Req 2c11 — Lunge Turn

A lunge turn is a dynamic direction change executed from significant speed — you drop into a low lunge position to lower your center of gravity and use edge control to steer sharply around an object. Your counselor will place an object (typically a cone) and you must approach at a strong pace and turn cleanly around it.

How to Perform a Lunge Turn

1. Build strong speed. The lunge turn is most effective with momentum — approach the object at a real skating pace.
2. Initiate the lunge. As you near the object, step one foot well forward and to the inside of the turn (the foot that will be closest to the object). This is your lead foot; your knee bends deeply as you commit weight to it.
3. Trail the outside foot. The outside foot stays behind and to the outside of the turn, either lifted or lightly touching the pavement.
4. Use your weight and edges to steer. The lead foot’s inside edge bites into the pavement and arcs you around the object. Your low center of gravity allows a sharper turn.
5. Rise out of the lunge. After clearing the object, push up from the deep knee bend and resume normal skating.

Why “From a Strong Pace” Matters

At slow speeds, a lunge turn is not much different from a regular step-around. The requirement specifies a strong pace because real-world use of the lunge turn happens when you need to change direction quickly — avoiding an obstacle on a path, cutting around a pedestrian, navigating a descent. Your counselor is assessing whether you can maintain control during high-momentum direction changes.

Official Resources