Off-Season
Now that the adult competition season is over, most of us skaters think to ourselves, “Now what?” I find myself asking the same question to many of my skating friends. It’s fun to hear what others are working on now that we aren’t running our programs non-stop.
To make things a bit more complicated, my rink is shutting down for about 2 months for some much-needed repairs. The pipes underneath the surface are on the verge of bursting, and the ice surface is not level. What this means is that all of our coaches and skaters will have to find alternate ways to get the training they need. We do have a sister rink in town, but it is a good 30 minutes away (each way). Because it’s further from my house, I likely will not be able to skate as much… or be able to teach Learn to Skate.
With more limited skating time, this is what I am hoping to work on (listed in no particular order):
- Novices Moves in the Field: My coach thinks that these will be ready to test within a year (or even less). I’d be testing these at the Adult Standard. The forward loops and opening serpentine sequence with the quick rocker chocktaws are the most challenging for me.
- Double Salchow: I haven’t landed one of these (or really attempted them) since January. I’d like to continue working on the jump and get it consistent enough to add it to my program next season.
- Double Toe Loop: I land these ALL. THE. TIME. in my dreams. I’d love to be able to land a real one sometime.
- Spins: I’m going to keep working on adding more spin variations to my repertoire. My hope is to plan all level 3 spins in my program next year.
If you’re a skater, what are you planning to work on in the off-season? Is your rink open?
Rink closing, oh nooooo! Hope the two months flies by!
Author
It’s going to be the longest two months (other than the 3-4 months from COVID lockdown).
I’m so sorry your rink is closing temporarily, but it sounds like it’s very much needed! Come skate up in NoVA sometime. Summer sessions can get pretty crazy with the kids out of school but there are so many options for ice around here. I’ll be working on spins, combos and getting a new program. 🙂
Author
Yes – the repairs are very much needed. I would love to come skate with you sometime! My work schedule is a bit weird so it will be hard. Keep me posted on your new program!
I am moving to Montana this month, and my new rink closes down for 2 months EVERY summer. The next closest rinks are 2 hrs or 3 hrs drive one way 🙁
Author
Ugh – that’s brutal! Do you know what you will do when the rink closes each summer? For now, I plan on doing more off-ice work (which I have neglected)
I’ve also woefully neglected my off-ice work, heh. I am hoping to drive out to a rink once or twice, so I don’t lose too much of the feel, and also hoping that cross-training with summer hiking will help with endurance. I took a 4+ month break during the pandemic and it was brutal coming back!
Our rink is closing, too — for two years (!) starting in Jan 2023. The next rink is 30m here, too. The upside is that when it reopens, there will be two rinks. I am worried about what it will mean for the coaches, though.
Skating dreams are lovely–mine are backward outside edges.
Author
TWO YEARS?!?! Holy cow! Our sister rink’s Zamboni has been broken all week, so there have not been any freestyle sessions (or Learn to Skate lessons). I know that skaters and coaches are going nuts right now. I can’t imagine trying to re-adjust schedules and life for 2 years. At least you will have 2 rinks once all is said and done! Keep working on those backwards outside edges – I know that you’ll get them!
I’ve got them–I just love the feeling of gliding backwards on a curve. I suppose my aspirational skating dreams should be better spinning–you’ve inspired me to go dig out my spinner!
Sorry about your rink closing, but just think of how wonderful the ice surface will be when it reopens! The time will fly by and before you know it, you’ll be back on the ice!!
Author
I know you’re right! Love the positive thinking!