I don't know if there are very many pair skaters out there, but I am curious about a few things. I have only been skating about a year and a half, so obviously I'm just in the very beginning stages of figure skating, but I have always been curious as to how the disiciplines of singles and pair skating compare.
For example, pair skating has always been something I loved watching on tv, and I'm actually on good terms with a skating coach at my rink who teaches both ice dance and pairs skating (either with a partner or alone). I've always, always wanted to try pair skating (maybe just to see if I chicken out or not!) But I have to admit, I wonder how realistic this is. Reading books about pair skating, I always got the impression that it took enormous amounts of time to develop the precision and timing necessary for pairs. So I guess I'm wondering, is pair skating a great degree more difficult than singles skating?
For me, it seems the biggest obstacle is the issue of pairing. If you took lessons with a coach, you're really only practicing about 1/2 an hour to 1 hour a week, whereas with a partner at least you might have the option of practing at least 3 - 4 times a week. But again, I can't imagine too many men are lining up for the chance to be pair skaters!
So bottom line, in terms of training, who is typically better able to progress faster and steadier, a single skater or a pair skater?
Perhaps someone out there would be willing to share their experiences?
For example, pair skating has always been something I loved watching on tv, and I'm actually on good terms with a skating coach at my rink who teaches both ice dance and pairs skating (either with a partner or alone). I've always, always wanted to try pair skating (maybe just to see if I chicken out or not!) But I have to admit, I wonder how realistic this is. Reading books about pair skating, I always got the impression that it took enormous amounts of time to develop the precision and timing necessary for pairs. So I guess I'm wondering, is pair skating a great degree more difficult than singles skating?
For me, it seems the biggest obstacle is the issue of pairing. If you took lessons with a coach, you're really only practicing about 1/2 an hour to 1 hour a week, whereas with a partner at least you might have the option of practing at least 3 - 4 times a week. But again, I can't imagine too many men are lining up for the chance to be pair skaters!
So bottom line, in terms of training, who is typically better able to progress faster and steadier, a single skater or a pair skater?
Perhaps someone out there would be willing to share their experiences?