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SO YOU WANT TO ICE SKATE?
Perhaps you always wanted to ice skate like Sierra from the moment you saw it on T.V.. Or perhaps you never considered ice skating because you just didn't know enough about it. Great! You've come to the right place. This is Sierra's Ice Skating Awareness page, which is her way of giving back to her community by educating them all about the sport of figure skating. On this page, we'll attempt to address some of the more important stuff about the sport. As there is no way possible to include every single aspect, if there's something that is not addressed here, please feel free to send an email to sierraonice@yahoo.com, and we'll do our best to answer it. Remember, neither Sierra or her parents are experts on ice skating as we have just begun this journey not long ago ourselves. However, what we don't know personally, we have the resources to find out. So, please feel free to ask. ICE SKATING AS A SPORT: Surprisingly, because of the elegance and gracefulness of the sport, some people don't look at Ice Skating as being a real sport such as, basketball, soccer, tennis, football or baseball. They probably figure that it looks more fun and danty then anything else. Well, we're here to tell you that Ice Skating is a sport just like basketball, soccer, tennis, football or baseball, and ice skaters are considered athletes. Just like some of the other sports, Ice skating takes coordination, balance, endurance, fitness and strength. Matter of fact, not only is ice skating a great way to have fun, but it's also an excellent source of exercise as well. This sport also aids in helping to build a tremendous amount of confidence and self esteem. THE HISTORY OF ICE SKATING: Do you want a little historical background on skating and it's origin? View the following web sites for more information: HOW DO I GET INVOLVED IN ICE SKATING? Beginners start learning to ice skate by enrolling in Learn To Skate classes at a local ice rink in their city or town. Group classes are the best way for a skater that's just beginning to learn the fundamentals of ice skating. For more information regarding Learn to Skate classes, please visit the USFSA web site. WHAT ARE THE COST FACTORS INVOLVED IN ICE SKATING? Ice Skating is not one of the least expensive sports in the sports world. But as it is with anything, there is a cost! Especially if it's a life long pursuit or aspiration.
So with all the costs that are involved, it is only wise to make sure that ice skating is something that your child really wants to pursue. The training expenses listed above were taken from the Skaters Support web site.In addition to the costs listed above, there are also membership dues associated with being a part of a figure skating club. Fees for this varies per club and is also based upon the skater's affiliation with a national governing body of his or her choice. In the United States, most figure skating clubs have an affiliation with either the USFSA (United States Figure Skating Club), or the ISI (Ice Skating Institute). In Canada, most clubs are affiliated with the CFSA. USFSA vs ISI - Which is right for me? Both associations provide a structure for promoting and advancing amateur figure skating. However, the emphasis is slightly different for the two. The USFSA emphasis is primarily toward the competitive skater. This is also the path to take if the skater is interested in World and Olympic competition. The ISI on the other hand, emphasis is geared more toward the recreational and fitness skater. But although this is the case, they both offer something for the competitive as well as the recreational skater. The choice is simply up to the individual skater and should be determined based upon his or her individual goals. Also keep in mind that you don't have to make a decision on just one, as there is nothing that says you can't be a part of both associations. For example, Sierra holds membership in both the USFSA & the ISI and is able to compete under both. For more information regarding USFSA & ISI, please view the following web sites: Site Designed by: One Proud Mom! |