My Roller Hockey Saga (Part Four)

Question
Okay, it's me again.  I have a more generic question this time, regarding what surface would be the best to practice skating on.  I know that I just started skating, so I figure that it comes with experience, but I seriously cannot control myself at all on even the smallest of inclines.  I guess that doesn't really matter if I just want to skate for hockey, but it makes it hard to find a spot where I can practice.  So far, I have just been skating around in either my garage or my laundry room (both of which are only the size of about half a parking spot however).  I was wondering if you knew of any surfaces that would be similar to a roller hockey rink.  I've thought about just going to a roller rink, but that can get expensive and I would have to travel a long way to get there.  I was wondering if a tennis court or something like that would be similar.  Probably these are questions that you don't expect very often, but I have never even been on a roller hockey rink before, so I don't know what it is made out of or anything like that.  If you could just tell me about some surface that would feel the same, I would greatly appreciate it.  Also, I was wondering if skating with a hockey stick is much different than without one.  I know that I don't have too firm a grasp on skating alone, but if it is very different when you are holding something, I would like to start soon.  From what I've seen, it seems like it could help you, almost like being a third leg (and I was wondering if you could possibly push down on the stick to aid in slowing down/stopping).  Sorry for the kind of whimsical questions here, but they were just some things that I wanted to know.  Thanks again for everything!

Answer
Hi,
  Your question is a perfectly logical question.  If you're going to be playing hockey at a school, I would imagine you'll be playing on a wood floor.....perhaps the gym floor?  If the hockey team plays at a facility other than a school, the surface may be a hard rubber type floor.

  Since neither of these surfaces are available to practice on it really doesn't matter where you practice as long as it's on a flat surface.  Once your more comforable on your skates the inclines won't bother you but for now stick to a flat surface.

  You might try a tennis court or a emply parking lot or even a street that doesn't have a lot of traffic.  But when the weather gets bad, you might want to consider an indoor roller rink.  Look for a local business and once people are out of work, then go skate in their lot.  

Around here we have a couple walking/skating (paved) paths that people use.  If you don't know of any, call the local police department and they would probably know.

  Another thought would be to ask your local park district if you could come in and practice on their gym floor.  Not sure if they would let you but it might be worth a try?  Explain to them why you need to practice and they may support your cause if the gym isn't being used.  

  At this point any practice is good practice.  It really doesn't matter what type of surface your practicing on as long as it's flat.  Just think how smooth the hockey surface will feel after practicing on bumpy surfaces all this time.  It will feel easy to you.  

  Skating with a hockey stick would only benefit you if you're ready to try various hockey moves.  Don't use it to help you stop.  You could get hurt and you would most likely break the stick.  Just keep practicing pushing, hockey stops, T-stops and backward skating.  

  Check around your neighborhood for a large flat surface,  I'm sure you will find one to practice on.

Good Luck and I'm always around and ready for your next question.  Now go practice, practice, practice.  lol

Pat