Hi knowledgeable people of this Forum! I don't post often but enjoy reading your posts!
I wanted to ask for you insights on learning the axel.
For background info: I am a 42-year-old female who has been figure skating since a year and a half. I played hockey as a child and did gymnastics to a good level, and have maintained a good physical condition by being a competitive rider and a runner. I do advanced yoga. I am small (5.1'') and light (about 110) but fairly strong and flexible (can do a good biellmann).
I have learned all my single jumps and get good height, especially on the waltz jump. Just before Christmas my coach surprised me and announced that she is starting me on the axel. I did a few attempts and the preparatory exercises of waltz-jump and backspin.
Why it surprised me was that I have read a lot that skaters who started as adults can not get an axel. (or a double salchow etc.) And I started at 40, not at 20. When I asked my coaches (they work as a team) they were both very matter of fact about it, but I do not think they know how old I am
So I don't know what to think. Is it this seriously possible for me? Do you know of adults who started at forty and got their axel?
If so, what should I expect? That it takes a few years? As for off-ice - do I have to get it first off-ice and only then do serious attempts on ice?
I skate four and a half hours a week with a coach in a semi-private lesson with a few skaters at different levels and four hours training by myself on public sessions, so a total of 8 to 9 hours on ice a week. I absolutely love skating and finding this new sport has been such a thrill for me for the past year and a half.
Any input would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.
I wanted to ask for you insights on learning the axel.
For background info: I am a 42-year-old female who has been figure skating since a year and a half. I played hockey as a child and did gymnastics to a good level, and have maintained a good physical condition by being a competitive rider and a runner. I do advanced yoga. I am small (5.1'') and light (about 110) but fairly strong and flexible (can do a good biellmann).
I have learned all my single jumps and get good height, especially on the waltz jump. Just before Christmas my coach surprised me and announced that she is starting me on the axel. I did a few attempts and the preparatory exercises of waltz-jump and backspin.
Why it surprised me was that I have read a lot that skaters who started as adults can not get an axel. (or a double salchow etc.) And I started at 40, not at 20. When I asked my coaches (they work as a team) they were both very matter of fact about it, but I do not think they know how old I am
So I don't know what to think. Is it this seriously possible for me? Do you know of adults who started at forty and got their axel?
If so, what should I expect? That it takes a few years? As for off-ice - do I have to get it first off-ice and only then do serious attempts on ice?
I skate four and a half hours a week with a coach in a semi-private lesson with a few skaters at different levels and four hours training by myself on public sessions, so a total of 8 to 9 hours on ice a week. I absolutely love skating and finding this new sport has been such a thrill for me for the past year and a half.
Any input would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.