Cutting Costs
- Carpool to share responsibilities and save your precious time.
- Fundraise with other parents, an extra hand, a few phone calls, a free service, some used materials, a little driving, etc. – it goes a long way to cut registration costs. Every little bit helps.
- Buy used materials: ask coaches, parents, friends, business owners, other skating clubs, for anything that you may need.
- Practice at home: use any free time you may have to visualize and practice. You pay for ice time, but your time at home is free.
- Semi-Private lessons: although these lessons cannot replace the attention and focus that is so important in a private lesson, lessons with another skater or two are often longer than private lessons and can be very beneficial, while the lesson price is cut between the skaters. This should be decided between you and your coach.
Skates
- Buying Used: Up until your skater is working at the Junior Bronze level, it is nice to try to find used skates that are still in good shape first; when looking at used skates, look for signs of wearing down. If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, the skates are most likely not worth buying.
- Boot: Press the ankle down toward the boot like you're folding the skate, do you see wrinkles, or worse, indents? Press the top of the ankle, can you push the two sides together easily?
- Blade: Are the toes all still pointed? How much sharpening is left; is there a thick grey line running along the edge? Lay the blade on a flat surface, can you roll the boot back and forth smoothly without hitting any flat parts?
- Buying New: Let the store staff know what your skater is working on (if you're unsure, ask your coach first). They should be able to direct you to a skate that will suit your skater's ability. There are many great boots and blades out there, but not all will be the best for every skater. The individual needs of a skater depends on factors such as skill level, weight, muscle tone, age and flexibility. For example, buying a skate that is too stiff too early, will only limit your skater's ability to move; for smaller skaters, a lighter boot would be more beneficial.
- Skates should always be snug. Although you may want to buy a pair that has some room for growth, don't! Instead, buy a skate that has a tiny bit of wiggle room and ask for an insole that can be removed when the skate is first feeling tight.
- How to Check the Fit: Take the insole of the skate out and stand on it, the insole should trace the skater's foot. Have the skater wiggle their toes, they should not be able to scrunch them under their foot, but only be able to move them up and down a little. Have the skaters walk around bending their knees, they should not feel any lifting in the heel. Have the skater bend forward and place a pencil down the back of the skate, the pencil should barely fit to the heel.
- Sharpening: Ask your coach before taking skates anywhere to be sharpened. Figure skates have a very specific blade; any difference or tiny mistake can be very costly to the skater's skills.
- To be sure about anything to do with your equipment, talk to your coach.
Be a Part of It
- If you are just starting out, don’t worry if it’s not love at first step! Sometimes it takes watching other skaters who have learned to stay on the ice, and with their own group.
- Encourage new and experienced skaters. Words of praise can be very motivating.
- Become involved by spending time at the arena. A friendly face in the audience shows support and appreciation.
- Consider becoming an executive member.
- Give anything you can to the sport. Although you may not be able to make a regular commitment, your or some of your other time or resources, no matter how often they may be available, can be very helpful too.
- Being involved brings rewards to your skater, yourself and your club.
Becoming a Better Skater
- Beginners, wear your skates at home. Walking around will build balance.
- Many movements can be practiced without ice! Take a little time at home to go over arm, leg, head, and body placement. Walk through skating steps/moves that you have learned.
- Ask your coach for a copy of any music you are skating to- learn every beat.
- Take a bit of time each day when possible to do some exercises. Cardiovascular and muscular endurance, stretching and posing are all very important. Go for a walk/run , skip, bike, or just chase your little brother. Every bit helps.
- Ask your coach about off-ice routines.
Using Every Second of Your On Ice Time
- Practice, Practice, Practice. Repetition is the best way to train your body.
- Keep moving, especially if you are cold. Even if you are tired, keep skating slowly around the ice to keep your muscles moving. Always challenge yourself.
- Arrive early, be on the ice and ready to go on time.
- Save the talking for the change room!
- Do everything that you know at least once. You may be focusing on certain skills, but you should still practice the others, too.
- Don’t be shy to ask for your music to be played. How will you know how your musicality and timing is if you do not practice with the music?
- Watch out for each other! The ice surface sometimes seems small when everyone is working hard. Keep your eyes up and get up right after a fall so that accidents and stopping are minimized.
- Do not distract other skaters and do not allow them to distract you. Asking questions and practicing in small groups can be great, but stay on track and keep it skating related.