Figure skating makes it possible to master certain sports easily. This is a list of some sports that figure skaters may be good at. Doing these sports may also help skaters with their figure skating because similar muscles are used in some of these sports.
Figure skating is an individual sport, so most of the sports listed below are individual sports.
1. Inline Skating
Photo Copyright © JO ANN Schneider Farris
Many figure skaters have never tried inline skating, but those who do, usually are pleasantly surprised. If inline skates are rockered, the feel is very similar to the feel of skating on figure skates.
There are also inline figure skates. The Pic® Skate feels so much like a figure skate, that many ice skaters are able to most figure skating moves on dry land while wearing the Pic® Skate.
Oddly enough, ice skaters find it almost impossible to skate on traditional quad roller skates, but inline skating comes easily to figure skaters. Many find that stopping on inlines is a challenge though (no snowplow stops!).
2. Downhill Skiing
Skiing is a sport that many skaters don't try, but the figure skaters who do try skiing take to the slopes naturally. Usually, learning how to stop on skis comes easily. Also, all figure skaters don't have a problem with gliding, bending the knees, and moving fast, so skiing techniques are easy for ice skaters.
Sled Dogging or Snowskating may also be easy for ice skaters. Sled Dog Snowskates are short skis that are attached to a boot. Figure skaters find going down a mountain with Sled Dogs Snowskates on feel like skating down a mountain. Figure skating moves, like a shoot the duck, can be done in Sled Dogs.
3. Skateboarding
Most figure skaters don't try skateboarding, but should. The balance gained on the ice instantly transfers to a moving board. Those who take the time to practice, will find themselves doing more than just riding a skateboard. Jumping and spinning on the ice helps a figure skater learn to do tricks on a skateboard. Protective gear is a must.
4. Snowboarding
Most figure skaters find it easier to use a snowboard than a skateboard. Ice skaters are already comfortable in the cold, and are usually able to control their bodies. Figure skaters naturally seem to be able to snowboard. Lessons are recommended before attempting this sport.Some figure skaters will find that they will have an easier time on skiboards or snowblades than on traditional snowboards. Skiboards make it possible for riders to go backward. They are about half the length of traditional skis and are twice as wide.
5. Riding a Scooter
Figure skaters take to scooters instantly. Some ice skaters find themselves doing small tricks on scooters. One favorite trick done by figure skaters is doing a spiral while riding a scooter.
Figure skaters will also have a great time riding on a Trikke, which is a three wheeled scooter that has fairly large wheels.
6. Hockey
Many figure skaters are hesitant to put on hockey skates, but should. Hockey skates must be sharp and figure skaters should not try to skate in rental hockey skates for that reason. Once a figure skater gets used to skating in hockey skates, he or she should try to hit some pucks or try skating with a hockey stick. Also, many figure skating moves are possible in ice hockey skates. Figure skaters that are able to skate on inline hockey skates will find that doing both ice or inline can be fun and thrilling. It is recommended that figure skates take the time to rocker their inline hockey skate wheels.
7. Cross Country Skiing
Many figure skaters may not wish to try downhill skiing, but will get great pleasure out of cross country skiing. Figure skaters are used to working hard. Cross country skiing does involve work. The thrill of going fast down a mountain is not part of cross country skiing. Some people only like the thrill of downhill skiing, but others prefer taking their time in the snow and enjoying the outdoors. Cross country skiing makes that possible. Cross country skiing will certainly keep a figure skater in shape.
8. Skate Skiing
A fun variation of cross country skiing is skate skiing. Skate skis move just like skates. Long poles and lightweight skis that are shorter in length than traditional cross country skis are used for skate skiing.
Most figure skaters naturally can skate ski. Skate skis can go up and down hills and many figure skaters find using them to be quite fun.
Skate skiing is done by diagonal skating strides and is the fastest way to cover varied terrain on skis. It's also a very healthy activity. Figure skaters enjoy gliding and going fast on skate skis.
9. Speed Skating
Speed skating is very different than figure skating, but all figure skaters should put on a pair of speed skates and try the sport at least once. High quality speed skates are expensive, so trying speed skating out may not be possible. Figure skaters who do try speed skating will find that there are many similarities in how the knees are used. Those who do try speed skating may find that the endurance needed for speed skating will help their figure skating.
10. Riding Bicycles, Walking, Running, Jogging, Jumping Rope, and More Sports
Almost everyone can ride a bike. Bicycle riding is fun and is a great sport for a figure skater. Also, figure skaters should walk, run, jog, and jump rope. swimming, gymnastics, tennis, and jumping on a trampoline are also great sports for figure skaters. All these sports will help figure skaters build up energy and endurance.
