If you do not feel you can commit to being a serious competitive skater, it may be easier to commit to the lifestyle of a “serious recreational skater.” Your child will still master many wonderful skating skills, have opportunities to take part in recreational figure skating competitions, perform in shows, and take skating tests. A serious recreational skater can skate two to four days a week, take one or two private lessons a week, and practice on either public skating sessions or freestyle sessions.
If you decide to keep skating fun and recreational, your child will probably not progress as fast as a competitive skater, but he or she will make steady progress and have a lot of fun. Also, this route is also much easier on the budget!
The “Serious Just For Fun” Skater
What if your child may just wants to skate for fun, but also master certain skills? There is nothing wrong with continuing in group lessons or supplementing group lessons with private lessons on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
How to find the coach that fits the needs of a recreational, but somewhat serious skater
Once you make this important decision between serious recreational or serious competitive skating, then begin your search for the coach that fits your needs.
If you decide on recreational “just for fun” skating, your decision can be quite easy. Perhaps the instructor that has given your child group lessons already seems to inspire your child and make skating fun? Feel free to approach that instructor directly and ask if he or she has time to take your child on.
Once a schedule has been set for lessons, plan on supplementing the time between lessons with some practice time. Piano teachers usually require daily practice and tell parents that no improvement will occur without practice; the same goes for skating. Plan on at least one practice session between each lesson, but if you can squeeze in two practice sessions, that would be better – do what you think you can handle at first.
As your child begins to enjoy his or her lessons and begins to skate more often, it is very likely that your coach will suggest he or she consider taking part in Basic Skills competitions and skating school exhibitions or shows. You may find yourself “naturally” becoming a serious recreational skater and want to increase your child’s practice and lesson time.
Understand that your coach’s time is valuable. Stick to the schedule you’ve set. Don’t cancel lessons often and don’t skip practice time. Listen to your coach’s suggestions and allow your child’s skating to develop into something that makes both of you proud.
