Mamas & Papas-
Hubs and I love winter sports. Before DS, we'd have a standing weekly iceskate night at Bryant Park. Now that he's 2 I'm thinking of towing DS along. Any tips on what to do for skates? Do they have double bladed ones with an adjutable, "grow with me" footbed?
The icerink has free admission, so long as you have your own skates. Skate rentals are $12-$15 a pop. If this proves to be a regular outing, we'd be much better off with our own set for DS.
Thanks for your tips and advice.
F. B.
I hate double blades. You can't sharpen them so your feet slide sideways. I just buy regular skates for my kids. I check Craigslist and the consignment shops. I also watch for them at rummages.
Make sure they have good ankle support too.
Do they let you put a milk crate on the ice? Our younger guys were on single-blade hockey skates at age 2 and they would push a milk crate on the ice. Around there those are generally allowed on outdoor ice but not indoor. Another option is to just have him scoot around in his snowboots. We have an outdoor pond rink here where the schools usually sponsor a skating night and plenty of kids don't have skates but have fun sliding on the ice anyway. I think we got their first skates for about $30 at a large sporting goods store but you should check craigslist too.
At that age I would buy him used skates. Do you have a Play it Again Sports or some kind of store that sells used sporting goods? I have two hockey players. Figure skates are easier to learn on when you are just getting started, but then the transition to hockey skates can be tricky down the road if that's what you think he'll want eventually. My boys started with the plastic skates and they can be uncomfortable. I would start him with a single blade and bring along something for him to skate with/scoot on the ice. Someone mentioned an ice crate. At our local rink they actually have walker-like things that are designed for that purpose.
Hope you're doing well out there in Queens!!
At those prices, you are better off buying some for like $30 even if you must buy them every year! That was our way of thinking!
We got a pair at Walmart, I believe. We stuck to her true size since we can lace them tightly.
My daughter was 5 when she started so we got single blade. I'd say just get the double this year if you can find them. You may have to just buy a pair every year.
Another piece of advice - try second hand skates. Chances are really good that you can get a pair that are used only once or twice. Scope out some places near by or try an ad on Craigslist.
My guys had the double bladed adjustable bob skates at that age. They just strapped onto their boots. They are pretty inexpensive.
