ice/figure skating: how late is too late?

Question

i am 16, and would LOVE to become proficient in figure skating.

unfortunately, i am (1) very out of practice...i haven't done it regularly up to this point, and (2) am not very agile. i used to take gymnastics, but no longer do.

i'm willing to put effort into this, as i feel it is a beautiful form of self-expression, as well as an impressive and challenging activity, and so if i am still able to learn, i will.

i'm not looking to compete at this point, either. this is just for my personal happiness.

however, is 16 too late? and exactly how long will progress take?

thanks!

Answer 1

Its never to late to start figure skating! I started two days before my 21st birthday and now its almost been a year. Progress will go as slow or as quickly as you make it. If you have the money, go skating as often as you can, and start taking lessons. Most skating rinks offer affordable group lessons for all ages (even adult skaters). If you skate three times a week for a year, you could be in competition shape if you wanted to. You can join ISI (the ice skating institute) look for the website online. Or you could join the USFSA Basic Skills program.
I love telling a story with skating...thats what its really about, anyway! Have fun, and skate like no ones watching!!!

Answer 2

Its never too late. At least I hope it isn't! I didn't start skating until just over a year ago- I didn't know such thing existed! I was 14, now 15. My coach first told me that I couldn't really be any major competitor or anything but now she says 'we'll see'. You see, I love skating so much and, even though some may say otherwise, I really do put a lot of effort in. Because I've worked so hard, I landed my axel after 9 months skating and my double salchow after elven months. That was only the second time I'd even tried a double salchow too. I'm not boasting, I'm just saying that it's happening to me because I've worked really hard for it and so it can happen to you too if you want it that badly (and don't let anyone tell you any differently). Also if you've got a coach as great as mine it really does help! Seriously, go for it, because I did (well, I still am), and it payed off.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

If you aren't planning on competiting then you're never too late. You should do it. It definately makes you happy, makes you feel like you're good at something, and that you've achieved you're goals etc.
About progress, it depends on how much you practice. If you practice once a week, it will probably take at least about two years for you to develop any artistry and basic jumps, but if you skate around 3 times a week then who knows in the next year or so you could start to be really good. And if you practice even more then that or just practice really hard then in a few monthes, or close to a year, you could be amazing

Answer 4

Don't get discouraged!!! I think that if you have a gift for skating you can do it. I landed a single Axel after just three months of skating, and my double Salchow the month after that, I started when I was twelve, which is considered too late to be a very competetive figure skater (even though Johnny Weir started when he was twelve), but my old coach joked about going to the Olympics ALL the time, and she doesn't joke about things like that very much. Just try as hard as you can. . .DO IT!!! Figure skating is one the best (and definetly one of the hardest) sports there is. It requires athleticism and grace, which most sports don't, and that gives it an interesting edge (no pun intended). So get a coach and give it a go.

Answer 5

16 is definitely NOT too late! I started at 17! And I practice only once in 2 weeks or a week because the ice rink is very far from my house and I dont even take gymnastics! How fast you progress depends on you but my advice is that if you don't practice often, don't rush as for me, I can practice on one move for what seems like months and still not get it but suddenly one day I get onto the ice and just got it! And the satisfaction that comes with it is so great! So set your own goals based on your progress but don't rush too much. Good luck! =)

Answer 6

Yea, 16 would be too late to compete in major competitions, but absolutely nothings stopping you from competing in smaller competitions - if you want to compete even. I know a lady who started at the age of 30, and she does competitions. To go from early beginner to a medium level skater can take anywhere from 2-4 years, depending on the skater and amount of practice. You can learn as long as you want to learn! And as long as you're enthusiastic.

If you want to skate, then for goodness sake skate! Its about the love of the sport, artistic athleticism, you can be strong, graceful and polished! You learn to battle your own worst enemy, be victorious, win mental mind games, strenghthen your nerves, and know how the birds feel when they fly. Glide across the ice and know you can do anything.

Go ahead and skate my friend. Don't let anything (especially age) stop you! Be great!

Answer 7

it's never too late, I know 60 and 70 year olds that go out and skate, everyone is different, but usually people that are older then 10 can learn to balance and even skate pretty quickly, if you really love it and enjoy it, who knows you could be able to compete, all you have to do is practice, you will fall down and get hurt but, if you want to it's worth everything you have to go through and learn.

Answer 8

Your age does not matter. I have the best coach in the world. He is over forty and he still competes. Just find yourself a coach. Try to find one that likes to teach edges. If you can do well with edges than just skating around will be very easy and fun!

Answer 9

It you are not planning on competing then you are never too late. There are people at my rink who are 60 and just learning to skate! Just have fun, and enjoy the artistry of figure skating!

Answer 10

It is never too late to start to skate. Many people start as adults. I know adults who have become good enough to coach and even compete in adult competitions. Everyone progresses at their own rate. Just relax and try to enjoy it (and dress warmly).