Q&A for How to Figure Skate (for Beginners)

I wouldn't do that since snow pants could restrict your movement and make it more difficult to skate.

If you improve your core, your balance will be improved. Do core exercises like sit-ups, scissors, planks, crunches, etc. 4-5 times a week and you'll notice a difference in no time.

The younger, the better. Skills develop more rapidly the younger you begin practicing them.

Then you will have to take some time off to recover. Wear safety gear if you're concerned and take a look at the section in this article about learning to fall safely. If you're careful, it's unlikely that you'll injure yourself very badly.

A general outfit should consist of something made out of comfortable and flexible material. Clothing should not drag on the ice or be a danger when you're skating.

You should probably start out skating recreationally to get them used to the idea. Once you have mastered the basics, try bringing up "taking it to the next level" and suggest getting coaching. Once you have become a good skater, you can talk to your coach about it. If s/he thinks you're up to it, use that in your argument for competitive skating, as well as rattling off what you've learned, what you want to learn, etc. Remember, don't rush. Take it slowly. If nothing else, skate for recreation until you're old enough to make your own decisions.

If there is an ice rink near you that is not a temporary seasonal rink, then there will be coaches that work there, but you may have to call the rink and have them set up a lesson for you to meet and work with them. Lessons can get to be very expensive, but they are definitely worth it! I would recommend getting beginners skating lessons before going to private lessons though.

I recommend Jackson Figure Skates. Make sure you get the ones that are designed for beginners. Also, do your research on maintenance to prevent rusting and dull blades.

That would be very hard to do. If you are below the legal age to get a job, (16), you don't really have other options. If you have relatives near you, you can ask them.

Practice, practice, practice. Practice is everything. Although this may seem annoying or boring, it's a very important concept. You shouldn't just practice jumps and spins, but also moves that help you land your jumps or are the foundation to spins, such as edges. Go to the ice rink for a public session when you have free time. Get a private coach and sign up for competitions. Know how far you are willing to go for figure skating. Take skating lessons - the more the better.

Yes, but if you know how to roller skate or roller blade, ice skating will be much easier to learn.

Yes, definitely! There are many different models for blades. Right now the combination that I have is Espi-Teri dance boots and Pattern 99 blades. Please note that not all blades are for everyone, this is just what I like.

You can wear a helmet and that will help. Lots of skaters get concussions, so it is a dangerous sport. There are also headbands with pads in them, but they do not provide full coverage of the head.

Contact the ice guard or manager of the rink if rink rules are being broken. If not, try to find a quieter time to skate, or go to an open part of the rink to practice (often the center).

Your boot may not have enough support for your body. Based on your skill level, you may need a stiffer, more supportive boot. Additionally, you may be tying your skates incorrectly. Contact your nearest pro shop for questions about your boot or how to tie skates.

You will likely pick up skills much faster than the other skaters in your class. The teacher will likely work with you more because you are more serious about skating. Do not worry about the other students in your class or about what others will think. At the end of the day, you are at the rink to become a better skater. If it becomes a significant problem, see if you can join an adult class.

No, there are plenty of low-level and adult competitions. Although the Olympics or other international competitions may not be realistic, there are certainly ways for everyone to compete.

Absolutely! Age does not restrict your ability to skate. Hard work and determination are key factors to becoming a figure skater.

Any age is appropriate. Many professional figure skaters started when they were around 3 or 4, but it is always great to get and early start in skating. It gives you time to get used to the ice. And smaller children tend to be less worried about falling and injuries, so will often be braver and take more leaps in progress than adult skaters. They have less distance to fall anyway and are used to tumbling since they've just learned to walk.

Ask yourself these questions: Are you enjoying your lessons? How much progress have you made? Are you achieving milestones? Compare your coach with others or ask your friends and see how their techniques differ in teaching.

There is no age limit. I would recommend starting at ages 6-9, but you can start at any age that you want.

Many Olympic figure skaters have started formal training around the age of 4 and they usually compete (females) around 17-20 (males) approximately 20.

You should start because it gives you something to look forward to. You may not have a professional career, but you can still have fun!