This YouTube video shows Nick Perna skating on figure skates with the skate blades modified. This video proves that we primarily use the center part of the blade for the vast majority of skating on the ice. To demonstrate this, Nick cut off the front of the blade just in front of the middle stanchion and the back of the blade just behind the rear stanchion.
I believe this video was taken by one of Nick’s students who used the video to experiment with various video effects…hence the focus and color changes throughout.
If you watch carefully, you’ll see some fantastic drills for developing edge control and power. This is a great video because it debunks many myths associated with figure skating blades. It also might be the earliest video of the development of Nick’s Freedom Blade as popularized by Michael Weiss. And honestly, it’s just fun to watch.
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9 responses to “Figure Skating Blades: Crazy Skates (Nick Perna)”
1. Nick hasn’t aged, a day! 2. How does he think to CUT OFF the front of blade – and still skate?? 3. Fairfax Ice arena looks the same. 4. Nick isn’t just a Jump Specialist/Pole Harness Specialist – he’s a EDGE Specialist. 5. This proves (again) that Nick is a GENIUS! WOW NICK!
Love the two-foot sit spin! Love the gorgeous edges! Thanks for sharing!
Amazing!!!
PS Is there any rock in the blade?
Yes.. the main rocker radius between the stanchions was left intact.
it wont let me view the video???
Sorry SarahEvans, video was marked as private. But now it’s available again. Thanks Nick for making this available to everyone!
This looks like you’ve made ice skates that work a little more like quad rollers.
The description mentions some myths that these skates debunk. What were those myths?