How can I advance faster in figure skating?

How quickly can I advance in figure skating?

• So I am a junior in high school and i want to start taking figure skating lessons. I have skated since I was young but just for fun. I can do very simple moves such as a spread eagle ...show more

• Answer:

  If you love it, and can afford to skate just as a hobby, go for it! :) Obviously, you'll never get to the Olympics or Worlds, and likely not Nationals. Maaaybe regionals, if you're a good skater. ;) A spread eagle is cool! I'm working on my Axel and double Sal and STILL can't do one! :P Tips? xD Are you talking about group classes? You would probably be placed in Pre-Alpha or Pre-Alpha II, if the program is based off of ISI levels. I don't know the "Snowplow Sam" levels or any of that because I started out with ISI, for group lessons and stuff, you know, when I was little, so I can't help you if they use USFSA's Snowplow Sam thingy. Pre-Alpha/Pre-Alpha II is like 7-8 year-olds, maybe 9. But maybe your rink has a teen/adult group class? Unfortunately, it might be at noon (when you'd likely be unable to attend because of school), but look around for one at a good time for you. Private lessons are much more expensie - $45 - $90 an hour- but you benefit MUCH more from the focused, personalized attention. You will eventually need your own coach if you plan on competing. You can start competing almost right away, in the ISI. You'll probably be competing with kids much younger than you, though, at least at first. For example, if I competed at Pre-Juv right now, I'd estimate that I'd be competing against 8-11 year-olds. I can't guarantee that, I'm just guesstimating. But if you really love the sport, who knows, you may advance like crazy! :) Good luck!