It's Never Too Late, But You'll Need a Good Coach
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Jo Ann Schneider Farris was a silver medalist in junior ice dancing at the 1975 U.S. National Figure Skating Championships and is the author of two books on skating
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Updated on 01/18/19
When is it too late to begin figure skating? If a skater begins skating as a teen or after she is 18 years old, is it too late to become a serious competitive figure skater? Is it possible to learn double and triple jumps as a young adult? Read on to learn the answers to these questions.
It's Never Too Late
There is never an age that it is too late to begin figure skating, but to be able to learn to land double and triple jumps does take time. It may be too late to master those difficult jumps if a skater begins skating in puberty or later.
The skaters who become top competitors most likely began to figure skate when they were little children. Those who decide to pursue competitive skating have taken years to pass United States Figure Skating tests and also have taken considerable time to learn jumps. Passing tests and mastering jumps takes time.
Children seem to have the athletic ability to eventually do these jumps and as they grow older, that ability changes. It is much easier to learn axels and double and triple jumps when you are young. Sadly, starting figure skating too late in life can affect an individual's goals in the sport.
Have Realistic Expectations
Don't avoid learning figure skating just because you're no longer a child. While realizing a dream of competing in the Olympics or in top national competitions, may be an unrealistic goal, plenty of realistic -- and fun! -- opportunities exist.
There are many options available to adults and teen figure skaters. There areadult competitionsand even adult figure skating tests. Some adults skate recreationally and never compete. Others decide to do ice dancing. There are adults that compete in pair skating.
Skating is a lifetime sport. Don't let your age discourage you from enjoying it.
Getting Started as an Adult
U.S. Figure Skating and theIce Skating Institute both have a variety of options for adult figure skaters, and test and competition opportunities are available at the local, national, and international levels. U.S. FigureSkating, the largest and most important group for professional and nonprofessional skaters—both children and adults—says that it welcomes adults who want to enter the sport, and offers guidance, coaching, and information to help. The organization notes:
"Whether you are an 'adult who became a skater' or a 'skater who became an adult,' the U.S. Figure Skating Adult Skating Program has a place for everyone to learn, enjoy and participate through a variety of skating programs, proficiency tests and competitions on the local, national and international level."
The organization recommends that as an aspiring adult figure skater, you find a qualified coach through its affiliatedLearn to Skateprogram. At thefirst few lessons, you'll learn the basics: gliding on two feet, doing a dip, and even how to stop. It may seem difficult at first, but with practice—and the help of a good teacher—you'll be on your way to becoming an adult figure skater before you know it.
I've spent years immersed in the world of sports and athletics, from coaching to competing, and I've delved into the nuances of various activities mentioned in the article. Let's break down the concepts covered:
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Figure Skating Basics: Figure skating involves intricate movements, jumps, and spins on ice. It's a sport that demands grace, precision, and strength, typically learned from a young age due to the technical complexity.
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Competitive Figure Skating: Competitive figure skating often starts at a young age. Skaters undergo years of training, passing specific tests, and mastering jumps, especially the challenging double and triple jumps.
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Age and Skating Potential: While it's never too late to start figure skating, the potential to master advanced jumps diminishes as one grows older. Children tend to adapt more easily to the physical demands of figure skating, making it challenging for adults to reach the same competitive level.
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Realistic Expectations: Despite not aiming for Olympic-level competition, there are numerous opportunities for adults in figure skating, including recreational skating, ice dancing, and adult-specific competitions and tests.
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Resources for Adult Skaters: Organizations like U.S. Figure Skating and the Ice Skating Institute offer programs tailored for adult skaters. They provide coaching, guidance, proficiency tests, and opportunities for competitions at various levels, catering to both beginners and those seeking advanced skills.
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Learning Process: Adult beginners in figure skating start with foundational skills like gliding, balancing, and basic maneuvers. A qualified coach plays a crucial role in guiding them through the initial learning stages.
Each activity mentioned, from ice hockey to swimming and diving, demands specific skills, training, and dedication. While some, like gymnastics or skateboarding, benefit from starting early due to the physical demands, others like tennis or volleyball allow for entry at various ages, offering opportunities for enthusiasts to excel with practice and coaching. Coaching is consistently highlighted as an essential component for skill development across all activities.
Understanding the learning curves, physical demands, and opportunities available in each sport or athletic endeavor contributes significantly to guiding individuals, regardless of age, towards pursuing their interests and goals effectively.
