Are you interested in figure skating but not sure where to start? Use our guide below to help you get started and answer some basic questions.
Step One: Take Skating Lessons!
The first step we recomend is to take an basic skating lesson. US Figure Skating, in partnership with US Hockey, has a program called "Learn to Skate USA" which features a series of 6 classes which build upon the basic skills needed to do more complex jumps, spins, and dances. At the end of each sessions, your coach will give you an assesment and a recomendation to either move to the next level or to continue working on the skills in your current level. You will complete this process until you have completed all 6 levels of the basics program. To learn more about the Learn to Skate USA program please visit the site here: https://www.learntoskateusa.com/
The local program at our home rink is run by Learn to Skate KC. You can view scheduled and sign up for classes on thier site.
Step Two: Get a Pair of Skates
Learn to Skate usually covers the cost of rental skates at Line Creek, however, eventually you will want your own pair of skates as you progress to more complex moves. There are a few stores in the area that specialize in ice skates but we are partial to Dream Skates, a local company just south of the Plaza.
Other gear we think might be good to invest in:
- Figure skating socks - these are thinner than normal socks, leaving more space for your foot inside the skate
- Figure skating pants/leggings - these are similar to any other athletic wear but the bottom cuff is slightly longer and flared to go over the tops of your skates. This design helps keep the cold air of the rink out.
- Hard Guards - these are plastic guards that go on your skates while you have them on off the ice. They help keep your blades sharp and walk off ice even when there is no rubber matting.
- Soakers - These soft covers help soak up any extra moisture from your skates after you are done skating.
Step Three: Consider a Figure Skating Club Membership
A club membership will offer you an official membership through US Figure skating, allowing you to pariticpate in competitions and figure skating teams, like synchronized skating. It also offers benefits like testing discounts, chances to showcase your skills, discounted ice times, and social events for you to meet and befriend other figure skaters.
To learn more about memembership with our club visit our membership page.
Step Three: Find a Private Coach or Try Synchro
When you're ready to try your hand at competition there are two common routes to get you started. You can sign up for a singles compeitition, in which we recomend finding a private coach to help with selecting and cutting your music, choreograping your routine, and preparing you for competitions. We do our best to update the club on upcoming local competitions but your coach will be a good resource as well.
If you are interested in finding a private coach we recomend contacting one of our club coaches here: https://www.linecreekfsc.com/page/about/club-coaches
You can also try team competitions through synchronized skating. Line Creek Figure Skating Club has a in house team called KCmomentum which has child and adult teams for brand new skaters through advanced skill levels.
To learn more about synchronized skating please visit our KCMomentum page on our website.
We know starting a new sport can be daunting and we welcome you to reach out to us via email or socials if you have any questions!
