Info & Tips

Figure skating in college offers a unique mix of athletic challenge and academic growth.

If you're passionate about skating and want to continue competing while pursuing your education, collegiate skating can be an excellent path.

Joining a collegiate figure skating team is the best way to balance both your sport and your studies.

You don't need to be an elite skater to join a team.

Many colleges have teams that welcome skaters of all levels.

Attendance at college skating events not only improves your skills but also builds strong friendships and enhances your college experience.

Getting started is simple: research colleges with strong figure skating programs and reach out to their coaches for more information.

Many schools offer tryouts, and some even have scholarships for talented skaters.

By being proactive and prepared, you can ensure that you get the most out of your collegiate skating career.

Understanding Collegiate Figure Skating

Collegiate figure skating offers unique opportunities for student-athletes.

It's important to grasp the benefits, differences, and organization involved.

Benefits of Skating on a Collegiate Team

Skating on a collegiate team provides camaraderie and a strong sense of team culture.

You get to meet and bond with fellow student-athletes who share your passion.

Being part of a team encourages personal growth and helps develop time management skills since you need to balance academics and training.

Competitions are also more team-focused, which can be a refreshing change from the individual nature of figure skating.

Winning in a team event feels like a collective achievement.

Additionally, there are scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for collegiate skaters.

Differences Between College Skating and High School

College skating is more organized through U.S. Figure Skating.

The competition structure is different, with events tailored to suit college students.

High school skating usually focuses on regional or state levels, while collegiate skating involves national competitions and a more structured organization.

The Role of U.S. Figure Skating in Collegiate Skating

U.S. Figure Skating plays a significant role in collegiate figure skating.

They oversee competitions, set rules, and ensure that the events run smoothly.

They also provide resources and support for collegiate skaters and teams, helping to maintain a high standard across the board.

Preparing for Collegiate Skating

Getting ready for collegiate skating involves finding the right program, managing your schedule, and connecting with a collegiate ambassador.

These steps will help you balance your academics and athletics smoothly.

Finding the Right College Skating Program

First, look for colleges with strong skating programs.

The University of Delaware is known for its excellent program.

Look at the team’s achievements, coaches’ experience, and available facilities.

Ensure the campus offers good training resources and support.

Research scholarship opportunities that can help you financially.

Some colleges offer partial or full scholarships for talented skaters.

Reach out to current team members to get their insights and to see if the program fits your goals.

Planning Your Schedule as a Student-Athlete

Balancing skating and school is crucial.

Plan your schedule carefully each semester. Make sure classes and practice times do not conflict.

Prioritize time management to keep up with both your studies and training.

Use tools like planners or apps to track assignments and practices.

Speak with your coach and academic advisor to create a manageable timetable.

Remember, your focus should be on both skating and academics since both are important.

Connecting with a Collegiate Ambassador

A collegiate ambassador can provide valuable guidance.

They can help you understand the team’s culture and expectations.

These ambassadors, often experienced skaters, can share tips on balancing campus life and training.

Reach out to them through email or social media.

Ask specific questions about their experiences in the program.

This connection can help ease your transition into collegiate skating and offer support throughout your journey.

Joining a Collegiate Skating Team

Being part of a collegiate skating team offers a range of benefits, including learning about teamwork, building relationships, and setting and achieving both personal and team goals.

Understanding Team Responsibilities and Commitment

When you join a collegiate skating team, you are committing to regular practices and team events.

This requires discipline and dedication.

You need to manage your time effectively between studies and skating.

The team relies on each member to show up prepared and focused.

In synchronized skating, or synchro, each skater has a specific role in team maneuvers.

It’s important to understand these responsibilities to perform well. Missing practices or neglecting responsibilities can affect the entire team.

Regular attendance and participation build trust among teammates.

Learning From Teammates and Building Connections

Joining a team allows you to learn from others with different skating skills and experiences.

This shared learning experience is both educational and rewarding.

You can pick up new techniques and refine your existing skills by observing and practicing with your teammates.

Building connections with teammates fosters a supportive environment.

These relationships often extend beyond the ice rink, creating a network of friends and colleagues who can motivate and help you in various aspects of life.

Team outings and social events further solidify these bonds.

Achieving Personal and Team Goals

Setting goals is an important part of growth on a collegiate skating team.

