Competitive figure skating moms...

[tjmw2727]

She has a Reidel boot with a Wilson blade. Seemed like a mid priced option and he suggested this according to her level. He fit her 1/2 size bigger than her shoe size and the molded the boot. Evidently they have the equipment to mold and also stretch the boot. He thinks we can get up to 1 size larger with this boot! Lets hope he is right, $15.00 for the sharpening was a surprise.

TJ

 

[TammiMcMan]

My DS started with a Reidell boot and Wilson blade. If you go to a good shop, they can definitely continue to work the boot around your skaters growth. DS has had to go back and just have around his baby toe punched out a little bit. Keep in mind, that the blade all depends on what level they are skating at. If she outgrows the boot, you might only need to replace that. My DS has stayed with the Reidell boot and moved up to a Pattern 99 blade. He's been very happy with that.

Tammi

 

[TammiMcMan]

I know most of us have kids that probably skated all summer, but now that the "season" has begun, I thought I would check in with everyone.

It was a long summer for us. DS decided to go 5 days a week with two freestyles a day, off ice strength, dance and pilates. By the 8th consecutive week, I was having to push him out the door in the morning. The good news is that he was able to choreograph a new long program to a track from the Pirates of the Carribean. He just finished up his short program to Hidalgo music. Of course, I got the dreaded "mom, my skates don't fit anymore" at the end of August. $900 later, we are picking up new Riedell boots and another Pattern 99 blade on Monday. He's 14 and I think that he grew about 4 inches over the summer. His feet went from a size 6 1/2 to a 10 almost overnight, so we couldn't even reuse his existing blade

I honestly had no idea what this fall was going to bring. It's his first year of high school and in addition to being picked for the freshman soccer team, he also signed up for the school newspaper and he teaches at a learn to skate program one night a week. We had to move his skating lessons to after 6pm, so his social life has gone out the window. Between school, soccer, skating and homework, he doesn't stop from 6am-10pm. He's managing though and his grades are probably the best I've ever seen. His average is in the 90's for all his courses. Plus, he doesn't want to give anything up and he's skating at regionals again this year. He is looking at it very realistically though and not hoping for much. He just doesn't have the time to spend in the rink like some others choose to do, so he's just hoping to skate his best. We're forging ahead and New England regionals are in October, so it will all be over soon, unless he gets into the top 4 and then it's on to Junior Nationals. I don't even want to think about that right now, because I had planned a surprise Disney trip for almost the same time.

He did tell my husband and myself that he'd like to try ice dancing when regionals is all over. He met a girl at our club who is also a lefty skater and she does both freestyle and dance. We'll see where that goes, but I told him that we had to get through the fall first.

How is everyone else doing?

Tammi

 

[Disneycrazymom]

He is doing so well! That is a lot to manage for someone so young. You must be very proud of him!

My DD4 will continue Learn To Skate and is going to the public session 1 afternoon to skate with her teacher from Learn To Skate. Her teacher is the sweetest young girl who is in college and they have fun together. The bonus is I can get a little exercise too as it is a public session. I am very suprised how DD is reacting to this, she asks everyday if it is skating day. Makes me see dollar signs flashing efore my eyes! Who knows though she's only 4 and next month it could be something totally different that makes her eyes light up!

 

[TammiMcMan]

You're doing it exactly right with your daughter. I have an 8 year old DD and she started with skating when she was 4. Probably just because her brother did it. She couldn't get enough, but now she only does it for fun and she's into cheerleading.

My son started in the learn to skate program and he has gone back to volunteer every year. Because of his age, he didn't do much more than skate guard or assist in a group. Now that he's 14, he'll get $10 per hour and he'll be teaching. I love the learn to skate progams. They make it all about fun and there's no pressure. I'm glad your DD is enjoying it.

Tammi

 

[tjmw2727]

Hi All - nice to see this thread revived!

Tammy your son sounds like he is happy and still doing what he wants - that's nice to hear. Mind if I ask what rink he is doing the LTS at? We are in Reading as you know but my 7yo dd's best friend just started in Peabody. Let me know if you can when he will be skating as my dd loves that music! (Maybe I will enable my pm's again.)

My girls did group during the summer and did really well, at this age its still about fun and friends for them but they are really progressing fast - faster than I anticipated.

My 7yo is doing group and one private and my 9yo ended up with 2 groups and a private (long story). My 9yo wants to skate more but is doing fall soccer so I have put the other sessions on hold for now.

As an update on the solo routine, my 7yo started one to the music of Annie during the summer and LOVES it. She will probably try the BSC in Burlington. My 9yo picked music and learned the routine and decided she isn't ready for the "spotlight" yet. In her defense the session she got for summer had some very high level skaters, (quads and pairs) and it was very intimidating for her. We will wait until she is ready.

