qualification as a Level 1 Speed skating coach but at the moment, I am not coaching on a regular basis as I am focussed on ice speed skating! Our other employee, who you would know Kathie, is Jenny Logue! She is a qualified ICP instructor as well and her specailty is teaching little kids and skate park (of course!) His Royal Hotness, Shane Yost was just in again today! He is so totally focussed on speed skating but will be gracing your shores again for 4 months doing vert demo's and leaves mid July. His enthusiasm and willingless to learn is awesome. I roomed with Shane for a week with my partner and one others earlier this year while attending our National Tiltles for speed skating in Perth. I have never laughed so much in one week...we had a ball..lots of practical jokes. ![]() ![]() Blake..well, I haven't heard his name mentioned for a few years. He seems to have slid off the skate radar, which happens. What about Monte Walker and his skate school in Brisbane, Planet Inline? He and his stable of instructors need a mention. They are doing amazing things up there. Montes demand for excellences means that his instructors are well versed. I cannot believe it was all those years ago, he and I were doing our Level 1 course together under the watchful eye of Mike Wilson! If it wasn't for 9/11, I probably would have never become an instructor. Monte was on plane heading to the US to do the ICP course, when the planes hit the towers. He was stuck in LA for a week and returned back to Australia without being certified but organsied Mike to come out to Australia to run a course about 6 months later. I had heard through the skate grapevine that Monte had organsied this so I immediately booked flights to Brisbane and did the course with him along with about 10 others! I have also been fortunate to have Naomi Grigg grace us with her presence when she visits us in Australia and enjoy her coaching style too. I love being in her workshops because then I become the student for a while. I now have the ability to teach the fundamentals of freestyle and slalom, which is the one aspect of inline I really really really enjoy and practice that when I should be inline speed training! ![]() The list is great. I would love to meet some more instructors from around the globe. My next overseas trip is Korea in a couple of months time to meet up with Naomi. Maybe I can come home via Singapore and meet some of the instructors there? BTW, I had a chuckle when reading the last post. Pompous -great word! |
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