I came late to skating....I was 41 when I first started. I had been afraid for years. But the sight of people "flying" along a bridge in Central Park convinced me. I took lessons and now love to skate!

As soon as I felt comfortable, I began informally teaching others who I saw when I skated. I mean just making comments that I hoped were helpful.

In 1997 I joined the National Skate Patrol here in Chicago. Among other things we give free basic stopping lessons on the lakefront path during the summer months.

In 2000 I was certified as a Level I instructor by the Instructor Certification Program which is associated with the International Inline Skating Association.

I enjoy working with those who, like I was, are a little afraid to start. I also enjoy working with kids.

What I am best at, I believe, is "translating" skating skills into your language. Showing you how you are already able to do everything you need to in order to be able to skate; we're just packing it together differently.

About my lessons

I offer lessons currently by appointment only. I work on developing and encouraging basic skills. I believe that once you are comfortable on your skates, you can go in many directions: skatedancing, tricks, aggressive, racing. But it all comes from a solid command of the fundamentals.

Mostly I meet my students at "the Island" in the Diversey Harbor parking lot.  Click here for a map of the area.  Here's a bit more detailed map of the area; "the Island" is about at the big red star.  Click here for some pictures of "the Island".  Click here to get driving directions to the nearest intersection. I am willing to discuss meeting in other appropriate locations.  If I travel, my time in doing so is added to the lesson time.

Effective June 15, 2003, my basic rate is $50 per hour for private instruction.
 

Preparing for your lesson

If you intend to buy, get a pair of skates that are comfortable for you. That is the single most important factor. Get protective gear. I require that my students wear a helmet, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads. If you rent skates, make sure you get all the gear as well.

If you own skates, wear them. Wear them at home as much as possible. If you are not comfortable doing this before the first lesson, do it after. It's less important that you roll around the house than it is that you build confidence standing and walking in them.

Do inner thigh exercises. Lay on your side and lift the leg touching the floor off the floor. Use weights or skates if you have them. Don't hurt, just work the muscles. These are the ones that will keep you standing while you skate.
 
 

Even if I don't get the chance to teach you, take a lesson. It's simply the best way to begin to experience this wonderful low-level flight.

InJoy!

carlMichaelrossi 

Email me at cMr @ sk8Dragon .net 

or call or fax me at 773-292-3456

International Inline Skating Association	NSP-Chicago including info on weekly and monthly group skates	I am certified by the Skate Instructors Association
Check out photos from different skating events.	February? Miami? Skating? DUH ! My favorite annual skating event You can also check it out on Facebook	Maps, WebCams, Calenders, even a "virtual skate" of the lakefront....Andrew has it all and more at   ChicagoBlader
Skating can be very consuming. Check out how much so at inlineskating.about.com	Skating can even be a great basis for travel !  Zephyr is also a prime sponsor of the FreeSkateLesson program.	If you're in Phoenix, check out my buddy and totally primo skate dancer Kathy McSparran ! Inline Skate School of Phoenix

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