These goals can be personal, such as landing a new jump, or team-oriented, like winning a competition.

Working towards these goals teaches you about setting targets, working hard, and celebrating achievements.

Both personal and team success in skating can be very rewarding.

When the team achieves a goal, it feels like a collective victory where everyone’s hard work pays off.

This sense of accomplishment can boost your motivation and inspire continuous improvement in your skating journey.

Competing at the Collegiate Level

When skating at the collegiate level, you will experience various competitions, represent your school in different events, and strategize for national finals.

Each opportunity helps improve your skills and builds team spirit.

An Overview of Intercollegiate Competitions

Intercollegiate competitions bring together various college teams from regional levels like Pacific Coast, Midwest, and Northeast.

These events test your skills in singles, pairs, and synchronized skating.

Teams compete in events specific to their region and aim to earn points for their school.

Competitions are structured to encourage participation from a range of abilities.

These events are social, encouraging sportsmanship and camaraderie among different schools.

Being prepared and understanding the rules will help you succeed.

Representing Your School in Solo and Team Events

In collegiate figure skating, you may participate in both solo and team events.

Solo events include singles and solo dance, where you perform individually.

Team events may include synchronized skating and pairs.

Representing your school means balancing individual skill with team coordination.

Your performance in both areas is crucial for earning points for your school.

Consistent practice and teamwork are key.

Focus also lies on team performances, where the precision of synchronized skating or the harmony in pairs can be the deciding factor.

Team spirit and support help lift overall performance.

Strategizing for Nationals: The National Intercollegiate Final

The goal of many collegiate skaters is the National Intercollegiate Final, where top teams from each region compete.

Preparing for nationals involves rigorous training and strategizing.

Study past performances and understand what judges look for.

This will guide your practice decisions and improve your scoring potential.

Planning your routines and focusing on areas of strength can provide a competitive edge.

Engage with your teammates and coaches to refine your strategies.

Focus on consistency, as high-stakes competitions demand flawless execution.

Keep refining your techniques to boost your team's chances in reaching and excelling at nationals.

Beyond the Ice: Amplifying Your Collegiate Skating Experience

Being part of a collegiate figure skating team can be incredibly rewarding.

Exploring leadership roles within your team helps you grow personally and professionally.

Pursuing Leadership Positions Within Your Team

Taking on leadership roles can enrich your college skating experience.

There are diverse opportunities, such as becoming a captain or a team manager.

Leah Krauskopf, a former skater at UC Berkeley, emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive and organized environment.

Leadership includes coordinating off-ice training, managing social media like Instagram, and organizing events.

You can also engage as a collegiate ambassador, guiding new members and representing your team at competitions.

Being in a leadership position often means balancing responsibilities with both skating and academics.

It helps develop skills like time management and communication, setting you up for success in all aspects of your college career.

Conclusion

Starting collegiate figure skating is an exciting journey.

You will need dedication and time to improve your skills.

Join your school's figure skating club to get involved.

This is a great way to meet others who share your passion.

Key steps to get started:

• Practice regularly: Make time for ice practice and off-ice training.
• Find a coach: A good coach helps you develop your skills.
• Attend workshops: These can offer new techniques and tips.

Equipment checklist:

Item	Importance
Skates	Essential for practice
Blades	Quality blades affect performance
Protective Gear	Safety during practice

Stay committed and enjoy the process. You'll build friendships and many memorable experiences during your collegiate figure skating journey.

Preparing for your first or next figure skating competition?  

It can feel overwhelming as there are several moving parts: 

• Perfecting your routine. 
• You must get your costume and skates ready to go.  
• Are you truggling with a jump or turn? You’ve got to work on that, too! 

It’s a combination of physical, technical, and mental preparation.  

Even the top figure skating can relate to the many moving parts and pressure in competition prep.  

Getting practice time on the ice leading up to the event can be a game-changer.  

But time, logistics, and rink availability can stop you from getting a competitive edge.  

Figure skaters have been investigating and investing in synthetic ice to support their competition goals.  

Have you heard of it? 

Let’s dive into the power of synthetic ice and learn 5 ways to leverage an at-home rink to get you ready to crush the competition.  

What is Synthetic Ice? 

What if there was a way to skate using your actual ice skates without accessing your local or competition rink? 

That’s possible with synthetic ice. 

