The days of tot classes are now far behind you, and your kid wants nothing more than to be on the ice. Go figure! Figure Skating is often an underrated sport in my opinion because many people just don’t understand the dedication that is put into it and how fiercely competitive (and selective) it truly is. For most, figure skating is associated with winter as a fun cold day activity or an entertaining Olympic sport, but not many actually pursue it as their sport of choice or competitively. If your child couldn’t get enough of their beginner classes, it is time to get them skating more consistently. Here are a few ways to get your ice princess or prince where they want to be.
Private Lessons
Private lessons will vary in price depending on the instructor that you choose. If your child liked the summer camp that they went to, start with either that coach or at least at that rink to find someone they have synergy with. Since figure skating is mostly an individual sport, it’s especially important to find a coach that your child trusts and one that understands your child’s intentions within the sport. They will be spending a lot of time together and hopefully moving up the levels, and you don’t want a coach that is going to put too much pressure on them. Like I mentioned before, figure skating is a very competitive sport, and it’s important to be supportive but not pushy. I have seen way too many good skaters leave the sport because the pressure was too great. Beyond that, setting up a consistent training program with the coach you choose will help your child get better and better. Once your child has a training schedule in place, it will be time to start testing up the levels and most importantly, competing! Even if you can’t afford for your child to compete in every competition in the area, have them do one or two to just get the experience. Aside from just training on the ice, figure skaters are often required to supplement with off-training classes such as ballet, yoga, and Pilates, in addition to weight training, to make sure they are receiving a well-rounded training program.
What They Need
Like previously mentioned, skating in not an inexpensive sport. So if you are worried about costs, start with the basics at first until your child in well associated with everything. If they are in a consistent program, even a consistent camp program, you are probably going to want to buy them their own pair of skates so that they fit correctly. A good pair of skates will make all the difference. If you kid is going the competitive route and quickly advancing in the sport, it is time to look into custom skates. Ask your child’s coach if they are ready for this before making any purchases because they are very expensive and if your child is still growing, they will quickly grow out of their skates and will need to be replaced. So you will want to make sure that is the correct move to make. Aside from skates, make sure they have a few pairs of tights. I always liked wearing two pairs of tights, one pair that was close toe and then a second pair that covered my boots, if I was wearing a skating dress. Double layering keeps you warmer and will protect your skates while training. Wearing a pair of closed toe tights with yoga pants or leggings is another popular option and more common these days. Just have your child pair them with a fitted fleece or shirt, and they will be good to go. It is just important not to wear anything too bulky while training since the movements require fluidity and precision. If they can’t move, they can’t be accurate. Then just add a pair of gloves, and they are good to go!
Figure skating often feels like an exclusive club since so few people actually pursue it seriously as a sport, so if your child is interested in giving it a shot, go for it! It may be expensive, but since it is so selective, if you child is good enough and sticks with it, it can be very fulfilling. It could even get them into an amazing college! If anything though, I have no doubt that your kid will have an amazing time escaping the heat of summer while in camp and come out with some great stories they can share the rest of their life.