Skating Tips From Esther Bernard – Bangalore Sports
Imagine whizzing down the highway with the wind for company and on a set of wheels that doesn’t require you to turn 18 and get a license. Roller skating as a sport is a great favorite among children, especially in Karnataka. Although the number of skating clubs in the city is not that high, awareness of the game is being raised, and various championships are held at the district, state, and national levels to hone your child’s talent and competitive spirit. One of the city’s clubs is the Esther Roller Skating Club (09886568364), run by 25-year-old star skater Esther Bernard. Esther was ranked 24th fastest skater at the world championships held in France in 2001 and has represented India in various Asian roller skating competitions. championships. With 27 gold medals in various national and all-India roller skating championships to her credit, she is a great source for some skating tips. MetroMela spoke to him.
* I think the right age to start learning roller skating is four years old. This sport needs strong ankles, and in this day and age, children’s ankles are strong enough. Their bodies are also flexible, they learn technique well, and are easier to handle than younger children.
* Skating is a great way to keep your balance. I feel that children are capable of doing well in studies and sports even if they have done it professionally. I myself missed school half the year due to tournaments, but did well academically. I attribute a lot to the discipline of sport.
* Skating teaches you to think smart and plan. You also learn to coordinate, balance your body and concentrate.
* Builds a good level of immunity in your body. In all these years, I’ve rarely seen skaters get sick.
* When you are skating, make sure you have plenty of water in the breaks in between.
* There are chances of many bruises from skating, even if children wear knee pads, etc. Some kids play it safe, but to really learn, you have to be aggressive.
* Parents should be aware that skating can become an expensive sport. Beginner equipment is available at any sporting goods store in Bangalore. Beginners can buy good skates from Yonex for around Rs 400. For kids taking part in tournaments, professional equipment is available from premium brands like Bont, which you can order from abroad or through skating clubs. Those are expensive, costing around $250.
* Children can start playing at any age, but the ideal age to start is from four years old. Most of the kids I train for competitions are in the age range of 5-7 years old (semi-professionals) and 8-12 years old (professionals).
Skating clubs in Bangalore…
Ace Rollers Skating School
Started by an enthusiastic group of parents who wanted to promote skating as a sport, this club has been around for the past six years and welcomes children as young as four. Boys trained by the club have participated in championships at the state, national and even world level. Experienced coaches train the children and fitness is of paramount importance, says Dr. Veena Ashok, a member of the committee. Beginners have four classes a week of one hour each, while those who go to the professional tournaments have classes six days a week at 5:45 AM. They practice at the Jayanagar Stadium.
Esther Skating Club
Led by 25-time national champion Esther Bernard, this year-old club welcomes children as young as four. Classes are held at the skating rink at National Games Village, Koramangala. They also hold summer camps from where they select talent for tournaments. There are three categories: beginners, semi-professionals, and professionals. Classes are held in the afternoon between 4:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The fee is approximately Rs 300 per month.
Coles Park Skating Club
This club is run by five to six coaches and welcomes children from the age of four. Classes are held at Coles Park. You can opt for morning classes (6:20 am to 7:30 am) or evening classes (7:00 pm to 8:00 pm). The fee is 550 rupees per month.