Writer / First skates & family sessions
Maya Chen
Good advice leaves room for someone’s very first lap.
The perspective
Maya approaches skating through the eyes of a newcomer. Her writing is patient without talking down to anyone, and especially attentive to how a first outing feels when different ages and confidence levels are involved.
The approach
Explain the choices before recommending one. Look for evidence behind beginner-friendly claims, and give families useful tradeoffs without assuming every family needs the same thing.
On the page
Latest writing
Your first Atlanta ice skate, from rental counter to first lesson
Rental-inclusive price comparisons, child-ticket differences and the details that matter before choosing a class.
Maya Chen · September 17, 2026 First time on the iceA Connecticut public skate that works for the family
Stamford, Northford and Simsbury, with equipment and age rules checked before the trip.
Maya Chen · September 17, 2026 First time on the iceYour first Denver-area skate, with the full cost in view
Apex, Ice Centre and South Suburban compared by rentals, programs and beginner needs.
Maya Chen · September 17, 2026 First time on the iceA Worcester-area public skate, rentals included in the plan
Buffone, Horgan and Navin offer three starting points for a first or occasional skate.
Maya Chen · September 17, 2026