It nice to chat about skating, sometimes I feel like a real newbie at the rink.

TJ

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hi TJ, nice to see you again. It sounds like you had a good summer. My son is teaching at Kasabuski rink in Saugus. Is your DD's friend skating with Sally's school or the Silver Streaks club in Peabody? We were members of Silver Streaks a few years ago. Sally runs a great program, but I remember there being some pretty intense parents with Silver Streaks. I guess you can find those at all rinks though

He just skated in a competition in Boston and his next one will be New England regionals up in Maine. I'm sure your DD's program is adorable. There are quite a few basic skills competitions in the area, so she'll get to show off her routine. That's funny how the younger ones find it easier to skate in front of a crowd. Your older DD will do whats best for her. If you end up doing MassBay (I think that's in the spring) or Boston (February), let me know because I'm sure DS will be working at both of them.

Tammi

 

[totalia]

Originally posted by Shells9
Good morning.
This is one of my first posts here on the CB. I know I saw something about ice skating on here before, so I thought I would see how many other moms of competitive figure skaters we have here.
My DD is 7 and just started last fall. She has her first out of town competition this weekend in Miami. She is skating at Basic Level II in compulsaries and a one minute program. She is in Learn to Skate Level Three now, and takes one, soon to be two, private lessons each week.
I have no idea what to expect. There is a HUGE amount of time in between her two events (like 3 or 4 hours).
What do you do to pass the time other than watch everyone else?
Also, what about make up? The coach suggested some glitter on her face or something, but what kind do you use? I have some body glitter, should I try that?
Thanks for your help.

I figure skated for 10 years growing up. I also coached for two. Near the end of my figure skating days, I was skating as much as six hours a day, sometimes more depending.

I'm very surprised that your child is already competing and she hasn't been in the sport for very long at all. She must be progressing alot faster than most children do.

During competition, when there was a space in between, we would go eat, I would hang out with my friends and my mom would spend time with the other skating moms. You'd be surprised how fast the time actually goes.

Speaking from a child's perspective (and not a mother's. Mothers tend to see things very differently than the kids do. A kid is in this to have fun not to obsess about it) personally, I don't suggest makeup especially since your daughter is so young. The judges aren't there to see your daughters face and it will probably make her feel uncomfortable and she will be wiping her face all the time.

Also, put her hair into a pony tail or bun because it will keep it out of her eyes and be much less of a distraction.

Your daughter is very young yet. Let her enjoy this. If her interest in the sport is still maintained after a couple years, then get more serious about it.

Having spent a large portion of my life devoted to the sport, I've seen what can happen. I've seen great parents and bratty children, the equivelent of the soccer mom (only figure skating style of which my mom was one) and the stage mom who made their children miserable. Be attentive to your daughter but try not to overwhelm her. if SHE decides she wants this to be her life, thats fun.

I've seen far too many children suffer in many ways because there mom's (for some reason, its mostly the mom's that got deeply involved and not many fathers) took the sport much more seriously than they did and made them miserable.

 

[tjmw2727]

Hey Tammi - and everyone else of course!

My dd's friend is doing the Learn to Skate with silver streaks, but started at basic one so I don't imagine to much pushing and competeition yet. Although she has skated all her life she is the 4th in a family with 3 older brother hockey skaters. It will be interesting to see if/how she takes to figure skating. We spend summers with this family at our place in NH and the girls are very close. Of course my girls speak of skating often, and there is my 7yo practicing her "annie solo" constantly on the grass out front so all the kids around know it now as well (on grass of course!).

Good luck to your son at regionals, my 9yo is going to the kick off party for our rink to see a preview and wish them luck. She can't wait!

Both girls are thinking about competing in the next basic skills. I think there is one in Burlington in November but we will see if the 7yo does her routine. She has progressed through the badges this summer faster than anticipated so I guess the routine has to be "tweaked" to fit the proper badge level? Its all new to me but her coach is great so I am sure things will be as they should be. If she does another competition with just the skills part and not the routine that will be fine, at least she gets more experience. OTOH if she thinks shes ready and the coach agrees she can go for it.

If S8 - is reading this I wonder if your team recovered the stolen money, That's been in the back of my mind - I thought that was so sad :-(

Ciao
TJ

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hi TJ, I'm very familiar with the folks who run the program at Silver Streaks. She should have a good time and all the coaches are very good with the kids. In fact, most of the same coaches are probably the ones teaching in Reading. Skating is a very small world.

Yes, each level that your DD progresses means that her routine will have to be tweaked. Do you have a basic skills book? If so, just check out which level she is at and you'll see what the requirements are. That's what she'll half to have incorporated into her program.

