47 and wanting to jump and spin

[cheryl murphy]

When I get my skates, what content would I need to do to compete in freestyle. I am 47 and have not skated in 25 years. What division would I skate, and are there any youtube videos you would suggest I watch of people of my uummmmmmm age that are still skating??

[masterd]

Hi Cheryl,

I don't no what div you would skate. I still jump and spin when the urge hits. I'm 53.
SteveJo Ann

[cheryl murphy]

Originally Posted by masterd

Hi Cheryl,

I don't no what div you would skate. I still jump and spin when the urge hits. I'm 53.
SteveJo Ann

When you jump and spin, what wheels and plates do you use?

[Ancient1]

Cheryl,
I know the question wasn't directed at me, but I'll let you know what I use. I like the Snyder Super Deluxe, but my old pair were in bad shape, so I bought a new pair of skates. My new ones are the Snyder Advantage Plates. Very light plate and the action is fantastic. It moves exactly where I want it to move nothing more, nothing less. My wheels are Bones Elite 57mm 101A hardness and bones ceramic bearings. I also have a set of Bones Super Elite and a set of bones reds bearings. Right now I am using the super elite and reds because I am afraid of cracking the ceramics with my weight. To be honest, I prefer the Bones Elite over the Super Elite (they just feel better to me) and I love the ceramics. I will switch over to the ceramics when I lose more weight (about 75 lbs).

Jim (The Ancient One)

Originally Posted by cheryl murphy

When you jump and spin, what wheels and plates do you use?

[rwsz]

Originally Posted by Ancient1

Cheryl,
I know the question wasn't directed at me, but I'll let you know what I use. I like the Snyder Super Deluxe, but my old pair were in bad shape, so I bought a new pair of skates. My new ones are the Snyder Advantage Plates. Very light plate and the action is fantastic. It moves exactly where I want it to move nothing more, nothing less. My wheels are Bones Elite 57mm 101A hardness and bones ceramic bearings. I also have a set of Bones Super Elite and a set of bones reds bearings. Right now I am using the super elite and reds because I am afraid of cracking the ceramics with my weight. To be honest, I prefer the Bones Elite over the Super Elite (they just feel better to me) and I love the ceramics. I will switch over to the ceramics when I lose more weight (about 75 lbs).

Jim (The Ancient One)

Jim smart move not using the ceramics, they will crack from jumping enough whether your heavy or not, better for dance and figures.

[Ancient1]

Rick,
Thanks for the recommendation. I've had a fear of cracking the ceramics.
Jim

Originally Posted by rwsz

Jim smart move not using the ceramics, they will crack from jumping enough whether your heavy or not, better for dance and figures.

[cheryl murphy]

Originally Posted by Ancient1

Cheryl,
I know the question wasn't directed at me, but I'll let you know what I use. I like the Snyder Super Deluxe, but my old pair were in bad shape, so I bought a new pair of skates. My new ones are the Snyder Advantage Plates. Very light plate and the action is fantastic. It moves exactly where I want it to move nothing more, nothing less. My wheels are Bones Elite 57mm 101A hardness and bones ceramic bearings. I also have a set of Bones Super Elite and a set of bones reds bearings. Right now I am using the super elite and reds because I am afraid of cracking the ceramics with my weight. To be honest, I prefer the Bones Elite over the Super Elite (they just feel better to me) and I love the ceramics. I will switch over to the ceramics when I lose more weight (about 75 lbs).

Jim (The Ancient One)

Jim, thank you for the ideas. I went on the website you suggested "Connies" and looked at equipment. I have to measure my foot. I am going to go with snyder I think. I will probably use your whole idea. Where did you skate out of?

[cheryl murphy]

Do you all have any names I could look up on youtube of people that used to skate and have come back just for the joy of it in freestyle?

[Ancient1]

Cheryl,
You are welcome. I skated out of Tampa, Fl, between 71 and 72. Placed in Freestyle at Southern Rigionals in Jacksonville. I skated heavy between 72 and 76 in Colorado Springs, Co. Only did off and on skating till 79 in Colorado... My exwife got our pastor involved to tell me I wasn't a good husband because I was spending an hour to 2 hours about 2 times a week to keep my skills. My last competition was in 79 (Dance and Figures). I had no real competition for freestyle around that area, so I didn't want to win as the only competitor.
Nothing on YouTube about me. I did create a topic for pictures. I am trying to talk my wife into letting me get a video camera to help me with my practice. If I can sweet talk her into it, I will save the video and compile it for later viewing. Wish me luck with talking her into it.
Snyder has a nice line of Lite plates so you won't be sorry. For Freestyle, I would stick with either the Super Deluxe Lite or the Advantage. I am really pleased with the Advantage (more than you can imagine). I Love a plate that does exactly what you tell it to do... The Bones China Red are very nice bearings and the price is very reasonable. I'm glad you got the bug to skate, and especially to jump (fly) again. One thing I have noticed where I skate is that most people have not seen artistic skating. They are impressed with just simple spins and footwork. Wait till they see the jumps. I am a big showoff, which is a great motivator to practice and get my jumps and spins back.
Jim (The Ancient One)

[masterd]

Hi Cheryl,

MY (OLD) skates, they are at least 20 years old are the Rediell 290 or SIlver Star, Paoli plates, can't make out the what type of wheels any more and the bearing are 20 years old. A couple times a month I get the urge.

