tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.comments2023-04-07T10:27:50.934-05:00XanboniAlexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087069977867729538noreply@blogger.comBlogger3392125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-75209546325382397452017-08-20T07:42:26.817-05:002017-08-20T07:42:26.817-05:00We're talking strictly about bringing a skater...We're talking strictly about bringing a skater up to a competitive level, so this includes increased coaching, ice time, costume, choreography, travel, etc. If you're just switching to get on the test track, the cost may or may not increase, depending on how seriously the skater was training at ISI, but at any rate it's likely to be much less if you take the competitive aspect out.Alexandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04087069977867729538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-16659366014194663952017-08-19T11:34:41.482-05:002017-08-19T11:34:41.482-05:00Why would it cost $10,000 to switch? Is it the cos...Why would it cost $10,000 to switch? Is it the cost of the tests?Anne Siddallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01477008838774085598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-9877696335961404822017-01-31T22:32:08.108-06:002017-01-31T22:32:08.108-06:00Alexandra, you got it spot on! How come when a gir...Alexandra, you got it spot on! How come when a girl decided to play hockey or basketball, no one bats an eye, yet when a guy wants to figure skate, or for example, cook or bake, he is quickly discouraged? And he also has to hide that he's interested, for fear of being made fun of. But of course, those are "girly" things and you gotta be "manly" and go play soccer or something. *rolls eyes*<br /><br />This is harming us as humans overall. The irony is, some of the best figure skaters and greatest chefs are indeed male! We need to do a better job of encouraging guys to try what are apparently "girly" activities. And we have to remove the stigma associated with them so that they stay interested and motivated! :)Xavierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03588368019744203333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-45098647106516054772017-01-31T22:27:19.355-06:002017-01-31T22:27:19.355-06:00Alexandra, you said it perfectly! How come when a ...Alexandra, you said it perfectly! How come when a girl decides to do Hockey or play basketball, no one bats an eye, yet a guy who wants to figure skate or for example cook or bake is quickly discouraged? He has to hide it too in fear of being made fun of. But oh of course those are "girly" things. Gotta be "masculine and really manly"...*rolls eyes* And the irony is that some of the best figure skaters and greatest chefs are male! We need to remove the stigma associated with "girly" things and encourage guys to skate too!!<br /><br />NONE of these activities are inherently male or female and it's time that we as a society realize this! :)Xavierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03588368019744203333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-69012310192293745182016-12-28T00:23:35.190-06:002016-12-28T00:23:35.190-06:00Great response. The sky is not going to fall if y...Great response. The sky is not going to fall if you "assist" you child with their skates. It is no different than an equipment manager working/repairing equipment to maximize efficiency<br />Sky is fallinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01199605964689186508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-47160248519452920452016-09-12T00:46:03.214-05:002016-09-12T00:46:03.214-05:00I was very pleased to read this article before tak...I was very pleased to read this article before taking my 3.8 years girl to her first day of ice skating lesson. I am kind of know that she will be completely melt down and scared to be on ice. This article is helpful and help me to prepare. Yes, if she says no, we will sit and watch the class.arpa_oomphhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805734739160991939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-1579963325378168272016-02-21T09:31:09.156-06:002016-02-21T09:31:09.156-06:00It is me again "unknown" aka Holly, reg...It is me again "unknown" aka Holly, regarding the Crashe website. I wanted to mention that with their ice halo style, I notice there is good coverage of the base of the skull, something I do not see in the ice halos worn around our rink. The base is a spot that can be tough to protect unless the device fits really well. I have not worn the Crashe ice halo style, and again, no endorsement from me either, but I am impressed with the design. Hollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05953214884756108678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-44368612655319939992016-02-21T08:13:23.070-06:002016-02-21T08:13:23.070-06:00No worries! Thanks for the input. Important to kee...No worries! Thanks for the input. Important to keep current (and you are evidence that people still find this blog!)Alexandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04087069977867729538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-61477470656552762092016-02-21T08:11:55.952-06:002016-02-21T08:11:55.952-06:00Looks like they also have an ice-halo style versio...Looks like they also have an ice-halo style version that is markete specifically for skaters. (This is not an endorsement). I understand the comfort issues but find it appalling that the figure skating world is not just behind on this issue, but actively disdainful if not hostile despite several prominent, life-threatening and career-ending injuries among elite skaters. And those are the only ones we hear about. http://crasche.com/blogAlexandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04087069977867729538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-69762948732506560452016-02-21T07:31:59.672-06:002016-02-21T07:31:59.672-06:00know it is often faux pas to post on old subjects ...know it is often faux pas to post on old subjects though I notice the original was reposted more recently by reader request. As things do change with time I thought I would throw my very limited two cents in. I am a new adult skater, limited lessons as a child and skated recreationally in college. My husband and I have recently simply started going to public sessions about three mornings a week for the past couple of months. We are practicing the basics, getting our feet wet so to speak. As an equestrian for over 35 years, head protection is no new subject for me. I have chosen head protection