Is it too late to learn to figure skate as an adult?

Question

I am 32 years old and am obsessed with figure skating. I want to learn some tricks that are fun to do and just some basic skating technique. But, I don't want to take group lessons with a bunch of 4 and 5 year olds. Any advice out there on how to go about this including what is reasonable to expect to accomplish...the style and kind of boots/blades to get...etc. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

WELCOME TO ADULT FIGURE SKATING!!!!!!



Depending on where you live there are group classes for adults.

Adult figure skating is one of the fastest growing adult sports.



The USFSA (United States Figure Skating Association) has testing levels and Sectional and National competition for Adults only as well as International competitions. Adult competitions with the USFSA are divided into 4 age groups Catergory 1 is 25 - 34, Catergory 2 is 35 to 44, Catergory 3 45-54 and Catergory 4 is 55+.

The levels are as follows Pre-Bronze, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Masters. Tests are required for each level consisting of Moves in the field (set patterns in motion similar to figures) and free skating. A skater must pass the moves in the field prior to taking the free skating test. USFSA is the more serious of the testing organizations.



ISI (Ice Skating Institute) also has adult competition and levels, but the levels follow the regular levels. There are more oppertunities in ISI depending on where you live and what you want to do with your skating.



What is reasonable to accomplish? They sky is the limit depending on what you set your mind and determination to accomplish. Adult skaters of the highest levels are doing triple jumps.



For boots and blades I would recomend going to a skate shop and getting fitted for a quality pair of beginner boots and blades. The thing that discourages Adult skaters is poor fitting boots and blades. Riedell makes excellent beginner boot and blade sets.

Answer 2

It's NEVER too late to learn figure skating! Be young at heart! Get a private coach and set your own goals which can be as high as landing an axel or simple having fun learning the basics and maybe a two-foot spin. Spins are fun to learn. You can also join adult figure skating competitions. Start out with rental boots but after your have learn the basics such as crossovers and stops, you can consider buying your own skates. Don't be afraid or embarassed to fall. Everyone makes mistakes. Good luck! =)

Answer 3

Its NEVER too late to start! I know several people who started in their 30's and even 40's! And now they skate on my synchronized skating team with me and we compete all year. As for lessons, most rinks have adult classes. My rink has classes separated in beginner, intermediate and advanced. As for skates, I personally would NOT start with rentals. Most rentals are not sharpened properly and its very hard to skate on dull blades. I would get a nice pair of skates under 100 dollars to start. Ask your local rinks pro shop for more information. These skates should get you through the basics. If you become more advanced then I would look into more expensive skates that have more support and better blades. Good luck to you and your skating! And dont get discouraged if you have trouble with anything. It takes a LOT of hard work and tons of practice!

Answer 4

It's never too late, I am starting to learn right now and I am 27, I am learning crossovers currently and I have really only bee skating constantly for the last 3 months. Don't expect to learn instantly these thing take time dedication an practice...

Answer 5

Usually the ice skating schools offer adult classes, so you don't have to take classes with 4 year olds. If you are just starting then maybe you should wait and see if you really want to continue before buying skates, because they are expensive! If you really think you are going to stick with it, then I reccomend Jackson Artiste skates. They have a smaller toepick so you won't trip, but don't expect to be jumping in them, they are hard to get in the air with because of their small toepicks.

Answer 6

you are never too old for figure skating and it is not too late. anybody can learn how. just find a skating lesson for adults near you, or go to the skating ring and practice by yourself or another adult to help you

Answer 7

Im not a figure skater, but at 27 I started playing basketball again and tried out and made a semi pro team...

If you have a dream or love to do something, go for it!

Good luck in achieving your goals and dreams!

Answer 8

It's not too late to learn, but it might take you a little longer to get it down. Go for it, and have fun.

Answer 9

its never to late. Bring a partner with you if you fell uncomfortable. Besides that I'm sorry i know nothing about skating, but Good luck. :) :) :)

Answer 10

it is not to late but you probably wont have any chance at a compitition. mos competetor learn as kids but some start at 35 and win major compititions