Our regionals send off is October 8th. I think the club is sending something like 100 kids. It's nice though, they have a dinner and exhibitions. I'm sure your DD is really going to enjoy seeing the skating. It's pretty incredible.

I don't know if you're familiar with this website www.neicc.org , but it has a lot of information on the local clubs and the learn to skate program. Just click on the link for the Basic Skills page. They list a lot of the competitions and you can download the registration forms.

Tammi

 

[tjmw2727]

Thanks for the link, especially since today older dd's coach mentioned the boston competition as well as one of my older dd's newer friends moms. It seems that a new family to our sr club has girls the same ages and levels as my girls but have been doing the competitions for over a year now - so I have some insight. My older dd puts so much pressure on herself to do well that I feel protective of her but have to let her compete of course if she thinks she is ready. My youjger dd just can't wait to put herself out and isn't afraid to fail - amazing isn't it?

I wish there were a board like the dis for figure skating 'amatures" its so complex for the newbie LoL

But fun as well.

TJ

 

[Sk8Leigh]

There are a ton of boards for skating. I'm more into the fan stuff, but one site that might have something that you'd like is

http://www.unseenskaters.com/board/

It has a lot of skaters and skating parents posting who are from the lower levels. There's a forum for non-qualifying competitions and forums for each of the regions. You could probably ask any questions that you have there, and also see what is listed about various competitions.

Me, I take skating photos and am getting ready to go to Skate America in about a month, and then WDW a few weeks after that! Fun fun fun!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Sk8Leigh,

I checked out the link and I don't think I'll be going back. My son skates at a high level and it was sort of strange seeing his name mentioned and those that he skates with. Some of the posts seemed to be coming from kids at the various skating clubs. I did read the rules and saw that only positive posts would be allowed, but it was just too weird for me.

Taking photo's of skaters can't be easy. I have seen some incredible ones at the competitions and shows that we've gone to though. I just wish my son would smile more, he always seems to be sticking out his tongue, or making an awful face in his pictures.

Have fun at Skate America.

TJ, isn't it amazing that we can raise our kids exactly the same way, but they turn out so different from each other. My youngest is also the star in the family and she loves performing in front of everybody. It sounds like you are doing exactly the right thing with your girls and letting them progress at their own pace.

Tammi

 

[tjmw2727]

Hi Tammi -

Thanks for the kind words, it is amazing how similar and yet different my girls can be.

Also thank you TON's for the neicc website as some of us would have missed the deadline for the Winchester Basic Skills competition. Seems that the information was released with only a couple weeks to have the application in. Even though the competition is Nov 21, the deadline is Sat so some at the rink are running a bit. Luckily I hit the website for the application and my older dd's coach caught the early date. Some think the actual deadline is Nov 9th and Oct may be typo but we don't want to take a chance.

Anyway - my main reason for posting to the thread was to wish your son luck in Maine. My dd's have the website bookmarked to watch for results. They don't know however that we wil be in WDW for the weekend as its still a surprise for them.

FWIW I agree about the unseen skaters website - I don't know anyone personally but some from our club were mentioned. We also have an acquaintance from our home town that skates at a very high level although not from our club. His name was mentioned and I was very uncomfortable - felt like gossip.

But to each his own - just not the site for me!!

Enjoy Maine and good luck to your son.

TJ

 

[tmq2766]

Tammi....
Good luck to your son!!!!!!!
It has been some time since my last post on this thread but I just wanted to let everyone know that in this months issue of the ISI magazine there is a picture of all of us parents in our matching green tee shirts cheering our synchro team on.... It is TOO funny!I think the fact that we are not quiet after our girls perform is what caught the attention of the magazine The picture is on page 17.

My daughter skates USFSA and ISI.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Thanks for the good luck wishes. DS and DH drove up to Maine last night. The new boots are working out fine, not one blister or anything since he put them on. He's been able to do all his jumps in them except for the double axel.

TJ, glad to hear that you were able to find the NEICC website useful. How did your daughters enjoy the send off at your club? Ours was a week ago Friday and they had close to 50 kids exhibit. It was pretty amazing.

DS is competing in his short program tonight. I think we're going to need a miracle though. He just finished choreographing it 2 weeks ago and has only performed it twice in exhibitions. Between that, the new boots and blades, plus he had laryngitis yesterday when I picked him up from soccer practice. I talked to DH a little while ago and he said that the morning practice was a little rough and that DS was feeling tired and still hadn't gotten his voice back. He's having fun though. A lot of his friends from the club are staying in the same hotel and they all had breakfast together. For him, it's more the social aspect anyway. Obviously he's hoping to do well, but if he doesn't make it back to Junior Nationals this year, he won't be too upset. In fact, he's already lined up some ice time on Sundays to start ice dancing.

