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SKATERS GIVE REPORTS ON SERVICES FROM COAST TO COAST


BY LEXI ROHNER Whether you are new to skating or to a


particular rink, how do you find the services you need to keep your skating at its best? Your experience obtaining equipment and accessories may vary, depending on what you need and how often you need it. While some services are publicized in print and online, additional options include local and national vendors near arenas and at competi- tions. Below are resources and costs reported by skaters around the country for coaching, music editing, off-ice training, apparel and boot/blade care.


ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN EJ Easlick has been skating for five years.


He generally uses recommendations for services as a starting point. “I research online as well for useful alter-


native comparisons,” Easlick, a member of the Ann Arbor FSC, said. “For coaching especially, I like examining all potentials, talk to some and do trial lessons before making decisions.” How often you use a given service also


depends on how much you skate. Many skaters get a sharpening about every six weeks. You may not need other services as frequently. The decision about whether to continue using a vendor can cause skaters to shop around. “When I’m looking for something new, like


a new skate bag or a new kind of pads, I return for the same thing repeatedly if I find what I want,” Easlick said. “For sharpening and buying boots, I have strictly used recommendations.” Average costs: Music editing: $25–$70 Blade sharpening: $10–$31 Coaching: $40–$76 per hour Off-ice training: $40–$52/per hour


DALLAS Regina Fink had to source out all her


skating needs from scratch when she relocated from Los Angeles to Plano, Texas, two years ago. “I depend on friends’ recommendations


rather than publications,” Fink, who has skated for six years, said. “I use services as needed. I stay with those unless I’m dissatisfied.” Average costs: Music editing: $30 for a 1:40 program


44 MAY 2017


Blade sharpening: $20 (In Los Angeles, Fink paid $12 to $15). Coaching: $80 per hour (consistent in Los Angeles and Texas) Off-ice training: $60–$80 per hour


SAN FRANCISCO


Andrew Sass, a Bay Area adult skater, trusts suggestions. “I certainly rely on my coach to answer questions about equipment issues,” Sass said. “When it comes to choosing a coach at a rink where I’m a newcomer, I visit freestyle sessions and pinpoint skaters whose lines and technique I like.” Sass then asks from whom they receive coaching. When relocating, Sass asks former coaches to offer suggestions if possible. He investigates print ads online if a website is listed. “I get a sharpening about every four to


eight weeks,” Sass said. “If I like a vendor, I stick with them whenever feasible.” Average costs: Music editing: Sass either has coaches edit without charge or cuts it himself. Blade sharpening: $25–$30 Boot repair: $70 for tongue repair to $400 for heel replacement Coaching: $80–$100 per hour Off-ice training: $12–$16 per hour; $45 per month gym membership


PORTLAND, OREGON “I rarely search online or use publica-


tions for local services such as coaches, boots and blades, sharpening and music,” Sera Fae said. “I also don’t shop around once I’ve found what I like.” Fae, a noncompeting and testing skater,


infrequently makes use of these resources, though she listens to suggestions, positive and negative, that occasionally make her reconsider choices when she has a need. “I started two to three monthly lessons again


recently,” Fae said. “Trusted coaches are usually my first resource, and music we do ourselves.” Average costs: Blade sharpening: $10–$15 Coaching: $70–$80 per hour


DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA Christy Hays requests coach recommen-


dations when the need arises. “My coach cuts my music as well,” Hays


said. “Due to my work schedule, I don’t do off- ice training, nor have I had any boot repairs.” Average costs: Music editing: $30 Blade sharpening: $20


MADISON, WISCONSIN “Skating is a small world, so there’s usu-


ally fellow skaters or coaches with answers to my questions,” Aviva Cantor said. Cantor aims for a sharpening every eight


weeks, planning based on upcoming compe- titions or tests. “I don’t often need boot repairs. Rather,


I get new boots,” Cantor said. “I return to the same place for blades, because I really like my sharpener.” Cantor’s sharpener is none other than


“Mr. Edge” John Harmata, and is worth the two-hour drive each way. To economize, friends take turns making the trip with ev- eryone’s skates. Cutting her own music saves Cantor time and money, and she finds her $13 monthly gym membership offers light lifting and cardio that do the trick for off-ice conditioning. For coaching, Cantor reports that rates in her area are significantly lower than those in her previous locations (Char- lotte, North Carolina, and Cincinnati, Ohio). Average costs: Blade sharpening: $15–$20 Coaching: $50–$60 per hour


SAN DIEGO Rochelle Revor does her homework


pertaining to supplies and services. “I take recommendations,” Revor, a mas-


ters intermediate national competitor, said. “I also ask multiple skaters who are customers to confirm their satisfaction.” Revor prefers these endorsements to


those in publications or online. Average costs: Music editing: $25 Blade sharpening: $15–$25 Boot repair: “I’ve only had my ankle support rebuilt before, and that was less than $50.” Coaching: $70–$120 per hour. (Revor’s previ- ous location, Indiana, was $30-$80.)


LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK Fortunata Barone takes in suggestions


and then tries them herself. “I have used the same sharpener for


probably 10 years,” Barone said. “I go every other month.” For coaching, personal endorsements


are key for Barone; she makes a selection only after watching coaches in action with students. Music editing can vary depending on whether a CD or just digital delivery is required.


“I choose who edits music based on


what I consider a great job and convenience,” Barone said. Though she does not participate in


formal off-ice training, Barone crafted her own complementary activities with gym workouts, dance and more. “For boots I shop around for new boot


fitters and go on recommendations,” she said. Average costs: Music editing: $25–$35 Blade sharpening: $10–$25 Coaching: $80–$100 per hour


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