riding my horses over the years depending on the situation, but will admit that I do not always wear it, and can understand why many skaters do not always wear it either, for adults, it is a personal choice that you weigh risks on. Regardless, riding helmets are far more advanced than any offered for figure skating currently. As a rank newbie, my decisions for personal protection gear have been a bit daunting with skating. I have opted currently for wrist guards at all times, and they saved me good last week...I went down hard on my right hand whilst getting used to my new skates. But I have also opted for this cap, known as a Crashe cap. I did not see it mentioned on here. It is a knit cap with protective inserts. It makes no specific safety claims, such as per ASTM with equestrian helmets, but does appear to be much better than nothing at all. I wear the lighter material one secured with a longer knit cap over it that covers my ears. I like that it covers the back of my head, and in the lovely fall I had last week where I sat down hard, it stayed put nicely, It feels snug but not uncomfortable, but again, I wear mine with a little extra security with the additional hat. Hopefully it is ok to post the link, I am in no way affiliated with the company. http://crasche.com/blog My husband thinks it is near, but he has a pretty large head and it not convinced the current sizes would fit him right. He opted for wrist guards only and I feel they are imperative for him as he has had hand issues in the past and does not need more. I think we all need to make safety equipment decisions for ourselves in any sport bad on a number of factors, and it is nice to know what your options are. Hollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05953214884756108678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-46091349910676286622016-02-21T07:30:28.655-06:002016-02-21T07:30:28.655-06:00I know it is often faux pas to post on old subject...I know it is often faux pas to post on old subjects, though I notice the original topic was reposted more recently by reader request. As things do change with time I thought I would throw in my very limited two cents. I am a new adult skater, limited lessons as a child and skated recreationally in college. My husband and I have recently simply started going to public sessions about three mornings a week for the past couple of months. We are practicing the basics, getting our feet wet so to speak. As an equestrian for over 35 years, head protection is no new subject for me. I have chosen head protection riding my horses over the years depending on the situation, but will admit that I do not always wear it, and can understand why many skaters do not always wear it either. For adults, it is a personal choice that you weigh risks on. Regardless, riding helmets are far more advanced than any offered for figure skating currently. As a rank newbie, my decisions for choosing personal protection gear have been a bit daunting with skating. I have opted currently for wrist guards at all times, and they saved me good last week...I went down hard on my right hand whilst getting used to my new skates. I have also opted for this cap, known as a Crashe cap. I did not see it mentioned on here, so I thought I would add it. It is a knit cap with protective inserts. It makes no specific safety claims, such as per ASTM with other helmets, but does appear to be much better than nothing at all. I wear the lighter material one secured with a longer knit cap over it that covers my ears. I like that it covers the back of my head, and in the lovely fall I had last week where I sat down hard, it stayed put nicely, It feels snug though not uncomfortable, but again, I wear mine with a little extra security with the additional hat. Hopefully it is ok to post the link, I am in no way affiliated with the company. http://crasche.com/blog My husband thinks it is neat, but he has a pretty large head and is not convinced the current sizes would fit him well. He has opted for wrist guards only, and I feel they are imperative for him as he has had hand issues in the past and does not need more. I think we all need to make safety equipment decisions for ourselves in any sport based on a number of factors, and it is nice to know what your options are. Hollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05953214884756108678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-13735918253295842032016-01-13T13:53:46.854-06:002016-01-13T13:53:46.854-06:00We have no coach. One coach in town and they are a...We have no coach. One coach in town and they are a LTS coach. They make do until we can travel outside the state for training.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03572155090870613960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-11956231931094817392015-12-29T17:23:32.944-06:002015-12-29T17:23:32.944-06:00Great article. I totally agree, Some parents are t...Great article. I totally agree, Some parents are too impatient. Perfect time is key to getting your child to learn best. Also perfect equipment, Balance Blades are a must. They are New Kids Beginner Skates designed specifically to prevent rear falls. Kids skate safer and sooner. Best of All, Parents save their backs. https://youtu.be/4-xk05NJEhYAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17407496009728299642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-90996168710335028362015-12-01T15:15:50.190-06:002015-12-01T15:15:50.190-06:00I disagree. Axels (of any rotational level) are th...I disagree. Axels (of any rotational level) are the scariest. Bunny hops and waltz jumps are the prep for the stupid axel. The forward take off, especially at speed on that long front edge is nerve wracking. Marianne2https://www.blogger.com/profile/03154342275616687402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-28232288659431117182015-10-22T06:55:07.319-05:002015-10-22T06:55:07.319-05:00Briliant. I have to say, wheels terrify me!Briliant. I have to say, wheels terrify me!Alexandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04087069977867729538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-60121522005110309782015-10-21T19:09:30.299-05:002015-10-21T19:09:30.299-05:00THE SAME ANONYMOUS here!