Mostly just do dance. It took about 6 month to realize we were stuck doing the forward dances. Years back I skated what was then called Junior dance. Harris Tago, Dench Blues, Carroll Swing to name a few.

I'm just glad I have a wonderful partner and both are just happy we are back skating.

[cheryl murphy]

Originally Posted by Ancient1

Cheryl,
You are welcome. I skated out of Tampa, Fl, between 71 and 72. Placed in Freestyle at Southern Rigionals in Jacksonville. I skated heavy between 72 and 76 in Colorado Springs, Co. Only did off and on skating till 79 in Colorado... My exwife got our pastor involved to tell me I wasn't a good husband because I was spending an hour to 2 hours about 2 times a week to keep my skills. My last competition was in 79 (Dance and Figures). I had no real competition for freestyle around that area, so I didn't want to win as the only competitor.
Nothing on YouTube about me. I did create a topic for pictures. I am trying to talk my wife into letting me get a video camera to help me with my practice. If I can sweet talk her into it, I will save the video and compile it for later viewing. Wish me luck with talking her into it.
Snyder has a nice line of Lite plates so you won't be sorry. For Freestyle, I would stick with either the Super Deluxe Lite or the Advantage. I am really pleased with the Advantage (more than you can imagine). I Love a plate that does exactly what you tell it to do... The Bones China Red are very nice bearings and the price is very reasonable. I'm glad you got the bug to skate, and especially to jump (fly) again. One thing I have noticed where I skate is that most people have not seen artistic skating. They are impressed with just simple spins and footwork. Wait till they see the jumps. I am a big showoff, which is a great motivator to practice and get my jumps and spins back.
Jim (The Ancient One)

Jim, did you know a girl name Leslye Ferrero? She skated in the Colorado area. She originally skated with me in Ohio. She got to be pretty good at freestyle I think. She would be about 45 years old now. She would have skated around the time you were there. We are still friends.
Thanks again for the advice. I am going back to Connies place tonight.

[cheryl murphy]

Originally Posted by masterd

Hi Cheryl,

MY (OLD) skates, they are at least 20 years old are the Rediell 290 or SIlver Star, Paoli plates, can't make out the what type of wheels any more and the bearing are 20 years old. A couple times a month I get the urge.

Mostly just do dance. It took about 6 month to realize we were stuck doing the forward dances. Years back I skated what was then called Junior dance. Harris Tago, Dench Blues, Carroll Swing to name a few.

I'm just glad I have a wonderful partner and both are just happy we are back skating.

I loved dance skating. I had my best years in 2nd year freshmen division and then I had to switch partners and go to Junior because my partner, Bobby Calzone, was 4 inches shorter than I was. But, my junior partner was older and he was so funny! His name was David Hamm. We would be doing the tango and 3 progressive runs and on each one he would be saying "sex", "sex", "sex"! Talk about taking the seriousness out of practice! Our coach though made sure he left me alone, since I was younger. What a memory. I think I'll google his name and see if I can find him.
I am very glad you are enjoying skating. I am so excited to feel like I can do it for me and not my mom. Wow, this might be therapy!

[Ancient1]

Cheryl,
Sorry I don't remember her. You are welcome.
Jim ( The Ancient One )

Originally Posted by cheryl murphy

Jim, did you know a girl name Leslye Ferrero? She skated in the Colorado area. She originally skated with me in Ohio. She got to be pretty good at freestyle I think. She would be about 45 years old now. She would have skated around the time you were there. We are still friends.
Thanks again for the advice. I am going back to Connies place tonight.

[MANY_SkatingDave]

Hi Cheryl,
You too buddy Rick,

I normally don't post here yet your topic question drew me in.

I am one of those older than you free spirited skaters that makes the rink kids and adults skate hard and they provide the compliment.

At your age and 25 years out I think you have to practice some kid stuff on socks and do it every day. Everyone is giving you suggestions as if you can just ignore your lapse yet you really have to rework those muscles and joints if you want to come back.

I probably won't post again since I like to leave you guys and gals alone until I am older, yet I think Rick knows what i mean.

Yours in Skating, MA/NY Skating Dave

[LinP]

Jim,
I skated out of Roll Arena in Tampa in the late 60's when I was a kid. Not very competitive, but just loved to learn the dances. What division did you skate when you were in Tampa?

