Ice Skating London

Where can I find a place to learn speed ice skating in East Central Florida?

My 8yo daughter has been figure skating for a couple of years now and she is just about over it. Says she does not want to quit, but she never wants to practice and now we have talked her into taking a break and sitting out a session (8 weeks) to see if she misses it or not. When she does skate, though (not starting break until after Christmas Show), I have noticed that she spends more time just skating as fast as she can than anything else. And she is faster than some of the boys and older kids, too. She said to me once she wished our rink taught speed skating. Problem is, as far as I can tell nobody around here does. If anyone has any clue how to find a beginning speed ice skating program in the east central florida area (east of Orlando, near shuttle launch), PLEASE tell me about it. Even pointing me in the right direction so I know where to look would be great. I can't find ANYTHING and I would like her to have the chance to try. Thanks! Thanks for the answers so far. I guess I didn't mention, there is only one rink in my county (the one we go to) and they don't do speed skating. The tiny rink south of us recently closed (and wasn't big enough anyway). Ours is the only rink in our yellow pages too (pathetic, huh?). I'm sure you are being kind with your suggestions but I have done the obvious things. I guess this is a long shot in case maybe there is a club or something I am not aware of. I will mention to her that an experienced skater told me that her speed was a real plus for the figure skating. I'm just not sure if she truly WANTS to keep it up and I won't make her do it. Maybe taking a breather will clarify things. Thanks again! I'm leaving this open as long as I'm allowed to just in case.

Public Comments

1. Look in your area's yellow book or call the directory. They should be able to help you. Ask the service people there too. I've been figure skating for years, and I find it enjoyable. If she has that kind of speed, she would do very well in the figure skating area. I recommend that she doesn't quit if she has that kind of speed, but if she really doesn't practice then I guess speed skating would be good for her.
2. I'm not in Florida, but I'm sure the yellow pages would have a listing.
3. There are very few speed skating clubs in the country. Does your daughter want to do long or short track. I coached several short track speed skaters on technique and the figure skating moves in the field will give her a good grounding in stability, control and speed. In the mean time you can go to speed skating.com, US Speed skating www.usspeedskating.org, or contact the PSA the Professional Skaters Association and they could refer you.