[Gsylass]

Hi Amber! I’m in the Channel Islands, just south of England.

I have the old chrome 50mm X-pole and I love it, however some people say they get on better with the 45mm, so if you have the chance I’d try both to see what you get on better with.

Good luck, and happy poling!

[Gsylass]

Hi, welcome to SV!I was at RGU, I love Aberdeen and would love an opportunity to come back. If I do, I shall be sure to come by your studio!

[Gsylass]

If I could go to Aberdeen I’d spend too much money in there LOL!! I used to order online, but had so many problems with stuff being out of stock and they wouldn’t actually email you or anything, I was just sitting there wondering where my order had gone. And when I tried to return an item and exchange it, it took months to resolve, so now I’m going to phone my orders through so I can check availability. The people I’ve spoken to on the phone have been really friendly and helpful, just very disorganised! But I’ve had 6 pairs of boots and one pair of shoes from there https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_surprised.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif and they are a smidgen on the big side, however my feet swell when they’re hot so I don’t find it a huge issue.

I don’t know of anywhere else in the UK with such a good range, Honour I think has a small selection but again they’re Pleasers as I recall.

Sissybuns has shoes on her House of Pole site, which is linked on the front page of SV, and I’m sure she said she would ship internationally, so it might be worth having a chat with her too?

Good luck, let me know if you find anything good!!

[Gsylass]

Yes, my first pole did. However I think they sent me a dud pole by mistake, as the toolkit was missing and the two halves didn’t screw together straight either, so they replaced it for me. I would phone XPole up to be honest, and see what they recommend, if nobody here has any advice!

[Gsylass]

Hi Hannah, I’ve used nitelife too, and all but one pair actually have padded soles so perhaps it’s worth phoning them up and asking for recommendations?

[Gsylass]

Hi ladies, welcome to the both of you! I’m in the UK, in the Channel Islands – nice to meet you! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[Gsylass]

I picked this name back when I was at uni in Aberdeen, Scotland. I’m actually from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, so it’s a mixture of shortened Guernsey to Gsy and the Scottish term for a girl, lass. Gsylass. My real name is Hannah.

Great idea for a thread – I’ve loved reading all your stories! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif

[Gsylass]

Hi Alysha, nice to meet you! I’ve been getting SV lessons, they really are fantastic https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif I got the yearly subscription, which I suspect will keep going on the anniversary of the original purchase but to be honest with the $/£ rate we’re getting an even better deal so I’m not fussed! New lessons are put up quite frequently, I certainly don’t find myself thinking "Come on, I’m running out here!" because there’s always something to work on, but then I’m not particularly advanced. There’s a ton of stuff – strengthening exercises, floorwork, walks, spins, climbs, inverts, poses… and all really well laid out and demonstrated.

Hope that helps a little – and whatever you decide, happy poling!

[Gsylass]

Hey Cali! Nice to see you again! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Gsylass]

Hmm, I never noticed that! I don’t know whether I’m right or wrong – I think the top knee should be pointing slightly towards the ceiling, with the foot pointing slightly down, because that would give the greatest skin-to-pole contact area, but when I’m up there I don’t really think about more than whether I feel secure enough to let go! Hopefully someone more experienced can advise?? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

[Gsylass]

Hi Susana, welcome! Veena’s lessons are brilliant, well worth it. I can’t advise on the height, as I’m rather short, but there are some fantastic tall people here! Happy poling!

[Gsylass]

Hi RKG, nice to meet another fellow Brit! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif

[Gsylass]

Here’s a picture of the second time ever that I got it – I really just go by feel, a little at a time, as it feels right… not much help I’m afraid https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2784/4409204015_fd31bc571e.jpg

[Gsylass]

Hi from the Channel Islands https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif Definitely echo Teresa’s recommendation for Veena’s lessons, I have to let them buffer before watching but it’s worth the wait!

[Gsylass]

I couldn’t get it until this warm sticky weather started! I get a better knee-pit grip with a good sticky pole, then keep my top hand on while I get my body in position, keep squeezing that knee-pit grip, then as I felt confidence, slooooowly let go and lean over, keeping my top hand ready to grab if I need to.

Good luck, you’ll get there eventually! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif