There’s more than one type of skate out there. Which is easier to learn: ice hockey or figure skating? While it might seem like an easy question to answer, it’s not as simple as it seems. It really depends on what kind of skating you’re looking into.
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Skate Shape And Size
The first thing you need to consider is the shape and size of your skate. There are three main types of skates: regular, classic, and ice-tech. The first two are the most common, and the last one is geared more towards street skating. Let’s take a look at what each one is best suited for.
Regular
Regular skates are perfect for anyone looking for a simple and easy way to skate. They’re lightweight and portable, and they make for a great first skate because they’re so easy to learn and understand. What’s not to like?
The main issue with this type of skate is that they’re designed to roll on a flat surface. This makes them somewhat limited in terms of what curves and hills they can handle. Also, if you’re looking for a more structured sport, you may not want to choose a regular skate. They don’t provide the smooth and creamy experience that other options do. However, if you’re just looking for a simple way to get around, a regular is probably the best option for you.
Classic
Like we said, not all skates are meant to be easy. What is meant to be easy is the classic. These are thick and heavy skates that are designed for speed. While they don’t provide the same low-impact enjoyment as other options, if you’re looking for a more structured sporting experience, you’ll want to choose a classic skate.
The cool thing about classic skates is that they were designed to be pushed instead of pulled. If you’re looking for a low-impact workout, the classic is probably the best option for you. There’s also a hybrid between a classic and a regular skate, which we’ll discuss later.
Ice-Tech
This one is for the extreme sports enthusiasts out there interested in taking their skating experience to the next level. If you like to do intense workouts on the side of a frozen lake, this is the type of skate for you. They’re designed to be ridden with the feet planted on the ground, which provides more stability and control. The thick leather and plastic of ice-tech skates also make them more resistant to damage.
The downside to ice-tech skates is that they’re much heavier than regular or classic skates. If you’re not used to carrying extra weight on your shoulders, you might find it challenging to use them for extended periods of time. Also, unless you find a way to adapt them, they’re not portable like regular and classic skates. This makes them more challenging to take with you on the go. Also, unless you’re an extreme sports enthusiast looking for a workout, the ice-tech is probably overkill.
Which Type Of Skate Is Right For You?
The type of skate you need depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a basic and simple way to get around, go with the regular skate. This one is suitable for beginners and amateur skaters. You’ll find a wide range of sizes and colors available, so there’s likely to be one that suits you perfectly. What’s more, it’s fairly easy to find a store that has what you’re looking for, making it simpler still to buy.
On the other hand, if you want to step up your game and really work your muscles, go for the classic skate. These are thicker and heavier than regular skates, but that’s not necessarily a negative thing. Instead, it means they’ll provide a more intense workout for you. The downside is that they’re more difficult to find in stores and require a bit more work to learn how to properly use them. Also, unless you’re planning on doing some extreme sports, the weight might be a bit much for you.
If you’re looking for a way to explore different terrains and be more mobile, go for the ice-tech. These are great for that purpose, and unless you have very specific needs, there’ll likely be one to suit you perfectly. The downside is the extra weight and the required expertise needed to use them effectively. However, if you’re up for the challenge, the mobile and rugged nature of the ice-tech makes it an interesting option. It might also be the only option available in your area if you want to pursue a more adventurous lifestyle.
In short, there’s more than one type of skate out there. Figure skating is more complex than ice hockey because there are more moves and maneuvers required to score. However, that doesn’t mean that ice hockey is any less challenging. Depending on your needs and the type of skating you want to learn, choose a skate that will provide you with a rewarding experience.