Figure Skating Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to commonly asked Beginner Figure Skating related questions.

  • Getting started is simple!

    All skaters should begin their skating journey with Learn to Skate.

    Our club is involved with many area Learn to Skate programs. These programs are listed on our Classes and Programs page.

    If after completing Learn to Skate you are ready for more Figure Skating, you should speak with your Learn to Skate program director or contact us for the next steps in your skating journey.

  • The answer to this question depends on where your skater is in their skating journey.

    Learn to Skate:

    • For Learn to Skate (LTS), rental skates should work just fine. When you are just starting your first LTS sessions, it is ok to use rental skates. However, the quality of rentals varies from rink to rink and if your skater wishes to continue skating after a few sessions it will be time to invest in some of your own skates.

    Aspire:

    • Skaters who are participating in Aspire group classes should have skates of their own that are higher quality than rental or beginner quality skates. Good skates help ensure success and can lessen frustration due to equipment.

    Private Lessons:

    • Skaters should have their own good quality skates. Skates will vary depending on the level of your skater.

      • For example: A skater who is just starting out will be fine with a stock pair of skates that include the boot and blade. However, a skater who has been skating for 10+ years and is performing double jumps will be buying much stiffer boots that are separate from their blades and are better suited for what they are doing on the ice.

    • As your skater progresses, their coach will talk with you about skates and when they need better/more supportive skates. However, if you have questions do not hesitate to be the one to reach out.

    • After talking with your coach, it is always a good idea to go to a skate pro shop as they can direct you to the best skates for your skater.

  • Below is a general overview of how our program works. 

    Lesson Structure

    • Private lessons are arranged directly with your coach.  You’ll pay the coach and the skating facility for ice time separately. Coaching rates vary by coach, ranging from $28 to $66 per hour. Lessons typically last 20–30 minutes, with costs between $7 and $33 per session.

    Coaching Locations

    Our club offers coaching at four rinks in the West Michigan area:

    • Southside Arena

    • Kentwood Ice Arena

    • Holland Ice Arena (formerly Griff’s IceHouse West)

    • Lakeshore Sports Centre (Muskegon)

    Payment Options

    • Most coaches bill monthly, while some prefer bi-weekly invoicing. Venmo is commonly used, but day-of payments are also accepted depending on your coach’s preference. Please speak with your coach for payment details.

    • Payment for ice time varies by rink - please ask your coach how/what your rink charges. 

    Practice Expectations

    • We ask that skaters commit to at least one hour on the ice per lesson, which includes both instruction and practice time. You are also welcome to attend freestyle ice sessions whenever they are available.

    Please feel free to reach out with any questions—We’re happy to help!

  • The first thing to remember is that ice rinks are cold 😉. However, depending on the time of year and season, ice rink temperatures may fluctuate.
    Because of this, it is best to dress your skater in layers so that it is easy for your skater to adjust to how they are feeling temperature wise.

    • Long hair should be pulled back.

    • No jeans.

      • Pants should not be loose. It is best to wear athletic wear for ease of movement.

    • Remember to bring gloves. Thick gloves work, but one or two pair of thin gloves may work better and can be replaced easily should they become wet.

  • Items that skaters should have with them in their skate bag include:

    • Skates

    • Thin skate socks

    • A towel to dry skates after practice

    • Soakers (to put on blades after drying skates)

    • Hard guards (to protect blades when walking to and from the ice)

    • Gloves

    • Tissues

    • First-Aid kit

    • Extra laces

    • A screwdriver to tighten loose blade screws

    • Hair accessories (brush, extra hair ties, etc…)

    • Water bottle

    • Small on ice bag to carry things to the ice. These usually include:

      • Extra gloves

      • Hair ties

      • Tissues

      • A few bandages

      • Notebook and pen for notes during/after lessons

  • Freestyle ice

    • Freestyle ice sessions are for those who are taking private figure skating lessons with a coach. These sessions are designed for figure skating lessons and practice time. Skaters will be practicing programs, jumps, spins, skating skills, dance patterns, etc. during this time.

