HOW SKATING WORKS
The Basics...
The first step in learning how to skate is joining group lessons. Learn to Skate is the United States Figure Skating (USFSA) program that Timberline club uses with their coaching staff. To join basic skills you will need to become a member of the USFSA. With this membership you will receive a monthly magazine with skating news, updates, etc. Being a member of the USFSA also allows the skater to compete and test. We will cover this in the next section. To join basic skills the skater must also become a member of the timberline club. This may seem like a lot to do all just for some lessons, but these are the building blocks and fundamentals that every skater should receive whether they want to learn recreational or go on to compete.
Ice time, coaching, USFSA basic skills level book, and badges as the skaters pass are all included in the basic skills package price.
In basic skills lessons the skaters will go through different levels. Each level contains a few skating elements. When the skater is able to complete these elements they will receive a badge and move on to the next level. These levels can be found on our basic skills page.
When the skater reaches the free skate level they are qualified to participate in our crossovers package or the advanced sessions. This program is for skaters making the transition from group lessons to private lessons.
Private lessons usually start while the skater is in the free skate levels or just after. Private lessons are very beneficial because they are one on one time between the skater and the coach allowing them to work specifically on what is needed for that skater.
During private lessons ice time is not included in the coaches rate. Ice time is available through the Timberline Club at a rate of $15 an hour. Coaches rates vary depending on their experience and levels tested.
A list of coaches can be found under the coaches page. Lessons are usually given in 15 min increments. Most of the time, lessons are between 30-1 hour, but the amount of time is up to the skater and coach.
What's to learn after basic skills?
After basic skills the skater will work with the coach on their USFSA tests. There are different categories availale to test. These include:
MIF-edges, footwork, and balance moves.
Free skate-jumps, spins, and footwork set to music of your choice (this is what is usually seen on tv), Dance-ice dance set on patterns to music (partner is needed. One will be brought in before testing. All dances must be learned solo first before working with a partner)
Pair skating-free skating with a partner. Lifts and throw jumps are also a part of pairs.
Free dance- ice dance with a partner and with dance lifts and spins-no set pattern.
Test sessions are held about twice a year through the Timberline Club. There are other test sessions available throughout the state year round as well. During a test session there will be three judges. Two of the three judges must pass the skater in order to pass the level.
After testing any level of skating, the skater is then qualified to compete at whatever level they tested, or they can compete one level higher. There are two kinds of competitions: qualifying and non qualifying. An example of a non qualifying competition is Badger State Games. Regionals at the juvenile level and above is a qualifying competition. A qualifying competition is a competition for skaters striving to go to the Olympics. The first step is Regionals. If the skaters win they then move onto Sectionals, Nationals, etc. Non qualifying competitions are less intense but great practice for Regionals and are fun for any skater at any level.
Do you love skating but don't want to compete? There are also more fun competitions available such as Artistic Nationals or artistic, interpretive, and footwork groups in non qualifying competitions. Theater on ice is also becoming very popular. Theater on ice and artistic skating is a combination of theater and ice skating. It is great entertainment to watch and a lot of fun to do. It is challenging creatively and physically. This prepares skaters if they are interested in show skating.
Synchronized skating is also a form of skating offered at the Timberline Club. This year we have a Basic Skills Synchro Team. Synchronized skating consists of group skating, boys and girls, with formations, various hand/shoulder holds, and step sequences all performed together to music. Synchronized skating is also a qualifying event for nationals and international competitions. Synchronized skating is available at some universities such as Miami Ohio and the famous Haydenettes from Massachusetts.
Skating can go beyond recreation. There are many job opportunities in skating such as coaching. If you love teaching and love skating, coaching is perfect for you. You don't need to compete to become a coach; although, a few competitions would help to understand how it works. If you want to become a coach, some advice is to test as high as you can get, go to seminars and camps, and to work with different coaches from anywhere and everywhere you can. Another insight and view is always refreshing. Never stop learning. USFSA and Skatepsa are great learning tools.
Another profession is skating is becoming a skater for professional ice shows. If you love performing and aren't ready to give up skating, try an ice show. (Most shows require skaters to be 18 years of age) There are two major traveling shows which are Disney and Holiday on Ice. These contracts are usually between 5-12 months. Or there are shorter stationary contracts at theme parks during the summer and around Christmas. These shows usually last 6 weeks-3 months. There are also cruise ships (usually require at least a double axel) and other small contracts. Any questions about show skating, contact Brittyni Carlson at artistryonice@hotmail.com
What skating can do for you?
Balance, coordination, focus, goal setting, exercise, opportunities to travel and meet new people, friends, social activity in a safe monitored environment, and a great way to express yourself.