Either very rough or very smooth ice should be avoided. The person who
for the first time attempts to skate, must not trust to a stick. He may
make a friend’s hand his support, if he require one; but that should
be soon relinquished, in order to balance himself. He will probably
scramble about for half an hour or so, till he begins to find out where
the edge of his skate is.
The beginner must be fearless, but not violent; nor even in a hurry. He
should not let his feet get far apart, and keep his heels still nearer
together. He must keep the ankle of the foot on the ice quite firm; not
attempting to gain the edge of the skate by bending it, because the
right mode of getting to either edge is by the inclination of the whole
body in the direction required; and this inclination should be made
fearlessly and decisively.
The leg which is on the ice should be kept perfectly straight; for,
though the knee must be somewhat bent at the time of striking, it must
be straightened as quickly as possible without any jerk. The leg which
is off the ice should also be kept straight, though not stiff, having
an easy but slight play, the toe pointing downwards, and the heel
within from six to twelve inches of the other.
The learner must not look down at the ice, nor at his feet, to see how
they perform. He may at first incline his body a little forward, for
safety, but hold his head up, and see where he goes, his person erect,
and his face rather elevated than otherwise.
When once off, he must bring both feet up together, and strike again,
as soon as he finds himself steady enough, rarely allowing both feet
to be on the ice together. The position of the arms should be easy and
varied; one being always more raised than the other, this elevation
being alternate, and the change corresponding with that of the legs;
that is, the right arm being raised as the right leg is put down, and
_vice versâ_, so that the arm and leg of the same side may not be
raised together.
The face must be always turned in the direction of the line intended
to be described. Hence, in backward skating, the head will be inclined
much over the shoulder; in forward skating, but slightly. All sudden
and violent action must be avoided. Stopping may be caused by slightly
bending the knees, drawing the feet together, inclining the body
forward, and pressing on the heels. It may also be caused by turning
short to the right or left, the foot on the side to which we turn being
rather more advanced, and supporting part of the weight.