The needs of an Adult Figure Skater

I heard from a friend who skates at Home Rink occasionally that she had come across my blog, linked off another site (although she couldn't remember what site). But it made me think, "Wow, people are accessing my blog. Maybe I should post more often."

As an adult skater, I am a unique demographic. We adults face different difficulties than the kiddos do. Our bodies are not children's bodies, we have a healthy fear of falling, we are responsible for the costs of our own skating, and our goals are slightly different than younger skaters. 

Credit: Lori Fussell

I am very fortunate that Home Rink and The Other Rink have great Adult programs, but some rinks and some coaches are not adult skater friendly. Maybe they don't understand the needs of an adult skater?

In my not quite humble (though I try) opinion adult skaters need;

• a LTS curriculum (doesn't matter ISI or USFSA are both fine). I hate adult group lessons where there are 5+ students at different levels and only 1 coach, who says "work on whatever you want." then attempts to help each student individually all in a half hour class. Personally I can't progress this way, so I take group lessons with the little kids and follow their curriculum. 
• Practice ice available at a time that is considerate of work hours. I frequently skate on the early morning freestyle ice (which might actually be listed as an Elite freestyle, but they don't mind sharing with me), because we have no practice ice available. It's all either public or freestyle. 
• Adult numbers in all the shows. I was really disappointed to find that Home Rink excluded an adult number from the Spring Show (subsequently I am not participating)
• A coach who understand adult skaters.
• Group Off-Ice warm up. I've told the directors at Home Rink and The Other Rink, that I would gladly pay additional tuition to have a half hour off ice warm up, led by a coach.
• Group On-Ice warm up. I'd put this a little less important than off-ice warm up, but still important. These muscles need that extra few minutes of movement, to perform well.

This is my list, what is on yours?