Once you are comfortable skating forward, it's time to go backward!

  Skaters can start slowly by using the "wiggle": Bend your knees like you are sitting in a chair, hold your arms to the front (you can bend your elbows) and, using both feet as if they are one, move them side to side in a small "S" pattern (it feels like you are doing the "Twist"!). This backwards skill will not having you speeding around the rink, but it will have you moving backward fairly easily!

  When you are ready to move to the next level, you will do the "Swizzle". If you have learned the forward swizzle, it is very similar when you go backward. Start with your toes facing each other (don't forget to bend your knees!). You will push your heels out and then immediately pull them toward each other making a football (or egg) shape tracing on the ice. If you master this skill, you will be able to go fast enough to glide backward - what a great feeling!

Some things to remember when you go backward:

1) Do not push off of the wall to get speed!!! This can result in falling forward.

2) Check behind yourself frequently to make sure your path is clear.  People are constantly in motion on the ice so you will need to check every few seconds.

3) Bend your knees. When you straighten your knees it can make you bend at your waist and fall forward (therefore slowing you down!).

  Have fun and take it slowly! Going backwards will be just like skating forward after a while. Now, if we can just get back to forward skating again... (more on that next time!).

YES! The Ice Zone will host 2 recreational figure skating competitions this year.

The District Championships will be April 12 & 13. Skaters can participate at all ages and levels (you can do a routine doing the skills you are learning now!) Recreational competitions are a great introduction to competing: skaters are placed in groups of 5 or less, skaters are all within 2 years of the same age and skaters all perform the same skills. There are also opportunities to do a routine with your friends or do a fun routine to your favorite music! Skaters will need to take private lessons to learn routines. Please see your group lesson coach or contact Gaby Corcoran (gaby@richmondicezone.com or 378-7465 x304) for more information. You can read the competition information on the Ice Zone's website - click here!

  The Ice Zone will also host the Spring Splash on May 17 & 18. This will be the same type of competition, so skaters can use the same routines for this one. More information will be coming soon!

 

The Mini Camp (for beginning figure and hockey) will be June 23 - 25, 2:15 - 5:00pm. Skaters will learn beginning skating skills (up through Basic 5) and also try out skills from figure skating, hockey and speed skating.

Figure Skating Camp (for skaters who have passed Basic 5 & up). Skaters will participate in different classes to work on the different aspects of figure skating (jumps, spins, footwork, edges & off ice conditioning). The dates are: July 7 - 11 and August 11 - 15. More information coming soon.

Rick Heinz Hockey School - Improve your skills at this camp! Click here for more information.

Sport International Hockey Camp will be July 14 - 18. Click here for more information.