Strapped in, on skates

The Kiwanis Ice Arena recently received the donation of a skate harness through the generosity of local resident, Colette VanDerbeck. The skate harness is an important tool used by coaches and skaters to aid in the development of multiple revolution jumps such as the axel. The skate harness allows the coach to assist the skater as they learn the rotation and timing of the jumps, and the skate harness has already been put to use several times since its installation. Coaches from the Saugerties Skating School were trained in the use of the device by Marc LeBel, the inventor and designer of the skate harness, the only one endorsed by the Professional Skaters Association. The skate harness is an invaluable asset that will benefit many skaters at the Kiwanis Ice Arena for years to come.