I ultimately took the fi...THE SAME ANONYMOUS here!<br /><br />I ultimately took the final option. For me switching to roller skating (mostly outdoors) was a good choice - although setting myself up with roller skates was expensive, and there's ongoing maintenance, skating outdoors is cheaper than paying for sessions. And since I was never a particularly good figure skater, being able to skate trails enables me to have new skating experiences without learning new skills. :) <br /><br />As a late starter/adult skater, I didn't have the option of a competitive career anyway, and I can always go back to skating if my financial situation changes. As you say, this would be much more difficult with a young, talented skater who had a shot at competing, though.TheSameAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11905744696997620678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-23514715018194535392015-10-16T09:45:23.657-05:002015-10-16T09:45:23.657-05:00Also worth mentioning, some rinks have "schol...Also worth mentioning, some rinks have "scholarships" to assist skaters who show talent but are otherwise underfunded. Check with the skating school director.Jeff Chapmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09414277588527738949noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-88474657863800642472015-10-16T09:42:59.081-05:002015-10-16T09:42:59.081-05:00Honestly, helping your kid choose a good coach is ...Honestly, helping your kid choose a good coach is one of the most important things a parent can do...<br /><br />http://la-skatedad.blogspot.com/2012/08/choose.html<br /><br />For a serious skater, their coach is like a third parent.Jeff Chapmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09414277588527738949noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-32940468798470580852015-09-25T06:25:00.105-05:002015-09-25T06:25:00.105-05:00Nice post, Xan! Skating is so expensive. I always ...Nice post, Xan! Skating is so expensive. I always cringe whenever I hear about someone self teaching themselves jumps and spins. IMO, stuff up to crossovers and Mohawks are okay, but I draw the line at spins and jumps. And even then, self teaching at all probably isn't great for a serious skater.<br /><br />I think sometimes cutting out other things can help too. Buying coffee from the cafe every morning and spending money on overpriced food (some cafés charge like $5 a muffin!) is a total waste of money. If the skater does other activities, they may have to stop and pool the money towards skating.<br /><br />Of course, there's always the second mortgage option or downsizing their house, but that's less than ideal and way out of range for 99% of the skating population.<br /><br />I guess in the end, if someone doesn't have the money they just have to wait. The ice will always be there! I like the idea of it being a life lesson. :)Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09868383167481053275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-74309387310286417612015-09-17T15:12:26.631-05:002015-09-17T15:12:26.631-05:00Unless a skater can attend a middle-of-the-day pub...Unless a skater can attend a middle-of-the-day public session when the ice is empty, most rinks prohibit freestyle lessons (or at least jumps) on crowded public ice, and even if they allow it, it's not a good option for a higher level skater. Just no room, and not very safe.Alexandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04087069977867729538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-3931369803361768142015-09-15T18:01:06.515-05:002015-09-15T18:01:06.515-05:00The skater could take lessons on public to save on...The skater could take lessons on public to save on freestyle fees. Babbette Duboisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05721808053479678691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-79206842194818898872015-09-14T14:18:35.886-05:002015-09-14T14:18:35.886-05:00OK, my own blog is not letting me comment. Anyway,...OK, my own blog is not letting me comment. Anyway, I suppose you don't have to have a coaching relationship to get a form signed, but you certainly have to have a coach sign the form. At the Nationals level, one assumes a certain level of familiarity with the process. Sending a child to a USFS or even an ISI competition without a professional coach who knows how it works would be irresponsible, in my opinion.Alexandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04087069977867729538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-64682104628016143462015-09-14T14:15:39.446-05:002015-09-14T14:15:39.446-05:00A member if USFS/PSA/ISI in good standing must sig...A member if USFS/PSA/ISI in good standing must sign the registration form, and if you want someone to stand with you at the ice, they must be members of USFS plus either PSA or ISI, depending on the competition, in order to get credentials. These rules went into effect in the past 10 years. If you're thinking of someone like Michelle Kwan competing without a coach (and we saw how well that went), I believe that occurred before the rules tightened up. And even she got her father credentialed so she would have someone at the ice with her. <br />Alexandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04087069977867729538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-65648488883699729052015-09-14T10:22:07.150-05:002015-09-14T10:22:07.150-05:00"You literally cannot compete without a coach..."You literally cannot compete without a coach-- it's against the rules. "<br /><br />Can you say which rule this is? Is it new? Only ISI?<br /><br />I've entered both ISI and USFSA competitions without a coach. And there have been skaters at USFSA Nationals without a coach (not only present, but also reported to not be working with a coach at the current time.) <br /><br />Jessimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05442665425448000014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-466093691926458332.post-77092507420598407212015-08-23T18:14:13.446-05:002015-08-23T18:14:13.446-05:00I liked the article you linked to - and I like you...I liked the article you linked to - and I like yours, too. I have twins that skate ISI - and they know exactly what the medals mean. They race to see where they placed after their events... Sometimes they are unhappy ("I'll never be proud of this medal!"), but usually by the time we get home, and they put it in their bedroom, it has become a souvenir for each event and competition they've participated in. They remember, "Remember our first competition, when I ran into the wall?" and "Remember how we didn't get last the first time we did Jump and Spin?" Isn't that the whole point? Especially when they forgo nearly all other recreational activities to be at the rink... Is a wall full of bling really such an unfair tradeoff? ;)Gnomeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09410992469174812799noreply@blogger.com