Fostering Figure Skating in the Bluegrass for over 20 years
How to get started
Learn to Skate of course!! The Lexington Ice Center facilitates this excellent program for the beginning skater.
This program consists of a comprehensive lesson/test structure that is exicting, rewarding, safe and fun. Learn to Skate has proven to be an overwhelming success across the United States.
The cirriculum consists of Snowplow Sam, Basic Eights, Hockey, Freestyle, Synchronized, Dance, Pairs and Artistry in Motion
This program is based on USFSA and allows a skater the possibility to advance to a new skill level with each six week period.
How to correctly tie skates
Loosen up the skates. By pulling the laces out a bit, the foot can be put inside easily.
Stuff the feet inside the boots. Make sure the socks are straight and the foot is placed inside the boot all the way. Put the toe of the foot in first and then push the heel all the way down.
Tighten up the laces in the first half of the boot. Work up from the toe to the ankle. Don't pull the laces too tight in this area. Just make sure that each pull is somewhat secure.
Tighten the laces the most where the foot and the ankle bends. This is the most important part of lacing figure skates. Give the laces a good tug at this point and pull hard.
Next lace around the hooks. Make a criss-cross pattern with the laces and pull with both hands around each hook. Some skaters like to put the laces over and under the hooks; others like to put the laces under and then over. Either option is correct.
Again, don't pull the laces too hard. Leave some room for the ankle to bend.
Finish with a secure bow. It is recommended to double knot the bow. Some figure skaters leave the top hooks empty while breaking in new boots.
Tuck the bow's loops inside the tops of the boots. This will prevent the blade from catching the bow's loops and also keeps the top hooks from coming loose.
Ice etiquette and Safety
Many unwritten rules apply when it comes to figureskating. This will help to insure that every skater on the ice benefits from their time and everyone stays safe.
Always be aware of who is doing what around you and vice versa.
If a person is playing their music or "On Program" they get the right of way
Be considerate of those "In lesson" working with their coach
If you fall, try to be as loose as possible to avoid less damage to yourself, keeping hands away from blades, and get up as quickly as possible to avoid getting hit (people down low are harder to see by other skaters)
Some rinks offer "Freestyle Ice" which is normally used by higher level skaters.
How to pick a coach for your child
How to fire a coach with grace
Warm up exercises before skating
Exercises to do off ice
What to do when you fall