While the obvious response is "it depends on what kind of skating you want to do", in reality the beginner has to learn a set of basic skating skills starting with balance, posture, stroking and stopping, and these can be learned on either type. So, which type of skate is better to start with, and how much the two types of skating really differ?

The toe picks on figure skates need *getting used to*. They are *not* used for very basic skating (stroking, cross-cuts) but are required for proper execution of many jumps and spins. You get more of the fundamentals when you learn on figure skates (perhaps because the lessons concentrate on technique).

The blade of the figure skate is wider than hockey skates. The profile or rocker is intended to have the right radius of curvature along the blade for moves where you are shifting your weight to the front or back of the skates. There are different styles of blades for dance, figures and free-style. Hockey blades are short, narrow, with a deep grind and highly rockered, especially at the ends and are designed for maximum agility . Blades for goalies aren't as rockered and have a shallower grind.

Hockey skaters tend to skate more hunched over and are much more concerned with quick stops, starts, and changes of direction. Figure skaters tend to skate more upright, and have more fluid movements. And they don't spit on the ice ;-)

Figure skates generally cost more than hockey skates. The boots are usually made of leather and require maintenance. Figure skates have heels (about 1 1/2 inches).

Figure skates should not be used for playing hockey. The blades protrude more and can cause injury. Hockey skates can be used for figure skating (even for jumping) but your progress will be limited.

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