Staying Fit Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

It was so disappointing to learn that the World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal next week had been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, this means we won’t be able to watch the highly anticipated Nathan Chen (US) and Yuzuru Hanyu (Japan) compete for the gold.  What’s even more disappointing is that my favorite ice dance team, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, will not be able to challenge the French ice dancers, Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron, for the title this year. Chock and Bates reclaimed their US National title this year with their amazing Egyptian snake freedance program. Hopefully, Worlds will be postponed to the fall?

As the health and well-being of my students are my highest priority, I will not be scheduling any lessons for the next several weeks. Group classes at Middletown Ice World have also been cancelled effective March 16 until further notice and the rink will offer refunds to those registered in the current 7-week session. The rink is following U.S. Figure Skating’s recommendation that all club events and programs be canceled or postponed through at least May 11. 

In the meantime, I will be scheduling weekly virtual off-ice sessions for my students so we can not only stay active but also connected and engaged. I will use Learn to Skate USA’s off-ice challenges which combine cardio, strength, stretching, and balance exercises. If you can not attend virtually, then you can go online via the Learn to Skate USA mobile app (free) and do the workouts at your convenient. If you complete these challenges in the app, you can earn badges for your digital trophy case. See you soon!

Learn to Skate USA (https://medium.com/learn-to-skate-usa/2020-march-skating-madness-put-your-skills-to-the-test-12289c5a18b4).

Thank you all for your patience and understanding. 
Stay safe and healthy and I look forward to seeing you all soon!

Should Your Child Join a Figure Skating Club?

I am often asked this question by my Learn-to-Skate USA parents, particularly those whose children are taking high level basic skills group classes. To determine if your skater should join a club, I like to ask my skaters and parents the following questions …

• Does your skater genuinely enjoy being on the ice?

• Do you find your skater wanting to stay on the ice after group class is over to further practice?

• Does your skater ask to go to the rink and/or want more lessons every week?

• Does your skater like to perform and/or compete beyond basic skills?  

• Does your skater want to make new friends who share the same interest?

If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, then it may be time for your child to join a local figure skating club.

What are the different US Figure Skating (USFS) memberships available for Learn-to-Skate members? 

Beginner skaters generally start in group classes such as the Learn-to-Skate USA program, and then join a local skating club once they are more advanced. 

The Learn-to-Skate USA membership is an introductory membership into US Figure Skating. As a Learn-to-Skate member, you can only participate in the program’s basic skills group classes, shows, and competitions.

However, if your skater is ready to compete beyond basic skills and ready to take tests, then it may be time to consider being a full USFS member. 

You can sign up to become a USFS member in two ways-
1) Individual Membership

USFS provides an individual membership which allows a skater to participate in all USFS sanctioned events. Annual membership runs from July 1 to June 30 and includes a copy of the Rulebook, a monthly subscription to SKATING magazine, and a lapel pin (first year only).

The individual membership is offered at the first family, subsequent, and collegiate levels which allow a skater to become a USFS member without joining a club. The cost of individual membership is $144 per year and additional family members may join at a cost of $65 per year.

2) Join Through A Local Figure Skating Club

I think the best way to be a part of USFS is to join through a local figure skating club. You can find the nearest club by using this search tool, https://www.usfigureskating.org/skate/find-a-club

Local clubs set their own membership dues and will submit your application and payment to USFS, making you both members of the local club and USFS. 

There are four different USFS membership categories (in addition to club membership fees)- 

• Introductory - This is only available through a local club for first time full members at a discounted rate of $30 and $24 for subsequent introductory member 

• First Family - The first family member to register for a full individual membership receives all privileges of a full USFS membership. First family membership in a club is $60 yearly.

• Subsequent - This option is available for related persons residing at the same address as a first family member. Subsequent family members join at a reduced rate of $24 and enjoy the privileges of full membership.

• Collegiate - This four-year membership is available to college students at a reduced rate and can be purchased through any club for $70 or individually through USFS for $170. 

What are the benefits of joining a local figure skating club?

• USFS full membership 

• Practice sessions are designated for freestyle skaters, ice dancers, and/or pairs.  You will practice with others who are serious about skating and won’t have to worry about bumping into those who are slow or just learning to skate.

• Direct access to professional coaching staff

• Priority for taking skating tests at your club's test sessions without paying a guest fee

• Compete in club competitions, shows, exhibitions, and other performances

• Participate in fundraising activities

• Eligible for club grants and financial support

• Receive rewards and recognition for member accomplishments

• Participate in club off-ice training and seminars which support skater development

• Attend fun club social activities throughout the year and make new friends

Skaters must join a ‘home club’ which will be the skating club he/she will represent in competitions. Your skater can also join additional skating clubs but only as associate members. Associate memberships allow your child to take tests, skate on ice time provided by the sponsoring club, and participate in the club's ice shows and exhibitions.

