Frequently Asked Questions

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Beginners in grade classes

Q: How long does it take to complete grades 1 - 10 in Skate UK?

A:  This depends on several things

• How much/often a skater practices their moves outside of lesson time.

• Confidence....ice skating can take a while to get used to ....it's like learning to walk all over again!

• Length of ice rink courses. Usually each learn to skate course covers a single grade consisting of 4 or 5 new moves. Lack of practice or the increasingly challenging moves may mean having to repeat a grade to master it fully.

Q: I'm having problems with an ice skating move and I'm worried I won't pass my grade test.

       What can I do?

A:   Sometimes just a little time on your own with an ice skating coach can really make a difference.

• A private ice skating lesson can be a temporary arrangement to help you through the moves that challenge you.

• If you have a friend who is finding the same move tricky, a shared skating lesson can work well too.

• It is easy to book a one off ice skating lesson with Marika or Vitaliy through www.teachmetoskate.com

• Finally and most importantly, certain moves in ice skating can take time to master. Needing to repeat a grade is quite normal. Be patient, sometimes all it takes is extra practice.

Q: When do I need my own ice skating boots?

A:   Hire skates are a good way to start at the very beginning.

• Making sure the skates are correctly fastened will also help support feet.

• Many skaters consider getting their first pair of boots as they get to the higher grades (8+).

• Entering the Skate UK Star programme, where moves include jumps and spins it is advisable to have your own skates (but not impossible to do in hire skates).

Q: Does it matter if I get black or white boots for figure skating?

A: Usually girls wear white or tan coloured boots and boys wear black boots.

• The most important part is that the boots fit well (follow the link on left of page for more info) and support the feet while you skate.

Q: What do I do if I miss the grade test?

A:   Sometimes family holidays or illness can mean missing that all important testing week, but,

• If you ask the coach they may be able to test you during week 1 of the new course.

• Alternatively, if you know in advance that you'll be away, you could ask to be tested a week early .

Q: I wanted a private lesson but all the coaches are booked up.

       Can I get any extra help anywhere else?

A:  The National Ice Skating Association has a web tool just for for you!

• There are video clips of tips for all grade levels in the Skate UK programme.

• Click on the skater to follow him to the NISA web page

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