Skating Attire

Skaters should wear layers that they can move in easily, and depending upon the temperature of the rink, in warm layers.

Skaters should wear fitted clothes. It is easier for me to see skater’s body lines when they are wearing tight clothes.

Leggings are always great to wear and tights and skirts are fine too. Any athletic sports tops are fine.

Here are some good ideas of layers to wear to help your skater stay warm:

-a warm headband or tight fitting warm hat (still pull back your hair when wearing one of these)

-a heated vest or jacket

-an Underarmour turtle neck that is designed for keeping heat in when outside for a long time

-fleece

-leg warmers

The go-to color for most skaters is black. It is mostly because black creates contrast with the white ice so coaches have an easier time seeing lines and other details. However, skaters need to have their own personalities so other colors and designs are totally fine as long as the skater can move freely and skate to their fullest wearing their athletic clothes.

How Much to Skate and Practice

How much your skater should be skating, doing lessons or classes and practicing will vary per skater, but the general recommendations are:

-For single axel- 1.5 hrs/day, 4-5 days/ week

-For double jumps- 2 hrs/day, 5 days/week

-Double-double jumps- 2 hr/day- 5 days/week (more in the summer time)

-Learning triple jumps- 2-4 hrs/day- 5 days/week

-After this, it varies more based upon the season (off season, pre-season, in-season or post-season)

-These are general recommendations based upon how professionals in figure skating have seen skaters gain success. The more you put into the sport, the more progress you will make. However, it does have to be focused-in and training that moves you forward. This is why you have me. I never want skaters to plateau or not get better. I also prefer skaters practice and skate on Premier ice time since I know they are safe, and I can keep an eye on them while they are practicing. This helps me coach their lessons better.