Learning to make figure artwork is accessible for anyone who can find some skates (figure or hockey) and a local ice rink! The following is needed to skate with WFS:
- Skates: one pair of figure or hockey skates (not too stiff). Any type of figure or hockey skate blade will work! Almost all figures, except those requiring a toe pick, can be mastered with hockey skates.
- Clothes: Warm clothes with gloves.
- Gear: Skaters can wear impact padding that they need.
- Ice Time: Any piece of ice on a skating session.
- Lesson Time: Skaters should use each lesson wisely to work on the Figure Compositions – the patterns that build the Fancy Skating. Quality is more important than quantity.
- Practice Time: Even 5 to 15 minutes of focused practice skating the patterns can make a huge difference@ Anyone can make a difference with a little time.
- Educational Materials: The WFS Skating Exam Catalog (available through membership) and other educational materials help to facilitate and augment the learning of skating’s patterns. World Sk8ting & Arts School’s Virtual Academy is live on-line each week to help our Skating Artists of all ages & Skating Educators.
- Inspiring Skating Educator: A teacher who is delighted to educate students to skating’s patterns (how the two edges on each skate blade allows for a skater to glide on 8 edges). The educator should be thrilled to teach how skating’s 8 edges connect to the Fundamental Figure 8 patterns (a skater either glides on an edge or in a straight line on a flat going forward or backwards in all skating elements). Also, the best skating educators understand how this interwoven knowledge creates superb Figure & Fancy Skating for all to enjoy here. See here for a list of WFS Certified Skating Educators.
- Mental Outlook: It is best to view skating as a creative and fun work in progress! Enjoy:)
Further information to come.