I joined the Garden State Skating Club when I was 7 years old and have been a full club member for over 10 years. Here’s the link to my club if you would like to learn more: http://www.gardenstatesc.org

Come join the fun and become a US Figure Skating and local skating club member!

My Interview with Learn to Skate USA

It was such an honor to work with Learn to Skate USA again! I had alot of fun being on the other side of the camera as this time, I was the one getting interviewed and photographed. I am so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait for future collaborations with Learn to Skate USA to continue sharing my knowledge and experiences.

Learn to Skate USA, January 2020 p 16

Skating Gift Ideas For Your Beginners

This holiday season, celebrate your skater and all his/her accomplishments! There’s no better way to get excited about skating than by spicing up one’s skating materials. Whether your skater is interested in cute accessories, stylish clothes, or productive supplies, there truly is something for everyone.  As you prepare for the biggest shopping day of the year- Black Friday, check out my list of top skating essentials for your beginners.

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and happy holiday season!

Skate Guards

Every skater needs blade protection, so why not get creative? With Rockerz, skaters have the unique opportunity to mix and match various colors to create their own customized skate guards. Not only do skaters get the blade protection they need, they also get to show off their personality and creativity on the ice! 

Soakers

Soakers are a great way to transform a boring skating necessity into something fun and playful. Whether your skater likes crazy colors or furry friends, there’s a style for everyone. This inexpensive gift is a great way to add some flair to a skater’s everyday essentials. 

Blanket 

While this may seem like a cliche gift, this is something all skaters need. Skaters get sweaty from exercising on the ice, but what about off the ice? Watching a competition or waiting for an ice cut to end can be freezing-cold experiences. Especially in the colder months, a blanket is a great way to keep a skater cozy in the cold. 

I always keep a blanket in my car and use whenever I’m at a competition. Since I have to arrive early to warm up and get ready, there’s always extra time before my practice ice and competition begins. I also use my blanket to cover me up while sitting at the stands watching my fellow skaters perform and compete.

Journal 

If your skater is a visual learner, a journal is a great way to further his/her progress on the ice. Not only do skaters get the chance to document their experiences and memories, coaches can also draw diagrams and write important points to remember. By keeping a journal on the ice, skaters can easily refer back to their notes and have a positive learning experience.  

When I was young, my spin coach kept a skating journal of my progress. During every lesson, she wrote down what spins I worked on and how many revolutions I did so that next time, I would try to do more than previous lessons. Also, I was able to track how long it took me to master a certain spin and compare this information with her other students’ progress.

Skating purse 

Every skater has a bunch of necessities to bring on the ice (hair ties, chapstick, extra gloves, water, CDs, tissues, etc), so why not get stylish? While Kiss and Cry bags are the most popular and most functional, any purse or small bag works. By getting a unique bag for the ice, skaters can show off their fashion sense and easily carry all their belongings. 

Zuca bag or suitcase 

Even more important than a skating purse is a practical bag off the ice. Skaters must lug their skates, gloves, change of clothes, socks, water, etc to and from practice every day which is quite an ordeal. This holiday season, invest in a suitcase or Zuca bag to fit all your skaters’ necessities in one place. The Zuca bag is especially great because it serves as both a suitcase and a seat for skaters to put their skates on when rinks get crowded. 

I prefer a suitcase to carry my skates, towels, socks, etc. mainly because I needed a larger bag for both my freestyle and dance skates. As I started to compete more and travel far, I found having the suitcase to be much more convenient because I could keep all my skating belongings in the bag when I had to check in at the airport and then take my bag directly to the rink. Also, I like the spinner wheels on my suitcase. Since the wheels rotate 360 degrees, it allows for easy movement in any direction.

Water Bottle

Did you know that when athletes deplete more than 2% of their body weight, their performance drastically decreases? (https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/News/2018/April/01/Three-steps-to-hydrating-youth-athletes-for-healthy-performance). It’s important for your skater to stay hydrated as he/she works hard during practice and lesson time.

A customized water bottle with your skater’s favorite color and/or design is a perfect gift and will certainly stand out among the many other bottles, avoiding potential mix up with other skaters’ bottles. I highly recommend a vacuum insulated stainless steel bottle because it keeps the drink cold which is refreshing especially after a tough workout and also it’s easier to clean. I like the Hydroflask and S’well brand bottles due to their designs.

Skating clothes 

Arrive on the ice in style! Feeling great is key to skating great, so why not get in on the latest fashion trends? Whether your skater is into iconic skating brands such as ChloeNoel or casual workout clothes such as Lululemon, the rink is the perfect place to show off one’s updated wardrobe.

Happy Shopping!