Patrick Montgomery’s Post

Part 12: When it comes to choosing the right size for roller skates, it's generally recommended to go for a size that is similar to your regular shoe size. Here are some pointers when selecting the skate size. 1. Toe Room: Make sure there is a little bit of room at the front of the skate for your toes. You don't want your toes to be cramped, but you also don't want too much extra space. 2. Snug Fit: Your heel should be secure in the skate, and there shouldn't be any excessive movement within the boot when you move your foot. 3. Consult Sizing Charts: Different brands may have slightly different sizing, so check the sizing charts provided by the manufacturer to ensure you get the right fit. 4. Consider Socks: If you plan on wearing thicker socks while skating, you may want to take that into account when choosing your skate size. 5. Break-in Period: Remember that new skates may feel a bit tight initially but should break in and conform to your foot shape over time. Roller skates should fit snugly but comfortably on your feet to provide proper support and control while skating. So, what are you waiting for? Lace up those skates and enjoy the roll! 🛼💕 #skatecommunity #rollerskating #quads #skating #tips #CoachAB

It's often safer to go faster 😮 This not only applies to skateboarding, but also in business and life. When skating bowls and half-pipes, going too slow usually results in more falls and more scars. There is always dirt, debris, and leaves that get blown into a bowl, and they sit at the bottom along the walls. Skating slower at the bottom keeps your wheels dirty, and causes them to lose traction and slip. You've got to learn to skate on the walls, clear of the trash. When you attempt to go up on a wall, going too slow causes you to lose momentum and stall out. The board will slide down, causing you to bail. You need speed to complete a carve on a wall. Higher speed keeps your force applied outwards onto the vertical walls, ensuring your wheels have maximum grip. The higher and faster you go, the more potential energy you store for dipping down the bowl floor and climbing higher on the next wall. You can't second guess this path you're carving. That moment of hesitation on your direction, or that fear that causes you to slow down at the wrong moment... that's when gravity takes over. You'll fall hard. The concrete is never soft. Impacts are inevitable. You learn to accept the painful falls. As you become faster and more confident, you rarely fall. By then you've learned what causes momentum to stall, and start seeing the path well ahead of you. But you won't ever get there by going too slow, taking fewer chances, and losing momentum. You'll just be at the bottom, rolling in dirt with other slow riders.

a story about skateboarding, and a lesson in not giving a f*** last summer I was in Venice Beach: one of the best skateboarding communities in the world. picture a bunch of Tony Hawk’s doing crazy shit, and 100s of people watching in amazement. “I’m going to rip the half-pipe” I said, so I went up and stood on the edge. for context: I'm not a skateboarder. I think skateboarding is fun, I skateboard to get from A → B, but I cannot do the skateboard tricks. but being in Venice, I felt inspired to try, so I went up and stood on the edge of the half-pipe. I got to the edge… and something happened: I looked up. I looked at other skaters ripping up the park, I looked at 100s of eyes watching and critiquing, and I chickened out. I’ve thought about this moment for a while: I let the hypothetical thoughts of other people stop me from doing something I really wanted to do. I wanted a chance to redeem myself. then yesterday… we pulled up to a coffee shop, I looked to the right, and there it was: a half-pipe. it wasn’t as big as Venice... but there were skaters skating, and people watching. so I grabbed a skateboard and went to the drop-in, but this time I did something different: I did not focus on other people, I only focussed on “experience.” 🏎️ experiencing the speed of the skateboard; 🔥 the adrenaline of risk; 😡 the frustration of f**ing up; 🏔️ the triumph of getting better. this teleported me into a room by myself; it was almost like I couldn’t see the other people. all of my attention was inward, feeling every single feeling that came up. it was one of the best experiences of my life. I think I experienced unfiltered life for the first time; the thoughts of other people never crossed my mind. so here is my action step moving forward: people say "picture the audience in their underwear." I say forget about the audience entirely. focus internally; on maximizing YOUR experience, and don’t let the thoughts of other people get in the way. #unfiltered

Skateboarders aren't just masters of their craft on the board; they're also warriors when it comes to dealing with pain and injury. 🛹💪 In the world of skateboarding, falls and injuries are inevitable. But what sets skaters apart is their resilience and determination to get back up and keep pushing their limits, no matter how hard the fall. From twisted ankles to broken bones, skateboarders know how to face pain head-on. They embrace it as part of the journey towards mastering their skills. Every bruise and scrape tells a story of perseverance and passion for their sport. But it's not just physical toughness that defines skateboarders. They also possess mental strength, learning to overcome fear and doubt with every trick attempted. Each fall teaches valuable lessons in resilience and determination, shaping them into fearless athletes both on and off the board. So here's to the skaters who turn pain into motivation, who refuse to let setbacks hold them back, and who inspire us all to push through the challenges life throws our way. Keep shredding, keep rising, and never stop chasing your dreams. 💥🔥 #Skateboarders #Resilience #PushingLimits

