Table of Contents

The Steps to Success Staircase

The Sport of Ice Skating
- Etiquette
- Evolution of the Ice Skate
- The Myth of Weak Ankles
- Falling and Getting Up
- Warm-Up and Cool-Down

Ice Skating Equipment
- Ice Skates and Their Care
- Protective Gear

Step 1. Proper Skating Posture: Developing Balance
Step 2. Push and Glide: Moving Ahead
Step 3. Forward Stops: Slowing Down
Step 4. Forward Skating and Stopping: Gaining Confidence
Step 5. Backward Skating and Stopping: Doubling Your Options
Step 6. Forward Stroking: Pushing for Power
Step 7. Forward Crossovers: Stroking on a Curve
Step 8. Two-Foot Turns and Mohawks: Controlling Rotation
Step 9. Backward Crossovers: Gaining Speed on a Curve
Step 10. Swingrolls and Advanced Edges: Improving Edge Control
Step 11. Three-Turns: Changing Direction and Edges

Style and Efficiency: Rating Your Skating Progress

About the Author

Karin Kï¿œnzle-Watson, one of the world's most prominent ice skating instructors, began her amateur and professional skating career at the age of 6. A former champion at the novice and junior levels, Karin earned seven Swiss national senior titles during her career. She has also placed in many international competitions, including seven European championships, five World championships, and one Olympic appearance. She is one of the few people in the world to have passed Gold Tests (qualifying tests for competition at the highest levels) in all areas of skating—singles, pairs, and dance.

Karin is also an accomplished instructor, having been School Director and Head Professional at the Skating School of St. Gervais and Megï¿œve (France) and School Director of the Skating School of San Mateo (U.S.). She presently travels internationally to attend her students' competitions, to teach, and to conduct skating and coaching seminars. Her students consistently rank highly in national and international competitions.

Stephen J. DeArmond, MD, PhD, began ice skating at the age of 47 because he wanted a high-energy, low-impact exercise that was enjoyable enough to do several times weekly. Karin Kï¿œnzle-Watson's approach to basics helped him to become an accomplished recreational skater. Stephen helped Karin organize her lessons into five basic principles—the foundation of this book—and directed the illustration and photography.

Stephen is a Professor of Neuropathology and Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco, with special research interests in the effects of aging on the central nervous system and skeletal muscle. In this book, DeArmond shares insights on the health benefits of ice skating, especially to improve both strength and coordination, as well as information on the causes and prevention of injuries.

Stephen is the author and illustrator of Structure of the Human Brain, a best-selling textbook of neuroanatomy.

Reviews

"With the help of Karin Kï¿œnzle-Watson and Stephen J. DeArmond, thousands of people who never skated before can now find their way in this beautiful, though technically difficult, sport. Read it and try it, have fun, get your body physically involved and your mind mentally working. Have this book with you on every practice."
Tamara Moskvina, PhD
Olympic figure skating coach"This book has a lot to offer someone who wants to learn the basics of ice skating."
Brian Boitano
Five-time Professional World Champion, Two-time World Champion, Gold Medalist, 1988 Olympics