Synthetic ice are special tiles or panels made of a patented polyethylene material that can facilitate ice skating. 

These white panels are connected on a flat surface – think a large room, backyard, deck, basketball court, or outdoor space – to construct a rink of your desired size.  

Synthetic ice is infused or treated with a liquid slip surface agent to allow your metal blades to glide effortlessly on the rink.  

You can perform all your turns, jumps, and training as you would on a conventional ice rink.  

Most synthetic ice rinks were constructed in malls, museums, amusement parks, and other entertainment spaces.

Now, you can get custom sizes, allowing you to build personal rinks for training or recreational uses.  

Competitive figure skaters, hockey players, and other ice athletes also recognize synthetic ice as an ‘off-ice’ training tool, providing a competitive advantage.  

Synthetic Ice Benefits 

So why choose synthetic ice?  

Why not build a refrigerated ice rink or go to a practice facility?  

You can do that. But some benefits make synthetic ice one of the best tools in the figure skating space.  

• Durability: The best synthetic ice tiles last for 10+ years. A single investment can provide a surface to hone your skills for most of your figure skating career.  
• Availability: No need to book time to travel long distances to train. You can save time by training on your synthetic ice rink at your convenience.  
• Year-round training: Summertime? Wintertime? Spring Training? Rain? Snow? As the rink does not depend on refrigeration or the elements, you can train any time.  
• Long-term cost savings: Can synthetic ice require an upfront investment? Yes. Can it also save you thousands in the long run? Also, yes. 
• Flexibility: With enough tiles or panels, you can adjust the size, shape, and location of the rink. A large synthetic ice takes 1 hour or less to set up.  

Synthetic ice continues to be an excellent tool for training or skating with friends and family. It’s also a powerful tool for competitors at any age or stage. 

Here are 5 ways it can get you competition-ready. 

1. Build Your Strength and Endurance 

Your figure skating performance combines technical skill, grace, power, and speed.  

Maintaining these attributes on the ice for 4-5 minutes can get you first place.  

You’ll need to build your strength and endurance.  

Synthetic ice provides a platform to build your stamina, and improve your speed and control.  

Practice for longer periods on your rink, building your endurance and cardiovascular strength.  

You don’t have to share rink time with others while you work on your edgework of jumps. 

Synthetic ice also has a higher coefficient of friction.  

When you move from your synthetic rink to competition ice, you’ll notice more speed and power.  

Get competition-ready with a synthetic ice rink by combining off-ice strength and endurance training with more on-ice time.  

2. Hone Your Technical Skills 

Figure skating competition relies heavily on technical elements like jumps, turns, edgework, and footwork.  

The better you execute each move in your routine, the better your final score. 

Figure skaters tend to have specific moves or jumps in their routines that they struggle with more than others.  

Synthetic ice allows you to spend more time on the fine print.  

You can work on a specific jump or turn that has you frazzled. 

Break down the routine into steps.  

Work on each area with your synthetic ice rink.  

Put it all together and notice the improvements as you prepare for competition.  

3. Sharpen Your Focus 

Figure skating competition requires mental strength and concentration.  

You’ll need to remember your routine and practice body control. 

You’ll need to block out the noise and the crowd.  

You’ll need to place all doubts to rest. 

A synthetic ice rink is a great place to get so comfortable on the rink it feels like second nature.  

Use your synthetic ice panels to visualize yourself on the ice and rehearse your routines outside the rink. 

Invite your friends and family to watch you perform so you feel less anxious on the ice.  

Record your routine using your phone or a camera so you can watch and critique your performance.  

It’s a great tool to build confidence, refine your routine, and stay relaxed and ready on the big day. 

4. Work on the Fine Details 

Getting figure skating competition ready means working out any issues with your coach. 

Sometimes, there is not enough time to go to the rink and address the fine details. 

At your synthetic ice rink, you can work with your coach privately to increase your chances of success. 

With synthetic ice, skaters also develop better adaptability to varying ice conditions they might encounter in different rinks. 

Something as simple as surface conditions can affect a skater’s performance.

Moving from natural to synthetic ice improves the skater’s versatility, improving the chances of success.  

5. Cost-Effective Training 

Time is of the essence when you’re preparing for a figure skating competition. 

You can lose valuable time and money traveling to rinks and waiting for your own rink time. 

