Figure Skating on a Budget

Figure skating is an expensive sport. Coaches, ice time, dresses, skates, competitions and tests can easily break the budget of an average family and can put the sport completely out of reach for many people. Unfortunately, most people think that unless you're going to the Olympics, figure skating isn't worth the effort or the money. In reality, there is so much more to this beautiful sport than Olympic aspirations, not that Olympic aspirations are a bad thing. It is possible to become a competent and even competitive skater on a budget. The key is spending the money that you do have available, on services that you really need. In other word, spend wisely and don't waste your dollars unnecessarily.

For new skaters, group lessons are a good way to start, and to learn the basics. If you have more than one nearby rink, call and talk to the person in charge of the lessons. Ask about the instructors, their level of experience and go with the rink with the best instructors. Then, take full advantage of these relatively inexpensive lessons (approximately $100 for 10 lessons). At this point, don't buy skates. Don't buy cheap skates; they just aren't worth the money. The rink will probably allow you to use the rentals for free while you're in the lesson, and the rental are much better quality than anything you will find in a local department or sporting goods store. You'll find that group lessons are offered at different levels and you can easily continue on in group lessons for a year. To get the most of these lessons, you need to go to as many public skating sessions as you can for practice in between your weekly lesson. If you are really serious about progressing quickly, do some of ice training on your own as well. You can run, use weights and most importantly, do Pilates on your own at home. Core strength is the key to success in this sport. Getting yourself in peak condition will make your time at the rink even more productive and cost effective. During this first year or so, check out the internet sites on the subject and learn as much as you can about figure skating.

When you're ready to purchase your own skates, talk to the rink and your instructor and see if they sell good quality used skates. Be careful about your decision and consult with the most knowledgeable person you can find. Do some research online and then decide if you can afford to invest in new skates, or if you can find a good pair of used skates. Honestly, there are plenty of people out there with a lot of money who purchase expensive, high end skates for themselves or their kids and then never use them, That is what your hoping to find.

Once you have progressed through the group lessons and have made the decision to purchase your own skates, you have probably realized that you are addicted to the sport. If you are ready to go with individual lessons, you have to find a good, experienced coach. Talk to other skaters and to the coaches to get an idea of price and personality and expertise. Then, be honest with the coach about your budget and about what you hope to accomplish. Coaches will generally do a little as a 15 minute lesson, though 30 minutes is more typical. If you take full advantage of the coaching time and practice hard in between lessons you will make the most of your money and progress quickly. Ask your coach to recommend books, tapes and off ice training so that you can do as much as possible on your own time, inexpensively. Many rinks have figure skating clubs which allow you to purchase blocks of ice time through the club. This ice time is just for figure skaters so more expensive than the public sessions. Purchasing the ice time through he club is the least expensive way to get this dedicated time. The opportunity to be on the ice with other skaters can be an opportunity to learn from others. Clubs can also offer opportunities to purchase used dresses and to enter competitions and attend clinics. You may still find that the cheaper public sessions are still fine or extra practice sessions, especially during the summer months when the rinks are much less crowded.

Figure skating is a wonderful creative sport that can keep you in shape and provide the opportunity to explore and express your creative side. It is possible to learn, to compete and to have fun with figure skating without spending a fortune.