last year was my first time on figure skates since grade school. i tried hockey skates a few years prior, but i kept trying to push off/stop with toe picks... that didn't exist. i prefer having toe picks: i'm no hockey player. i was quite hesitant heading out on the rink, but after the first circuit i felt pretty comfortable and i managed not to fall once. i guess it's just like riding a bike!

$20 for a pair of skates in good condition at Value Village is well worth while, even if i only go once a season for the next three years. i prefer harbourfront to nathan phillips... grenadier pond seems dubious, but that's the only non-man made place downtown that i can think of.

i'm sure you'd figure it out easily enough, rob. just get a chair, and knee pads over your snowsuit and you'll be good to go

ps. anyone want to settle a debate between brad and i about wearing helmets while skating recreationally? he says yay, i say nay. i know there's a risk, especially if you're inexperienced, but reeaaallly...