How to increase your stamina for urban skating? 1. Warm-up Before each skate, a proper warm-up is essential to prepare your muscles and joints for the physical activity ahead. 2. Maintain proper posture Good skating posture is crucial for stamina. Proper posture allows for more efficient breathing and helps reduce fatigue during a skate. 3. Skate daily Skating daily helps improve your stamina and endurance. Aim for at least 1 hour of skating each day. 4. Breathe properly Breathing technique significantly impacts your stamina. Try rhythmic breathing. This method helps maintain a steady oxygen supply to your muscles and the brain. 5. Slow but steady Building stamina takes time, and you must go slow but steady. Gradually increasing your skating pace and distance helps you build stamina without overwhelming your body. 6. Strength training Building muscular strength is crucial for boosting stamina, Focus on exercises that target the core, legs, and glutes, such as squats, lunges, and planks. Ask your coach for more information. 7. Skate on incline Skating on an incline, such as hills or or slopes, can enhance your stamina and build strength. “Incline skating engages different muscle groups and increases cardiovascular demand. It also helps improve your skating form and efficiency” says Coach AB. 8. Listen to music Listening to music while skating can boost your motivation and help you maintain a steady pace. Choose upbeat, energetic songs that match your skating rhythm. Music can distract you from fatigue and make your skate more enjoyable. 9. Stretching to cool down Once you are done with your skating schedule, it is time to stretch to cool down your body. Cooling down after a skate is essential for recovery and reducing muscle soreness. 10. Eat healthy A balanced diet supports skating stamina by providing the necessary nutrients for energy and recovery. Avoid overly processed foods and sugary snacks that can lead to energy crashes. 11. Hydrate yourself Hydrating yourself is very crucial. Proper hydration helps maintain optimal skating performance and stamina. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. 12. Good pair of skates Yes, investing in a good pair of skates holds importance as it can significantly impact your stamina and overall skating experience. Remember to wear your helmet. And safety pads when you skate. #SkateCommunity #outreach #inlineskating #rollerskating #stamina #skating #urbanskating #CoachAB #skater

Dancing on Ice is back, and the blades are flashing brighter than ever! ⛸ So, who else is ready for another season of triple axels, glitter, and the good, the bad, and the downright outrageous "celebs" gracing the ice? Do you care about the bog standard mix of: ⛸Wannabes desperately clinging to their 15 minutes of fame? ⛸Has-beens trying to reignite their star power? ⛸Also-rans just happy to have a spotlight shining on them, no matter how fleeting? Can we talk about the two brave souls who've already sashayed their way through Strictly Come Dancing? Soap doyenne Claire Sweeney 💃 Olympian long jumper Greg Rutherford? 🕺 Sequin overload! And then there's Eddie Edwards, the Eagle, taking flight once again! Remember him? The man who defied gravity and common sense in ski jumping. Now, he's gliding... or will it be gallumping?... on ice. ⛷ IMHO the concept is as hackneyed as a worn-out pair of skating boots by now. But the spectacle has its moments of fun and suspense - and a nasty habit of drawing you in - even if the format feels a bit past its prime. And here's the thing... Much like business, Dancing on Ice is a showcase of effort, resilience, and grit. Think about what the competitors endure: 💪They face challenges 💪They stumble 💪They get back up 💪They strive for that perfect performance Success doesn't always come easy, but those who push through the blisters and falls, honing their skills and exceeding their limits, often end up stealing the show. 🥇 A bit long in the tooth perhaps. But the lessons of perseverance and determination on the ice rink are timeless. At the end of the day, it's not about the missteps and slips, but getting back up and nailing that routine. Where are you on this, die-hard or doubter? #DancingOnIce #GritAndGlitter #PersonalDevelopment #Business #Smallbusiness

 The wheelbase is the distance between the inner mounting holes of the skateboard trucks, and it affects your performance significantly. #skateboard #skateboarding #wheelbase #sport #longboard