TMQ, unfortunately we don't get the ISI magazine, only USFSA's Skating magazine. I love that you were all in matching shirts. Syncro is amazing to watch. Will your team be competing in the US Championships? I know that a local club is hosting the event and we're going to try and make it.

If anyone does get the Skating magazine, I think DS's ice theatre team will be in the November issue.

Tammi

 

[tmq2766]

No we won't be at that competition.... We have a competition scheduled for the weekend of the 5,6&7th....Probably like 10 other ones throughout this season an then we will be at the National competition in Michigan in March and then hopefully going to the World competition in July in California...(Fund raising permitted)hehe
Her synchro team is ISI then she skates USFSA for her solos.
Our rink just started a theatre on ice group this summer. They are skating to Lion King. It looks very cool. DD9 didn't show much interest in it till she saw the costumes, face paintings, and music.... Oh well maybe next year.....
Our synchro team is skating to Fantasmic...way cool!!!!!!

Good LUck to your son and I really hope he is feeling better!!!!!!!

 

[tjmw2727]

Hi guys - wanted to bump this thread back up to say my dd's did well in their second Basic Skills Competition

Older DD 9 - 2nd in compulsary elements, as you may remember ditched her program but now wants to do one again and her coach is thrilled with her decision and performance. She is in Freskate 1. She also decided to do an exhibition for our Christmas show as a way to get her feet wet. I think this will be a great experience as the older and higher level skaters will attend and have been great role models and cheerleaders for the younger and or lower level skaters.

Youngest DD 7, 2nd in compuslary and won with her freeskate against some really wonderful skaters. She is in basic 8 so competed a 7/8 program to the music of Annie. Had some technical difficulties and the speaker system went down entirely as she was in starting position. They ended up using a boom box on the ice and it was really hard to hear but she - the one with nerves of steel - pulled it off somehow. This was also her first competition with a solo program.

Tammi - you probably figured it out but we did the Burlington basic skills. They plan on entering Stoneham but unfortunately we will be away during the BSC Basic Skills Several people have told me how wonderful that is so I am sorry we will miss it.

Ok everyone- thanks for letting me gush! After an entire day at the rink its nice to talk with those who understand and don't think we are nuts! I am still cold.......

Just FYI and not a complaint - is running over 2 hours behind schedule a normal occurance or we just unlucky today?

TJ

 

[sunkissed212]

Well, I'm not a competitive figure skater's mom but I, myself, was a competitive figure skater for 14 years. I retired from the sport in 1995 when I was 17 years old. I'm 26 now. I coached for a few years after I retired but now just don't have the time. During my career, I skated both individually and precision (now known as synchronized skating) travelled all over the world competing in competitions and know pretty much everything there is to know about the sport.

If I can help anyone out with anything, please PM me...I always love to give my input on this amazing sport. There isn't a lot in this world that I can really say that I know a lot about but figure skating is one thing that I know very well.

 

[TammiMcMan]

TJ,

Congratulations to both your daughters!! That is excellent news and you must feel a ton of relief that they both did well and medalled. I'm not sure if we were ever at one basic skills competition that ran on time. Usually you'll run ahead of schedule though because they have quite a few "no shows" on that day. They must have had a problem for it to run 2 hours behind. Sounds like the girls were able to stay warm, relaxed and loose.

The Christmas exhibition is a wonderful place for your DD to try out a freeskate program. We have two scheduled for the same day, one at the club my son teaches at and the other at our home club. We'll try and figure out how to be at both places.

DS had a fun, social time at regionals. He was so sick though. He didn't have a voice the entire week he was up there, so that made cheering pretty difficult. Unfortunately, not his best skating performance either, but that's the sport. It's ice and it's slippery. It was a difficult decision for him to even compete, because of everything else he had going on, but he's glad that he did. Quite a few skaters from our club made it to Junior Nationals, so that's pretty cool. They're in Jamestown New York this year. DS was much happier that he made it last year and got to go to Arizona instead. He's taking his first dance lesson today with a partner. I hope he doesn't hurt her. 14 year old boys are not the most graceful. His goal right now is to return to regionals next year and compete in dance. We'll take it a day at a time though.

Sorry you won't be around for the BSC Basic Skills event. Maybe one of these days we can hook up and your girls can be our guests at the club. We're usually there on Sundays for Hot Chocolate ice. It's kind of like public skating, but you usually only see figure skaters on the ice. That and the fact that there's usually only about 25 of us, it makes for a nice few hours.

Tammi