While your synthetic ice rink will not be as big as your competition rink, you can still practice your jumps, turns, and other graceful moves that add to the final product. 

In other words, synthetic ice provides a cost-effective alternative for unlimited practice sessions at home. 

You can add in some spontaneous sessions for longer.

Your synthetic ice rink is also easy to maintain, adding to the cost-effective nature of training.  

Conclusion

Will your competition be on synthetic ice? 

Probably not. 

But don’t rule it out as one of the most effective training tools for skaters.  

Synthetic ice fits seamlessly into your training program, giving you more time and flexibility to work on improvement areas.  

You can build stamina, confidence, and explosiveness.  

Work out the kinks and bring your routine together to crush it on the big stage. 

Let’s help you set up your rink for future training sessions.  

At PolyGlide Synthetic Ice, we provide affordable ice tiles, panels, and accessories to ensure you set up a dream rink.  

Take your training to the next level and be figure skating competition-ready with PolyGlide. 

When we think of ice skating as a sport, figure skating comes to mind.  

The grace, technical skills, and agility are appealing. 

Freestyle ice skating is a dynamic and creative form of skating that combines elements of figure skating with the freedom and expression of street-style sports.  

What Is Freestyle Ice Skating Anyway? 

It’s a high-octane skill that can be fun and exhilarating.  

Unlike conventional figure skating, which focuses on technical precision and choreographed routines, freestyle skating emphasizes individuality, improvisation, and trick-based performances. 

Freestyle skaters often incorporate moves from other disciplines like breakdancing, inline skating, and even parkour to their ice routines. 

Freestyle skating also allows for more personal expression, athleticism, and creativity through coming up with new tricks and techniques.   

Skaters also develop their unique style and signature tricks.

It’s a style geared toward individuals who aren’t attracted to the rigid, technical style of figure skating.  

Lace Up Your Skates

Freestyle ice skaters typically use specialized skates that differ from traditional figure skates or even hockey skates. 

These skates often feature a flatter blade profile, providing more stability for landing tricks and executing slides. 

Most freestylers prefer T-blades, a plastic and metal combo that had a short stint in the NHL. 

The boots are usually more flexible and lighter, similar to hockey skates, allowing for a greater range of motion and quicker movements. 

You can freestyle in recreational ice skates but there may be limitations to speed, certain ice skating tricks, and durability.  

Some freestyle skaters even modify their skates with custom frames or rockers to enhance their performance capabilities. 

If you’re reading this, you’re ready to dive into the world of freestyle skating. 

Or perhaps you’re already a freestyler and want to add some cool moves to your next routine. 

Here are 5 popular freestyle ice skating tricks to take your skating to the next level.  

1. Try the Grapevine 

Slide and slither your way across the ice with the Grapevine.  

It’s a move that every freestyler should have in their arsenal.  

The Grapevine is a glide that weaves your feet in and out, creating a mesmerizing pattern on the ice. 

To perform the Grapevine: 

• Start by skating forward with your feet shoulder-width apart.  
• Cross your right foot in front of your left, placing it on the outside edge. 
• Step your left foot to the left, onto its inside edge.  
• Now cross your right foot behind your left, onto its inside edge.  
• Step your left foot out to the left again, this time on its outside edge.  
• Continue this pattern, alternating crossing in front and behind, while maintaining a smooth, continuous motion.  

As you get comfortable, try increasing your speed and adding upper body movements for style.

Start slowly and on a clear patch of ice to avoid collisions.

Keep your knees slightly bent for better balance and control.  

Focus on smooth, controlled movements rather than speed when first learning.

Keep practicing and use cones to help you develop more control.  

2. Launch The Axel 

 

The Axel is a common figure skating jump that is used in other disciplines like dancing or freestyle skating.  

Why not add an Axel to your freestyle arsenal? 

To perform an Axel, you must be aware of your skate’s inside and outside edges.

These are the sides of the blades that face toward or away from the body.  

One of the more difficult jumps in figure skating, you may need to break it into multiple moves, and then put them all together.  

