Comments on: The Boomerang Effect

By: Kati

Kati — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 01:50:29 +0000

Looking at this website gave me some inspiration to return to figure skating when i get the chance. I havent skated for 4 years now. In the beginning it was fine and i was happy to experience new things, but now when i watch figure skaters on television or picture the feeling in my mind i start crying because i miss it so much. I am quite sure that i won’t have the opportunity to skate regularly for another 3 or 4 years due to where i live and my university course. I’m currently 18 but hope to get back on the ice as soon as possible. I’m scared that my skills will be completely out the window by then and it will take years to get back to where i was. I hope someone has had a similar experience and can give me some hope. Figure skating is such a beautiful sport and I miss it more every day

By: Cabe

Cabe — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:34:33 +0000

As a habitual “boomeranger,” I really enjoyed this post! My mom and I always talk about all those kids we knew at UD who were phenomenal — but non-Olympic — skaters and who don’t skate anymore. It’s so sad! I feel incredibly fortunate to have been led back onto the ice thanks to a serendipitous set of circumstances for my first boomerang post-college. It showed me that I could still improve despite years off, and that the skating community would always be welcoming no matter where I was. So I didn’t worry getting back to it after another few years off for grad school, and I plan to be back it after whatever breaks are foisted upon me in the future.
I wish everyone could have that experience and know that the ice is still there for them, and that same Paso Doble you used to do is still on the stereo if you want it! Just get your butt to the rink that first time and you’ll be amazed.

By: Bobbie Anne

Bobbie Anne — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:39:33 +0000

As the “rare exception” example in your blog above, I must say my boomerang was extremely difficult yet amazingly rewarding! It took countless weeks of hitting the gym for 1-2 hrs/day to get back into skating shape, then countless weeks of on-ice training to get my jumps and spins back. Then to learn the pair tricks to get the Gold Medal there was another seemingly impossible task, but it made it that much more gratifying once accomplished. I had a ton of fun doing it, and I would certainly encourage those skaters who are debating whether to do it or not, to go ahead and just do it! You will feel so empowered when you do.
I am living proof that you are never too old to accomplish your goals, and nothing is impossible if you really want it. You just need the desire, dedication and determination.
Go for it!!!

By: Roo Kanga

Roo Kanga — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:11:13 +0000

The best thing about the boomerangs is their appreciation for what it took to put them on the ice finacially and logisitically, and makes them realize the lengths they might, or might not go to for their own kids someday, whether skating, soccer or whatever.

By: sitspin

sitspin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 02:51:42 +0000

Coming back is very humbling. Things you thought were simple now seem very difficult. I have a clear picture of I should look and feel but actually matching my body to that picture is a challenge. Thanks for this!

By: Christine Ortiz Lewis

Christine Ortiz Lewis — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:12:28 +0000

I don’t really consider myself a boomer-rang skater, but in a way I am. I was not an accomplished skater as a child; I never had a private coach or money for proper skates; I rarely skated more than an hour a week. Yet, skating has been a part of me for 35 years. There is no denying the pull skating has. I had not skated since I was 15 and returned to it at 32 years old. My skating now is a dream I dared not dream as a child. When I passed my Intermediate Moves and Adult Gold Moves this year at 39 I thought, I can ask for no more. Of course, I must now get my Novice- then I’ll be satisfied…
I think that as an adult, I get to enjoy the sweeter side of skating. The social aspect of skating, if I’m honest, just may be my main motivator to get to the rink. Everyone there “gets it” too. It isn’t easy to make time for skating when you have a family, and I have had to skate while battling chronic illness, but it brings me a satisfaction nothing else does.

By: Strats

Strats — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:38:08 +0000

very interesting to read how the various skaters were compelled to come back and accomplish their goals…also like the graphic (boomerang skating in air – cool)

By: Terri

Terri — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:52:36 +0000

After decades off the ice starting with college I boomeranged and took up ice dancing. Kept skating through a divorce, a move across the country, several job disasters, etc., etc. and finally passed my standard gold dance test at age 45. Life may not work out as planned but you can always escape to the rink. It’s harder as an adult but far more rewarding.

By: Lori Lee

Lori Lee — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:36:51 +0000

What about the boomerang effect as it pertains to Adult Skaters? We also boomerang back. But it’s not college that keeps us off the ice, but rather illness or job change or relocation or any myriad of adult schmutz(es). But we do come back…like the proverbial bad penny and the boomerang!

By: Anna

Anna — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:27:19 +0000

Yup much more difficult to come back and jump even after a few WEEKS!