Lin P

Originally Posted by Ancient1

Cheryl,
You are welcome. I skated out of Tampa, Fl, between 71 and 72. Placed in Freestyle at Southern Rigionals in Jacksonville. I skated heavy between 72 and 76 in Colorado Springs, Co. Only did off and on skating till 79 in Colorado... My exwife got our pastor involved to tell me I wasn't a good husband because I was spending an hour to 2 hours about 2 times a week to keep my skills. My last competition was in 79 (Dance and Figures). I had no real competition for freestyle around that area, so I didn't want to win as the only competitor.
Nothing on YouTube about me. I did create a topic for pictures. I am trying to talk my wife into letting me get a video camera to help me with my practice. If I can sweet talk her into it, I will save the video and compile it for later viewing. Wish me luck with talking her into it.
Snyder has a nice line of Lite plates so you won't be sorry. For Freestyle, I would stick with either the Super Deluxe Lite or the Advantage. I am really pleased with the Advantage (more than you can imagine). I Love a plate that does exactly what you tell it to do... The Bones China Red are very nice bearings and the price is very reasonable. I'm glad you got the bug to skate, and especially to jump (fly) again. One thing I have noticed where I skate is that most people have not seen artistic skating. They are impressed with just simple spins and footwork. Wait till they see the jumps. I am a big showoff, which is a great motivator to practice and get my jumps and spins back.
Jim (The Ancient One)

[Ancient1]

Lin,
In Tampa (Roll Arena, then later Tampa Skating Center) I started taking lessons in 71 and left shortly after Regionals in 72 to join the Air Force. At that time the divisions changed from Novice to Sophmore, if I remember correctly. It was a long time ago. Were you skating those years or had you stopped by then? If you were skating then, you would have noticed a kid in late 71 always taking lessons in all black. I did it to create a personality and it drew a bit of attention. Heck! Lets face it, the new kid didn't have a chance with the in-crowd without an angle.

Jim ( The Ancient One )

Originally Posted by LinP

Jim,
I skated out of Roll Arena in Tampa in the late 60's when I was a kid. Not very competitive, but just loved to learn the dances. What division did you skate when you were in Tampa?

Lin P

[rwsz]

Originally Posted by MANY_SkatingDave

Hi Cheryl,
You too buddy Rick,

I normally don't post here yet your topic question drew me in.

I am one of those older than you free spirited skaters that makes the rink kids and adults skate hard and they provide the compliment.

At your age and 25 years out I think you have to practice some kid stuff on socks and do it every day. Everyone is giving you suggestions as if you can just ignore your lapse yet you really have to rework those muscles and joints if you want to come back.

I probably won't post again since I like to leave you guys and gals alone until I am older, yet I think Rick knows what i mean.

Yours in Skating, MA/NY Skating Dave

Dave come and visit anytime you like, comment also.

[masterd]

Hi Cheryl,

It is good to skate and the enjoyment is for you and your partner and not parents.

My partner is a wonderful women whom I think very highly of. She has been skating since early childhood. She was in dance and did a lot of pairs. It would be fun to skate junior level dances again but we understand that masters is OK. We do play with the Harris and a few others for fun.

Today, it is fun for ourselves and it is sort of a get away from day to day life. When we skate we both forget everything from work and home life. It is great to have someone that you can do this with.
Enjoy

[cheryl murphy]

Originally Posted by MANY_SkatingDave

Hi Cheryl,
You too buddy Rick,

I normally don't post here yet your topic question drew me in.

I am one of those older than you free spirited skaters that makes the rink kids and adults skate hard and they provide the compliment.

At your age and 25 years out I think you have to practice some kid stuff on socks and do it every day. Everyone is giving you suggestions as if you can just ignore your lapse yet you really have to rework those muscles and joints if you want to come back.

I probably won't post again since I like to leave you guys and gals alone until I am older, yet I think Rick knows what i mean.

Yours in Skating, MA/NY Skating Dave

Skating Dave, thank you for the grounding! I do plan to take my time and not to be foolish. I am not prideful enough to pretend to be able to go out and try and axel or even a loop on my skates for a very long time. I could not even clean my axel, I was 1/4 turn short in socks! So, I will take my time. Thanks again for the reminder that I am not made of rubber and cement like the younger skaters.

[Skatervideoguy]

Hi Cheryl,

Glad you're getting back to it, and I'll echo other's for taking your time and doing some off-floor practice. But when on the floor, I'd recommend wearing the same protection gear I wear, as you're probably more seceptable to joint and bone damage than even I am at age 61.5 yrs. Smaller, and probably weaker, bones is the only disadvantage to you being a woman of your young age.

My wife has Osteopenia and my mother had severe Osteoporosis, which is why I'm all too familiar with the bone issue. I've seen hundreds, if not a 1000 or more, broken bones over my 55 yrs of skating, and most were young girls or women.

As Rinks went from slick wood floors to tight coated asphalt or concrete floors, the damage you could get from falling greatly increased, as you absorb all the fall engery, not the floor or sliding.

I'm still jumpin and spinin, but then I never stoped once I started all those decades ago. BUT, I can only still do this stuff because I've worn protective gear for my hips, tail bone and knees for most of this time. At 6' 4" / 210#, that's what has kept me from breaking or damaging things. Learing this stuff on your own tends to give you more crashs, and of course, running my Stilt Skates didn't add to my safety either.

Please protect yourself Cheryl, and enjoy your skating for as long as you can.