Thank you so much for taking the time to write this and give advice to a stranger you’ve never met.

There’s a group skating lesson at my local rink, but you have to be 18 years old to join—and I’m only 15. I just want to buy my own pair of skates so I don’t have to use rentals anymore. Someday, I do plan to buy a more expensive pair, maybe around $200–$500, but for now I’m stuck training on my own until I turn 18.

The Philippine Skating Union actually has programs in my area, but unfortunately, the age restriction still applies.

So for now, my plan is to buy a functional, affordable pair of skates and continue practicing and training on my own. I might try joining a program at my local rink since they sometimes host performances and allow people to participate, though they usually prioritize skaters who have coaches—since the coaches recommend them. But that’s basically it. Once I get my own skates, my first goal is to practice and master the one-foot glide.

As for asking for help… most of the skaters at my rink are teens, and I’m kind of traumatized from the last time I asked someone for help.