Whether they expressed the desire to try or you thought it was a good idea for them, getting into figure skating is not an easy decision. This is a very demanding sport, especially when it comes to discipline.
If you are thinking of competing, this comes with a whole variety of challenges as well. Then comes finance and organizing your family’s logistics around your child’s new hobby.
Let’s take a look at a few things to know before getting your child into the figure skating world.
The Right Time
The first step in getting your child into figure skating is teaching them how to ice skate. However, you have to make sure that they’re old enough to even start. Many of the biggest and most successful figure skaters in the world indeed started very young, but you have to make sure that your child is ready.
As a rule, most children will be ready to skate once they reach the age of 4. This is where they start fully owning their motor skills, balance, strength, and balance. This doesn’t mean that they’re ready to be figure skaters yet, however. They will have to reach a certain skill level first.
You also have to accept the fact that they might never reach the skill level needed to even start with advanced skating. Also, know that most skating clubs will teach students based on their skill level, not their age. So, even if your child is older, they might have to go through basic classes if their skills are not up to par.
It’s Very Demanding
You also have to be ready for the effort and dedication that comes with being an amateur figure skater if they want to compete. Skaters have to train almost every day of the week, and in most cases, they train very early to fit it in with their school schedule and their parents’ work schedule. That’s not even counting the conditioning part. So, unless they have the discipline needed to get up at the early hours of the morning almost every day for the next few years, do not get them in.
Coaching is Everything
Finding the right coach will be the most important thing for your child’s development and potential career. You have to make sure that you pick a coach you will feel comfortable leaving your child with as well. One of the best ways to find a coach is to speak with other parents. They will be able to recommend some people.
From then on, you will need to know as much as you can about them. You want to know their standing with the PSA and their score. It would also be wise to run a general background check on them to make sure that they don’t have a checkered past.
Next, we suggest that you check how they interact with students and if you feel like they would be a good fit for your child. You can then make a shortlist of people you’d like to work with and interview them.
Getting into figure skating is not easy and demands a lot of dedication. So, make sure that you know exactly what to expect and prepare accordingly.
