June 2010
Week of June 1, 2010
Fun With Figures
I am fortunate to skate on clean ice sometimes. The benefits of clean ice are numerous. Most obviously, the skater can see her tracings, which lends itself naturally to skating compulsory figures. Compulsory figures are the discipline from which figure skating took its name and is the origin of the sport. Figures are skated in precise patterns based on the figure eight. They were eliminated from standard competition in the 1990s, but before that figures could make or break a competitive skater. They are difficult and require an understanding of technique and edge control that many argue should have never been eliminated from the sport. The advent of moves in the field was an attempt to reintroduce these skills in a freeskating context.
As an adult skater, I never trained in school figures. However, several years ago I took figure lessons on quad roller skates. In my quest to break in my new skates and adjust to new blades, I have worked on a variety of skills. Figures are one of them. Presently I am only doing basic figure eights on forward and backward edges. These require the skater to complete a full circle on one foot while remaining on the same edge then switch feet for a second circle creating an “8” pattern on the ice. Even this very basic figure requires good control. I also am fortunate to be able to skate in a silent arena before teaching group classes. I take advantage of this by listening to my edges cut the ice. If I hear a scrape, I know I have dropped to a flat and can correct my technique. School figures were traditionally practiced in such an environment allowing the skater to concentrate and listen to her blades.
Many people have commented on the relaxing and Zen aspect of figures, and I have to agree. Focusing attention solely on an edge in contact with the ice drives all other concerns out of my mind. This may not be aerobic exercise, but it is skating’s answer to yoga. When I skate figures, I am almost meditating. I would like to purchase a scribe to more accurately trace patterns one directly atop the other. Maybe you have to achieve a certain age or stress level to enjoy this, and I guess I qualify.
I am taking time off from coaching this summer. Learn-to-skate enrollment drops significantly during the summer, and recreational skaters who take private lessons often decide to take a break; many do not return in the fall. Skaters also go on vacation making attendance irregular. For coaches who teach beginning and lower level students, this results in a serious drop in income. Summer is a good time to take a vacation or a break.
Since I am planning to go back to work fulltime next year in a new career field, I decided to accept a temporary position over the summer that ties in with my training. My hours vary, so I am not able to commit to teaching a regular schedule of classes. I preferred to continue to teach classes, but it is not possible. I discussed my situation with the rink manager and told her I plan to return to my usual schedule in the fall when demand rises for the skating season. Friday night classes are canceled anyway, and the rink has enough staff to cover the reduced class load.
On a personal level, I need a break. I have become frustrated with the lack of commitment and ability many of the students display. I am tired of people calling to cancel lessons or not showing up. I realize my potential as a skating coach is limited. I was not trained to skate as a child; and, therefore, did not test or compete. Certainly, adult skaters can test and compete. However, I am not interested in competing and have only tested minimally and not up to my level of ability. One of my colleagues skates at about my level and still trains. She has tested about as far as I reasonably could. She is also struggling with a limited client following. Let’s face it, an adult skater usually does not have a comparable resume to coaches who amassed achievements in youth. Of course, there are those adult skaters who test beyond the gold level and into the standard track, which allows them to compete as masters, generally against former child skaters. Maybe I could do this. However, I also know a former Olympic competitor who struggles to earn a living as a coach and has a “day job” to pay the bills. This is reality and I don’t mind facing it.
Teaching people how to skate is a lot of fun and can be very rewarding. However, in my case, it is not a career. That’s fine. I have enjoyed coaching, and it is the perfect job for me while I am in school. For the scant hours I work, I earn good money, which leaves plenty of time for study. I love my summer job. I am in a training program at a local hospital. My mentor is excellent, and I am learning more than I could ever learn in a classroom. I am excited about this career change and the potential I will have in the future. I will earn plenty of money to pay my for a lifestyle that includes training and testing. I have made a good decision. No regrets.
 |
 |
 |
The content of this site is copyright by K. J. N., 1999 - 2010