    Open/Public ice sessions

    • Open or public skate sessions are ice times that the general public will be skating on. Generally speaking, lesson and skating “tricks” such as jumps and spins are not allowed. Public sessions can be good for extra practice time when working on things such as stroking or moves which do not leave the ice surface.

  • Below you will find the locations and skate fitters our LEFSC coaches recommend when you are in need of new skates. Remember, skates are an investment! Be certain to maintain them so that they last for a long time.

    Many of these stores do require some travel away from the West Michigan area, but our coaches believe you will receive high quality and knowledgeable services from these locations.

    As always, your coach knows you and your skating best! Make sure to talk with your coach about your skate needs and where they recommend you go before visiting or making an appointment at a store.

    • Overtime Sports (recommended for LTS and Basic Skills levels)

      • 5 N 7th St., Grand Haven, MI 49417

      • 616-929-9256

      • https://visitgrandhaven.com/listing/overtime-sports/

    • Rainbo Glenview

      • Website: www.shoprainbo.com

      • 2665 Shermer Road, Northbrook, Illinois 60062

      • 224-235-4764

      • By appointment only, call to set up an appointment

    • Detroit Custom Skates

      • Website: www.detroitcustomskate.com

      • Call to make an appointment for a fitting

      • Location 1:

        • The Detroit Skating Club: 888 Denison Court, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

        • 248-335-8790

        • detroitcustomskateshop@gmail.com

      • Location 2:

        • Arctic Edge Ice Arena: 46615 Michigan Ave, Canton, MI 48188

        • 734-274-5753

        • detroitcustomskateshop@gmail.com

  • Please see the link below for a great walk through of how to care for your figure skates.

    https://sk8stuff.com/f_basic_ref/boot_and_blade_care.htm

  • As a club member, skaters are typically on their skates multiple times per week. It is recommended to get skates sharpened every 20-25 hours of skating (sometimes more, sometimes less depending on your skater’s level and preferences). Taking good care of your blades and sharpening them when necessary will help with blade performance and the life of your blades.

    • If your skates need to be sharpened speak with your coach and find out where they recommend taking them.

  • To keep all skaters safe on the ice, here is a reminder of on ice etiquette required by LEFSC.

    • BE COURTEOUS of other skaters

      • Keep your head up, be aware of your surroundings

      • Watch out to avoid collisions

      • Only one earbud is allowed during Freestyle sessions.

      • Follow practice “flow”

        • Jumping is usually on the ends

        • Spinning is usually in the center

        • Watch out for those in lessons or practicing moves/dance patterns

    • Skaters doing their program with music have the first right of way.

      • All other skaters are expected to watch out, and leave necessary room

      • Unless a coach says otherwise, limit playing your program to 2 times when ice is busy.

    • Skaters in a lesson have the second right of way.

      • Try to avoid skating between the coach and their skater during a lesson

      • Coaches have the right to cut in line to play music

    • Limit talking

      • Try to not interrupt a coach’s lesson

      • You are on the ice to practice.

        • Even if you don’t care about your time, don’t distract other skaters.

        • If you must chat, keep it close to the boards or in the lobby

      • Do not congregate

        • On the ice

        • At the boards

      • No screaming

      • No inappropriate language

    • Respect equipment and property

      • Do not abuse, break, or destroy equipment

      • Do not kick or destroy the ice

        • If you create a pothole or divot, fix it.

    These rules and etiquette are designed to keep everyone safe on the ice. Coaches will talk to skaters about any violations.

    If you observe behavior during ice time that is concerning or potentially hazardous, please speak with a coach.

  • The website Sk8stuff is a great resource for skaters and their parents. It has a fantastic information page that we highly recommend checking out. It can be found here: https://sk8stuff.com/m_basic.htm

    Additionally, information about US Figure Skating may be found here: https://usfigureskating.org/

LEFSC Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to commonly asked questions about Club membership

  • Becoming a member of the Lake Effect Figure Skating Club is an exciting step in your figure skating journey.

    Here are are the benefits of becoming a member of LEFSC:

    • Testing and Competitive Events: As a club member you have the opportunity to participate in competitions and testing through USFS.

