Learning figure skating for kids

[rahul]

Hi,

My daughter (11 year old) wants to do develop her skills in figure skating. She is very good skater and good in gymnastics too..
we live in Tonbridge Kent and was not sure which is the best place to provide professional training for kids in figure skating (nearer the better). Can someone please suggest the best options for enrolling her for coaching

 

[FlossieH]

I am the other end of the country, so don't have 'local' knowledge. If you are wanting somewhere with high level coaches and a recent track record of training singles skaters up to a senior elite/international level (is this what you mean by 'professional'? Unlike football, figure skating is an amateur sport rather than a professional one and she would not earn a salary as an elite competitive skater), then Romford, Swindon and Oxford seem the obvious choices from your area. Other options in your sort of area which have recently had skaters competing at a national championships level would be Guildford, Basingstoke and possibly Streatham (seems to produce more ice dancers than singles skaters). Gosport has a good reputation for synchronised skating, if the collaborative aspect of that appeals. If you are interested in her having a little bit of coaching for fun as a recreational/leisure activity, rather than serious figure skating training with the aim of competing at an elite level, then there are probably other options. When you say she is a 'good' skater I am assuming that she is still a beginner but has completed things like your local learn to skate programme. If not, the learn to skate programme at your nearest rink would be an obvious starting point. Learn to skate has 10 levels to work through.

 

[rahul]

I am the other end of the country, so don't have 'local' knowledge. If you are wanting somewhere with high level coaches and a recent track record of training singles skaters up to a senior elite/international level (is this what you mean by 'professional'? Unlike football, figure skating is an amateur sport rather than a professional one and she would not earn a salary as an elite competitive skater), then Romford, Swindon and Oxford seem the obvious choices from your area. Other options in your sort of area which have recently had skaters competing at a national championships level would be Guildford, Basingstoke and possibly Streatham (seems to produce more ice dancers than singles skaters). Gosport has a good reputation for synchronised skating, if the collaborative aspect of that appeals. If you are interested in her having a little bit of coaching for fun as a recreational/leisure activity, rather than serious figure skating training with the aim of competing at an elite level, then there are probably other options. When you say she is a 'good' skater I am assuming that she is still a beginner but has completed things like your local learn to skate programme. If not, the learn to skate programme at your nearest rink would be an obvious starting point. Learn to skate has 10 levels to work through.

Thank you for your detailed reply.
Yes, when I refer her as a good skater, I meant she is good but we have not had any professional training so she is still a leaner. Probably it would be good if would have known the “level”. I am going to enquire in Planet ice gillingham and Streatham

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Thank you for your detailed reply.
Yes, when I refer her as a good skater, I meant she is good but we have not had any professional training so she is still a leaner. Probably it would be good if would have known the “level”. I am going to enquire in Planet ice gillingham and Streatham

Hello. There is no "professional training" she will be training with a pro but that's about it. You don't go to professional level as a skater until you've retired from high level competitive skating. That is where I am. If you have any questions let me know.

 

[rahul]

Thank you for your response. Maybe my response could have been more clear. I meant she has learned skating(roller skating) on her own and tried ice skating a couple of times. She has never joined any sessions so far. This will be her first time. I just enquired at planet ice gilligham and they have a pay as you session which we can join once to see if she is comfortable and then we can take up their weekly sessions - I am assuming she will be level 1