She Always Wondered If She Could Skate. So She Tried.
There comes a point where many adults ask themselves the same question.
“I’ve always wanted to try skating… but is it too late?”
For Laura Perez, that question lingered for years. Then, at 27 years old, she decided to stop wondering and take her first Learn to Skate class at Skating Edge Ice Arena.
Five years later, she’s training in freestyle and ice dance, performing in recitals, preparing for her first adult competition, and inspiring other adults to take that same first step.
A Dream That Never Really Went Away
Skating had always been in Laura’s life in one way or another.
As a child, her parents bought her a pair of inline skates, and she spent countless hours skating both inside and outside the house. She had the chance to try ice skating during a college event, but it wasn’t until years later that she finally decided to pursue it seriously.
When her job shifted to a hybrid schedule, she suddenly had the flexibility to fit lessons into her week.
Instead of wondering what might happen someday, she signed up for Learn to Skate at Skating Edge Ice Arena.
Taking That First Step
Like many adults, Laura wasn’t worried about learning new skills. She was worried about walking into her very first class.
“I was nervous because I didn’t know how my first lesson would go,” she said. “I thought there wouldn’t be a lot of adults trying to learn.”
It’s a concern that Learn to Skate Director Jacki Davison hears often.
“One of the things that makes our adult program special is that we’ve created a safe space for adults to progress at their own pace,” Jacki explains. “They choose the direction they want their journey to go.”
Our supportive environment helps adults realize they’re not alone.
Everyone starts somewhere.
Progress Doesn’t Happen Overnight
Laura quickly discovered that skating wasn’t always easy. Forward outside edges… Inside edges… Crossovers. Some skills came naturally. Others took patience.
“It took me a while to figure them out,” she said. “I wanted to succeed, even if it took me longer than others. All that hard work eventually paid off.”
That mindset is something many adult skaters share. Jacki says one of the biggest hurdles isn’t ability—it’s confidence.
“Adults’ biggest fear is hurting themselves. Once they overcome their fear of falling, their progress usually moves much quicker. We teach them how to fall safely and what to do to avoid it.”
Learning at your own pace isn’t just encouraged at Skating Edge.
It’s expected.
Discovering a Passion
Some people try a new hobby and move on. That wasn’t Laura’s experience.
“What surprised me the most is loving this sport with such a passion,” she said. “I never understood how people could dedicate so much time and effort to a sport. I tried other hobbies and quickly lost interest. It was different with skating.”
She began keeping a list of skills she wanted to improve each week. She practiced off the ice. She worked on dance patterns. She found herself thinking about skating long after she left the rink.
“It was always on my mind.”
One Step Led to Another
After two years in group lessons, Laura felt ready for a new challenge. She began working with coaches Jacki Davison and Arleen Barton through private lessons.
Jacki continued encouraging her to push beyond her comfort zone, while Arleen introduced her to the world of ice dance.
Today, Laura trains in both freestyle and ice dance and has already performed in two Skating Edge recitals.
Among the accomplishments she’s most proud of are learning the spider lunge, hydroblade, backward mohawks, spins, and Preliminary and Pre-Bronze dance patterns.
Now she’s preparing to test her Preliminary Dance Patterns, continue developing her jumps and spins, perform in another recital this December, and compete in her first adult competition in early 2027.
Her journey didn’t stop after Learn to Skate. It simply kept growing.
Every Adult’s Journey Is Different
One thing Jacki has learned through years of coaching adults is that no two skaters have the same reason for starting.
“Every adult is vastly different in their goals,” she says. “The one thing they do have in common is a passion for skating. We have the ability to help these adults reach their goal, no matter what it is. Some just want to see if they can do it. Some want to push themselves. Some want a fun physical activity.”
Laura’s story is one example. Others discover hockey. Some simply enjoy public skating with family. Some find lifelong friendships. Some are just proud they had the courage to begin.
Her Advice?
Laura’s advice to adults who have always wanted to skate is simple.
“It is never too late to start. It’s always good to try something new, even if you’re not sure. That way you don’t have any regrets.”
And perhaps her most important piece of advice:
“Never compare yourself to anyone.
Every person learns at their own pace.
Don’t see others as competition.
Ask them for advice and learn from each other.
It’s a great way to meet new people and develop your skills.”
Your Journey Starts with One Step
Whether your goal is figure skating, hockey, recreational skating, or simply trying something you’ve always dreamed of doing, every skating journey begins with a single lesson.
Like Laura, you may discover that skating becomes much more than something you’ve always wanted to try. It may become something you never want to stop doing.
Ready to take your first step?
Adult Learn to Skate at Skating Edge offers a supportive, welcoming environment where adults of all experience levels can learn, progress at their own pace, and discover where their skating journey can take them.
