How to Compete in Figure Skating as an Adult

Figure skating champions Kristi Yamaguchi, Torvill and Dean and Brian Boitano have graced television and twirled and twisted through newspapers and magazines enchanting and awing readers, but have you heard of national champions Stephanie Ewing, Judy Sargent and Craig Joeright, Keith Newcombe, or Sara Robertson? They were recently among the 500 of competitors (some as young as 21 and some 70 or 80 years old) competing in the most recent Adult Championships in Lake Placid, New York. Skill levels included beginner and advanced categories. Skaters across the nation have started jumping, spinning, or ice dancing competitively in their adult years. Could you be the next national competitor or even medalist?

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Good pair of skates with excellent support
• Tight fitting but comfortable skating clothing.
• Gloves
• Skating professional
• Skating bag and equipment
• USFSA membership
• Ice time

1. Visit www.usfsa.org and begin your search for a local figure skating club with private lesson instructors ready to help you achieve your goals. If you have never skated before, start with basic skills lessons also called group classes. If the club you choose does not seem supportive of adult skaters, find another club.

2. Set reasonable goals with your professional skating coach. Will you freestyle, ice dance, or compete in interpretive? How does practice time fit into your work and family schedule? Competitions are expensive; how much of your finances are you able to dedicate to training on and off the ice

3. Early in the season, you should be choosing music and costume. If you search Ebay or some online sites you will find some reasonable priced outfits or ask around at your local club and find a seamstress who designs costumes.

4. Once you have decided on what days and times are allotted for your practice and lesson time, follow an on-ice routine. Your coach should help you develop a training schedule that will change at various points of the season: *On ice jumps or stroking drills should be done early in the season.*Preparing for test sessions that determine what level you are allowed to compete in should take place early to mid-season.*Preparation of your program should take place at the beginning of the season.*Preparation of your dances or program which require a five minute warm-up preparation and a back to back run through of your program or dances should be practiced at the end of the season just before your major competition.*Rest time should be factored in to prevent injuries.

5. Consider the addition of off ice training: cardio, weight lifting, Pilates and flexibility training. Visits to a massage therapist and chiropractor will also keep your back in tip-top shape.

Tips & Warnings

• Sit down with your spouse or just yourself and plan out when competitions fall in the coming year and what the cost of skating is going to be. Figure skating is an expensive and time-consuming sport. Ice time, professional fees, equipment, competition and travel, as well as many other hidden costs can put a strain on a family budget.
• Visit a major adult competition such as Adult Championships or sectionals to get a feel of the quality of skating and where you fit in.
• If you are interested in ice dancing with a partner, Ice Dancer and sectional competitor Jim Hibbard suggests “make sure the partner lives very close or you're both very good on your own.”
• Take your time moving up levels in skating because moving up too fast can cause injury.
• Torn or pulled muscles are common in skating especially if you have not taken enough rest time. Bad equipment can also cause injuries.

Resources

• United States Figure Skating Association

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