    • Show Performances: Members have the opportunity to participate in annual club shows and exhibitions.

      • Halloween Exhibition

      • Holiday Show

      • Spring Show

    • Skill Development: Access to experienced coaches, freestyle ice and a variety of disciplines to help improve your skating.

    • Social Events: Enjoy a range of social activities and gatherings throughout the year to strengthen bonds with fellow members.

    • Team Spirit: Join a supportive community where friendships flourish both on and off the ice.

      • Club members can participate in our Synchronized Skating teams: The Lake Effect Flurries

      • High School skaters can participate in the West Michigan United Figure Skating Team

    What becoming a club member gets you:

    • When you become a member of LEFSC you get everything listed above and in addition you also become a member of United States Figure Skating. You will receive a USFS member number and will be able to take official USFS Tests and participate in USFS competitions.

  • Regardless of what month a skater registers for their membership with LEFSC it will expire on June 30.

    • Example: A skater registers for the club on February 3, 2024. Their membership is good from February 3, 2024 until June 30, 2024. After that date their membership with both LEFSC and USFS will expire if not renewed in the month of June. This is true of all membership types.

    Please keep this in mind when registering for the club. If you have questions, please contact us via the information on our contact us page.

  • LEFSC currently has skaters participating in the following skating types:

    • Singles/Freeskate

    • Showcase

    • Dance

    • Synchronized Skating

  • Our members are required to complete two volunteer hours each season. These hours are generally completed in person. They not only help the club with events but they also help foster a sense of community within our Club.

    • For more detailed information about volunteering please see our volunteer page and guide.

  • Our club is lucky to have access to Freestyle ice time at many West Michigan rinks.

    Rinks that currently offer Freestyle ice sessions include:

    • Holland Ice Arena (formerly Griff’s IceHouse West)

      • located at: 4444 Holland Ave, Holland, MI 49424

      • Website: Hollandicearena.com

      • Register and pay online

    • Lakeshore Sports Centre

      • located at: 4470 Airline Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444

      • Website: lakeshoresportscentre.net

      • Register and pay online

    • Kentwood Ice Arena - during the school year

      • located at: 6230 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

      • Website: southsidearena.com

      • Pay at the desk

    • Southside Ice Arena - during the summer season

      • located at: 566 100th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315

      • Website: southsidearena.com

      • Pay at the desk located on the lower level

    • Walker Ice and Fitness - occasional freestyle ice times

      • located at: 4151 Remembrance Road NW, Walker, MI 49534

      • Website: walkericeandfitness.com

  • Each skating season LEFSC hosts two figure skating shows, one for Christmas and one in the Spring. These shows are our big fundraisers for the club.

    How does my skater get involved?

    • Our shows are a benefit for our club members. Sometimes we ask Learn to Skate groups to participate, but everyone else must be a LEFSC member skating with a private lesson coach.

    • Before each show a google sign up form will be sent out to club members. Fill that form out and your skater will be good to go.

    How are parts decided?

    • Once the sign up deadline has passed the Show Director(s) along with other coaches will decide what parts are best for skaters based on age, testing level, and factors such as their highest jump achieved.

      • Currently we do not do tryouts for shows, but as our club grows that might be a possibility in the future.

    • During our Spring Show graduating Seniors are always offered a solo.

    How does coaching and payment work for the show?

    • LEFSC will charge each skater a fee to participate in the show. This helps cover costs such as ice for dress rehearsal and show days, skater t-shirts, photography and videography.

    • Each skater placed in a group will be charged a coaching fee by the LEFSC coach who is in charge of choreographing their number.

    • If your skater has been chosen to perform a solo, that number will be choreographed during their regular private lesson time. Lessons will be billed according to their private lesson coach’s fees.

  • LEFSC has many different ways that we communicate.

    With Club members we communicate via:

    • Email

    • Private Facebook group

    • Traditional mail

    • Our Club coaches

    With the general public we communicate via:

    • Facebook

    • Instagram

    • Our website

Competition and Testing Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about competitions and testing.