How skateboarding taught me to fail 🛹 Back in the late 90s it was peak Tony Hawk's Pro Skater era, I was 13 years old and fully sold on that skateboarding hype train. One of the first fundamentals you have to learn when skating ramps is to 'drop in'. Dropping in is when you stand on the edge of the ramp with the tail of the skateboard pushed over the edge of the ramp's rail, with that in place you step forward with your weight on the board and drop down the ramp. Since my local skate park only had 5 - 6ft ramps to learn this on, there was no gradual learning process and it was straight in at the deep end. To add to the already intimidating scenario, there was usually an audience of more experienced skaters watching you, and sometimes the failure was spectacular 😂 I hit the ground hard SO MANY times whilst practising this, often with that audience watching. In the end, I learned how to drop in and develop my skating skills further. Dropping in taught me a few things - - No matter how scary something can be, I just needed to get back up, walk off the pain, think about what needed to change and go again. The more you fail, the more you learn and develop an educated insight in to what could possibly fix the issue. I started to develop strategies in my head - "Is it my weight distribution on the board?" or "Maybe the placement of my feet was too close together?" Get the feedback, have a hypothesis and then test it out. And repeat. - Even with an audience watching me fail, most people really don't care. They are often too busy dealing with their own things to notice. - I learned to throw myself in with no control over the consequences or the repercussions, I can't control or plan everything. It really was a f**k it lets see what happens mentality. I truly feel this taught me such a powerful lesson at such a young age. It has translated to performing in my old band, music production, content creation, relationships and other areas of my life that I still utilise it today. How did you learn to fail? #failure #skateboarding

🌬️ 5 Advices for Beginners in Ice Skating: Glide Into Success! ❄️  Embarking on your icy adventure? Lace up those skates, and let's turn those wobbles into wonderful memories with these essential tips:  ⛸️ Embrace the Ice: Don't fear the frost! Stand tall, find your balance, and remember, the ice is your friend. A confident posture will not only make you look like a pro but help you feel like one too. ⛸️ Baby Steps First: Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was a flawless figure-eight. Start with small, controlled strides to get a feel for the ice beneath you. It's all about building that foundation. ⛸️ Bend Those Knees: No, we're not doing squats, but bending your knees slightly is the secret to stability. It's the golden rule of skating. Keep 'em loose, and you'll avoid unwanted slips and slides. ⛸️ Arms Out for Balance: Imagine you're gracefully gliding through a winter ballet. Extend your arms to the sides, finding a perfect balance between elegance and practicality. Your arms are like your skating sidekicks – use them wisely! ⛸️ Learn the Art of the Snowplow Stop: The grand finale of any skating routine is a perfect stop. Master the snowplow stop by turning your skates into a V-shape, gently pressing into the ice. It's your ticket to a controlled and stylish halt. Remember, every spin, twirl, and, yes, even the falls, are part of the learning process. So, lace up, laugh off the tumbles, and get ready to carve your own path on the ice. Happy skating! ❄️

Last weekend, I had the chance to go ice skating with my family. It was something I hadn't done in about 30 years, and I was both excited and nervous. As we arrived at the rink, the excitement bubbled up. I couldn’t wait to relive those childhood memories and share this experience with my family. But as I saw the ice, doubt started to creep in. Thirty years is a long time. How was I going to manage this? I put on the skates, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. With a deep breath, I stepped onto the ice. For the first three laps, I clung to the edge, as I walked slashed skated around the rink. I was unsure, scared, and wondering if I had made a mistake. But I kept going, slowly building a bit of confidence. Then, I spotted my daughter, she skated over to me and offered her hand as support. I grabbed her hand and ventured out from the edge. I was wobbly, my legs were shaky, but I was moving away from the edge. My daughter helped me find my balance and build my confidence. With each lap I feel a little steadier. After a few more rounds, something amazing happened. I found my rhythm. I let go of her hand and started skating on my own. The initial fear melted away, replaced by pure enjoyment. I was gliding across the ice, having fun and feeling accomplished. This ice-skating experience made me reflect on leadership. When you first become a manager, it's a lot like stepping onto the ice after years away. You’re excited but also overwhelmed and full of doubt. You might feel underprepared and unsure of your abilities. But with time, support, and practice, you start to find your balance. You tackle difficult conversations, address challenges, and slowly build your confidence. As you continue to grow, you start to see positive changes. Your team responds better, the culture of your service improves, and you begin to enjoy your role more. Just like ice skating, leadership is a journey. It starts with shaky steps, but with perseverance and support, you’ll soon find yourself gliding with confidence. I'd love to hear your personal story about a time when you had to step out of your comfort zone? Let me know in the comments.