Input would be appreciated

[Jimbobs]

Hi all

I've been a hockey fan for years, finally decided to buy boots (now own a pair of Bauer Nexus 600's as i have a wide fit foot) my question(s);

I would love to play recreational hockey so

- what level of skate do i need to be at? (i'm currently level 4 learning level 5 at Learn to skate UK lessons)
- I'm a young 53yo, is this too old?
- where can I learn more hockey style skating and techniques? (I live just outside Edinburgh) and should i buy some basic kit?

Thanks

[Steve+Kayleigh]

Firstly I'd check at your local rink to see if they have a recreational hockey team and/or practice nights.
I live in Essex and skate in Chelmsford, but I know there is a recreational team that take on beginners in Alexander Palace, North London. While this doesn't help you it just may be worth looking at other rinks in your vicinity if there is nothing at your local rink.

Some clubs may have equipment that you can borrow for a while, some players may have excess kit that they don't use any more. If you need kit either initially or later on, there's always ebay!

NISA have changed the SkateUK levels so some requirements for the old level 4 may now be in level 3 depending on what syllabus your coaches are teaching, so your skating abilities are hard to access from behind this keyboard. But if you can skate forward at a reasonable rate, backward c-cuts, turn (mohawk) from forward to backwards, and stop, then you're well on your way.

This site may help
http://www.youtube.com/user/juvenilee6videos

Also
http://howtohockey.com/

Good luck

[Jimbobs]

Thanks Steve & Kayleigh! Much appreciated.

[MadMax]

Speak to the newbie rec team manager and find out what the requirements are, for my guys it is as follows.

1. Cross over forwards both ways
2. Hockey stop confidently
3. Skate backwards (a bit).

It is easier in kit and you can lean on the stick to help a bit, most newbie teams will loan you kit for the first few goes.

It's great fun.. good luck

[Jimbobs]

Thanks MadMax, ok, got most things there 'cept the hockey stop  which is work in progress 

[Jimbobs]

Update: 2 rec teams will let me try out, but need to get geared up first!...eBay?

[Iced Cookie]

That's what I did, cost me about £125 for my first lot of gear as a job lot. I thought worst case if I didn't get on with it I could sell it back on there for the same money. I've since built on it from there