I will be repeating what other said, but do not teach yourself!
OK I learned some tricks by observing, but I also did a few very silly things which ended up hurting me. I had no one to ask and it took me 2 months to figure out that classes would be a good idea.
Ever since my first class, I have made much faster and yet solid progress, and the feedback from my coach always leaves me with tons of specific things to practice rather than mess around. Also, I got much further than I would ever have contemplated getting a year ago.
With hindsight I regret that my parents never put me in a figure skating class, I admire the kids at the rink when I see the fun they're having when performing shows or exchanging tricks.
I would second this.... I initially had skate uk group lessons and the pace in my groups was quiete fast progress.
Since returning to skating I have been just been doing my own thing, looking on youtube, which is fab, and just generally messing around on the ice.
But now I know I need a lesson of some description as I struggle with my upper body and arm positions and know matter how many times look at them on youtube, forget by time get to the rink.... and for me, the arms really make a difference between doing something and just getting very frustrated and feeling useless!!
I would have agreed with an earlier poster and say spend more time practicing alone first.... but tbh having just seing little ones clinging to the side then having a lesson and independantly skating, I would say ... just go straight in for the lessons! At least that way you know you are learning the correct way from the start and are not getting into bad habits prior (like me
)
Most of all I would say .... just do what you find fun, don't take the lesson's too seriously and making doing the "move" the be all and end all...... I find it much easier to learn new things when I stop focusing too much on one thing and just enjoy the skating!!
And bear in mind I have been a beginner for a loooong time when you read any of my attempts at advice
