Stories

By Kristal Kobold

I have been to countless arenas, bringing children to skating lessons, hockey practices and games. The arena has even become part of my career, working for Canlan. The only part I had yet to experience, was to get on the ice and skate. I figured skating was something you learned young, and since I had missed that window of opportunity, it is definitely too late for me to learn now.

Everything changed when a friend of mine wanted to take skating lessons and asked me to join her. Apparently, I was feeling pretty brave that day and had agreed to sign up with her.

I had forgotten about this exchange until I received a text from her: “Today is our first skating lesson.”

That bravery I felt when I had first agreed, quickly dissipated. I immediately started to worry; I’m not ready for this! In fact, I had already lent my crutches to a co-worker, so there was no backup plan.

I tried not to think about it, or I would chicken out. On my way to the arena, I had my 12-year-old’s hockey bag was in the back. When I arrived at Canlan, I got out his skates and helmet and as I tried on the helmet… it was too small. “Phew!” I told myself. “You should just leave now. There is nothing to be done about a helmet which is too small.” But, no, I didn’t take that opportunity to run.

Instead, I went into the Canlan Sports Shop to see Tomm, and we made adjustments to the helmet.

I went back to the lobby and lined up to check-in at the table. That was pretty painless. I used an iPad to sign a waiver, and I was off to get ready for my lesson.

Being in the dressing room and tying skates was a breeze—that I’ve done a million times! Actually using the skates, though? That’d be the challenge. I took it slow—tiny steps, two inches at a time—holding on to anything I could. I was pretty sure I wouldn’t make it through this. Surely, I would fall, or just give up. “This is how it starts,” I thought.

At last, the steps started to come a bit more easily; my confidence began to rise! Finally, I made it to the Player’s bench!

On the bench, I met my classmates: other adults who’d made similar questionable life choices (like learning to skate at 40 years old). Some were having issues with their shiny new helmets and others didn’t know how to tie their skates correctly. These were things I did know, and I was happy to lend a hand. As I helped them, I started to feel better about my predicament. I wasn’t alone, I thought to myself.

After the Zamboni finished flooding, the instructor came over and invited us all out onto the ice. I took my first step onto the ice. Slippery! I couldn’t let go of the boards and I was certain there was no way I was going to be able to stand on my own.

“No giving up now,” I thought and I decided to let go—just for a split second—and I didn’t fall! This was amazing! I was skating! (Well, I was standing in a funny knees-bent position with my hands hovering an inch above the boards.) This is how all past Olympians started, I thought. My classmates and instructor all told me I was doing great. It went on like this for the first 15-20 minutes of class: I would go out onto the ice, hold on for dear life, then let go for a second, then head back to the bench for a break.

Finally, I worked up enough courage to follow some of my classmates down the side of the ice and back, holding onto the boards the whole way. Each time I went back on the ice, I felt a little more confident. My teacher, Coach Erin, got me a skate aid so I could venture out into the middle of the ice. This was a game-changer!

By the end of class, I could skate fast, slow, kind of stop, and sort of turn and spin. I was whipping around the ice. Toronto Maple Leafs, here I come!

I cannot wait for next week! As I was leaving Coach Erin stopped me. I was sure she was going to tell me I was the best student she had ever had, and she was so impressed at how well I did. I was met with: “Next week you will need to let go of the skate-aid,” she said. Oh no, I thought. I will make sure I bring my crutches with me!

The confidence I felt was so encouraging, and I’m really glad my friend had asked me to try skating lessons out with her. Although I was hesitant at first, and weary along the way, I’m so thankful I was given the opportunity to try something new and that I get to work on skating, maybe even better than my 12-year old hockey player son.

Loved it? Share it.