  • This is a question that is best answered by your skater’s coach.

    • Skaters become ready to compete at different times in their skating journey. Each skater is unique, so it is important to not compare their skating path to that of a peer and to remain in contact with your coach.

  • Competition costs include but are not limited to:

    • Competition registration fees

      • Each “event” that your skater participates in within a competition will have a fee.

        • For example: Your skater does a program with music, a showcase program, and a compulsory program. There will generally be a fee for the first event and then a lower additional fee for the second and third events.

    • Coach fees

      • Each coach does their competition fees differently so it is important to talk with your coach about what to expect before registering for a competition.

        • Fees can include things such as:

          • Millage (generally split between their attending skaters)

          • Hotel (generally split between their attending skaters)

          • Their fee for prepping and putting your skater on the ice for their events

          • Their fee for putting your skater on practice ice.

    • Practice Ice fees

      • If your skater needs practice ice at the competition there is a separate fee to purchase.

    • Travel expenses

      • Hotel

      • Gas

      • Food

      • etc…

    • Competition dresses or outfits

      • These can often be found second hand and the prices can vary greatly based on what you choose.

  • The first step is to talk with your coach to decide if your skater is ready and to see what competitions your coach is taking skaters to. Coaches do not attend all competitions so it is important to have this talk before registering.

    When registering your skater you will need to have several pieces of information.

    • Skater’s level

    • Event type

    • Your skater’s USFS number if applicable

    ‍ ‍The websites you will find most competitions listed on for Michigan are sk8stuff.com for basic skills competitions and USfigureskating.org where you will need to log in and go to the EMS section of the site.

    • Your skates (BOTH of them!)

    • Your dress / tights / outfit

    • A spare set of tights

    • A spare set of laces

    • Extra scrunchies, bobby pins, etc

    • Any makeup you will require

    • Comb, brush, hairspray

    • Club jacket

    • Back up music on a phone

    • Guards and soakers

    • Your "emergency bag" (this should contain spare screws for your blades, a screwdriver, spare laces, band-aids, aspirin, a sewing kit, etc)

    • Your USFSA number

    • Know your event number(s) and time(s)

    • Directions to the rink

  • Here is a great reference for how to interpret your skater’s competition scores. https://sk8stuff.com/m_scoring.php

    * This site does talk about the current 6.0 scoring system. After July 1, 2026 that system will change over to CJS.

    • What are figure skating tests?

      • Testing is important to one’s figure skating career.

      • US Figure Skating has this to say about testing:

        • "The test structure is the backbone of U.S. Figure Skating. Skaters advance to the next level by passing skill tests officiated by certified judges. Skaters can test in moves in the field, free skating, pairs and ice dance. As a skater advances, the tests become more difficult. The highest achievement in each discipline is the gold/senior test."

      • Your coach will work with you or your skater on test patterns and programs when they think it is time.

      • A few benefits of practicing for tests include improved grace, edge work, maneuverability, and control.

      • There are 8 levels of tests: Pre-Preliminary, Preliminary, Pre-Bronze, Bronze, Pre-Silver, Silver, Pre-Gold, and Gold.

    • Why take figure skating tests?

      • U.S. Figure Skating tests serve as a prerequisite for competition and offer an opportunity for athletes to achieve personal goals in the sport.

      • Test sessions feature a panel of U.S. Figure Skating officials and offer skaters the opportunity to highlight their abilities and advance to the next level.

      • When a skater passes the final test in each pathway, they earn the honor of becoming a U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist.

        • Test pathways include: Singles (Free Skate), Skating Skills, Pairs, Pattern Dance, and Free Dance.

      • The test structure is one of the most important and rewarding parts of figure skating. All U.S. Figure Skating members from recreational to competitive skaters can participate.

    When and how to test?

    • LEFSC typically hosts two test sessions a year

      • One during our basic skills competition: Skate the Lakeshore

      • One mid winter test session

    • Other test sessions are available through out the year in various locations.

    • Virtual test sessions may also be an option depending on what you are testing and your coach.

    • To decide if you or your skater are ready to start the testing process please talk with your coach.