The video below explains how you can structure your Axel.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xilS51vJTSE 

To perform the Axel: 

• Pick up some speed then glide on a left outside edge. 
• Step onto the right forward outside edge, bending your knee deeply.  
• Swing your left leg forward and up, initiating the jump. Push off the ice with your right foot, launching yourself into the air.  
• Pull your arms and legs in tight to your body to rotate quickly.  
• Complete one and a half rotations in the air.  
• Land on the right back outside edge, with your left leg extended behind you, sticking the landing. 

The Axel is considered one of the most difficult single jumps in skating. 

It’s recommended you have some basics down like the twizzle, spins, and jumps like the loop to give you a deeper understanding of what’s required.  

3. Try the Barrel Roll (aka The Triangle) 

An amazing, dynamic, three-dimensional trick, the Barrel Roll or Triangle is performed with the skater rotating horizontally while moving forward, creating a spiral-like motion on the ice.  

As you’re skating forward, initiate the trick by leaning your upper body to one side (let's say left).  

As you lean, lift your right foot off the ice and swing it over your left leg.   

Continue the rotation of your body, bringing your right foot down on the other side of your left. 

Your body should now be leaning to the right, with your left foot lifted.  

Complete the rotation by swinging your left foot over your right, returning to the starting position.  

The entire motion should be smooth and continuous, forming a "barrel" or triangular shape with your body's movement. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E40w1Iylpwo 

The Barrel Roll can take time to master, so be patient.  

It requires good balance, body awareness, and control on the ice. 

Over time, you’ll be able to perform multiple rolls in succession, change direction mid-move, or incorporate many of the other movements on this list into your own routine.   

4. Perform a Toe Spin 

 

The toe spin is the most versatile move freestylers use in routines.

They can be done in many ways and combined with other moves to bring out a skater’s creativity and flair. 

Freestyle skates do not have a toe pick, which is typical on figure skating blades.

But as the name implies, you’ll be going up on the front of the blade (your toes) to perform different spins.  

To perform a Toe Spin: 

• Start by gliding forward on two feet. 
• Shift your weight onto your spinning foot (usually the non-dominant foot).  
• Plant the toe pick area of your spinning foot into the ice.  
• Push off with your free foot to generate rotation.  
• Pull your arms and free leg in close to your body to increase spin speed.  
• Keep your upper body straight and your head spotting to maintain balance.  
• As you slow down, extend your arms and free leg to gracefully exit the spin. 

You can perform a backward toe spin by gliding backward and planting your toe pick behind you.

As you build confidence, add some spice by sitting, arching your back, or extending your free leg parallel to the ground.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElmoWziKB7M 

Toe spins require excellent balance but are arguably one of the easier moves to learn as a freestyle skater.  

Start with slow, controlled rotations before attempting faster spins. 

Take your time with it. Gradually build up the number of rotations to avoid losing balance unexpectedly. 

5. Launch a Butterfly Jump 

 

An intermediate move for freestylers (and figure skaters), this jump requires you to have agility, explosiveness, and balance.  

• Start by skating backward with good speed. Push off the ice with your strong leg, initiating a small hop.  
• Dip your torso and spread the arms apart to form a “U” shape with your body. This builds the momentum you need for the jump. 
• Explode off the ice, quickly bringing both legs up and out to the sides. Extend your arms outward for balance and added flair. At the peak of the jump, your body should form an "X" shape in the air.  
• Land on the same foot you took off from. 
• Quickly bring your legs back together before landing. 

Here’s a helpful tutorial: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDPCN0nnqp0 

The video above recommends getting the basic moves off the ice first, before attempting it with your skates.  

You should also have enough space on the rink to avoid hurting yourself or others.  

Be patient but add your own artistry and flair to the move. 

Other Useful Tips and Tricks 

Practice these five moves as often as possible to master them, then add them to your routine. 

Based on your skill level, wear proper safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and wrist guards, especially when learning new tricks. 

Regularly cross-train off the ice to improve strength, flexibility, and overall fitness, which will translate to better performance on the ice. 

Conclusion

Freestyle skating is growing in popularity.  

You can enjoy it at your local rink or even on your own synthetic ice rink at home. 

If you’re new to the discipline, add these moves for more creativity and flair. 

It will take some time to get some of these moves down, especially the Axel.  

But you’ll progress with patience and consistency. 

While you’re at it, prioritize safety until you build your skills. 

The freestyle skating community is also welcoming, so you can find like-minded people to help you on your journey.  

So lace them up, step onto the ice, and let your new moves take over.