Figure skating and me

At 25, I'm quite ancient compared to those kiddies who start figure skating training right after they learn how to walk. But as an adult figure skater, which I'm quite proud to be, I guess I'm still quite a baby.

Learning to figure skate has always been one of my dreams. When a rink opened up ten-minutes bus ride from home when I was in undergrad, I dreamed of being a figure skater even more. However, too many commitments in and outside of college and too many excuses prevented me from living that dream.

Now, a graduate student in a different city, different country, I find myself living ten-minutes drive away from another ice rink. This time, I know I have to take the chance, otherwise I will regret it for the rest of my life. And I'm so glad I did : )

I started taking group lessons in November, 2011, eight months ago. I already knew how to skate around both backwards and forwards, and could do things like swizzles and two foot turns, so I went straight to the adult intermediate class. First day of the first semester was very frightening. We were to do shoot the ducks, but I didn't even know what a dip was! Bunny hops, three turns, crossovers, all of those things that seem relatively  simple to me now was incredibly difficult then, especially when everyone else in the class seemed to be able to do them! But every week I learned something new, and every week, I fell in love with figure skating a little bit more.

Three semesters later, I was half forced, quarter threatened and quarter convinced by our class coach C to step up to the adult advanced class. Another challenge as the skaters in the advanced class were much more advanced than I was. First lesson was more intimidating than that very first day eight months ago. These people were doing double salchows and even double axels when I couldn't even solidly land my loop jump yet. Even crossovers were five times faster than what I'd been used to! Now three weeks into the semester, I'm starting to get used to the fast tempo, and to have a thicker skin and a stronger heart and be brave. I'm so grateful to coach C for pushing me to do more. And so, the story of the jumps and falls of a 25-year-old adult figure skater continues... hopefully for a long time!


July, 2012

12 comments:

  1. I just found your journal by googling "adult figure skater". I am looking forward to reading your posts from the beginning :)

    I am 25 and started taking skating classes in 2011. I am a slow learner but I love skating!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome and thanks for visiting! :)
      We're the same age then! Hope you have as much fun skating as I do!

      Delete
    2. Hi there! Great blog :)

      I have a question that I wonder if you could help with. I'm 26. I know how to skate (forwards/backwards/stopping/etc) but I'm interested in learning how to do basic jumps and tricks and stuff. Can you recommend any schools (assuming you're in Toronto)?

      Delete
    3. Hi Arthur! Thank you :)

      I'm not in Toronto actually. I was in Ottawa for a little bit because my parents were there, but not anymore. I suggest you go to the rinks near you (or their websites) and look up their group classes. If they are adult group classes, even better (unless you don't mind learning with little kids lol). I don't have any suggestions since I've never learnt there, but there is an adult skating forum and you can try asking there. I'm pretty sure there are people in Toronto on the forum. The web address is http://skatingforums.com/
      Have fun skating!

      Delete
    4. Arthur - I'm hoping you see this as the comment is a little old. I'm not in TO, but there is a club in TO that focuses on Adults. I believe they're called the University Skating Club or something similar. Good luck!

      Delete
  2. hi, i love reading your blog, i've been skating a similar length of time to you and i'm at a similar level, but on roller skates. and even though I started at 14 I still felt ancient compared to all the little kids I skated with :) hope 2013 will be a good skating year for everyone!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Rosie! Thank you :) Ever thought of trying out ice skates? I can rollerblade too (not jump or spin), but I like figure skating on ice a lot better! Hope you have a great year skating too!

      Delete
  3. I am planning to commence classes as a adult beginner skater as well. I have read heavily on the internet that it is very difficult if not impossible to do jumps such as Triple Lutz and Triple Axels is this true ? I know you have just started recently so I was hoping and trying to learn a little more about this discipline to know what I should be ready for .
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! That's great that you're starting classes! My closest rink closed down so I've actually stopped skating for a while, but I really do miss it.
      Starting as an adult, I would say triple lutz and triple axels are impossible. Even starting as a kid, only the highest level competitors achieve these. For ladies, triple axels are not even common even at Worlds/Olympic level.
      I would set your sights on accomplishing all six of the single jumps for now. I never even got to axel before I had to stop learning :( It's not easy, will be a lot of work, but I hope you have tons of fun!

      Delete
  4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi everyone sorry to bother! If you are a skater, coach or you know any skaters please take the time to do my 3-minute survey or share! Only 100 more to go to reach my target for my Uni project! a hypothetical proposal for a new boot brand! I would love to get a balance of research with beginners and more experienced skaters. Click the link below it would be much appreciated

    https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Q9BYTRR

    ReplyDelete