Competitive figure skating is an exhilarating sport. It takes a lot of practice to perfect those gravity defying jumps and spins, but is well worth the effort said up-and-coming young skaters with the Sunshine Coast Skating Club (SCSC).
Caitlin Jarvis, 11, loves the feeling of freedom she gets when she skates. Jaymie Capron, 11, said it's like flying, and for Alissa Harkin, 14, it's the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of landing a difficult jump that keeps her on the ice.
The young skaters have trained hard this past year to qualify for the B.C. and Yukon Skating Sectionals, training four to five days a week.
"Competitive figure skating is a big commitment, not just for skaters, but for the parents too, said club president Jill-Marie Jarvis. "It's worth it even before they step on the ice because of all the life skills they're learning, but when you see the joy on their faces, you can tell they really love what they're doing, and that makes it all worth while. They have a passion, a commitment at such a young age, that's pretty awe inspiring."
Director of coaching Lesleigh Farr admits it can be a challenge for Sunshine Coast skaters to compete against clubs which have access to year round ice.
"I keep it real, and remind them it's not about placement at this point, it's about progression, a personal best and moving up with the categories," added Farr.
She said this was the first year the SCSC had three skaters qualify for the sectionals.
"That's a big first. We now have skaters qualifying for provincial competitions at both StarSkate and Competitive streams, which is really encouraging," said Farr.
Registration for winter skating lessons will be held in December, and the club is considering adding a learn-to-skate program for adults if there is enough interest. See www.sunshinecoastskatingclub.ca or email questions to [email protected].
The club is holding a registration day Dec. 21 at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre during the regional development team winter training camp. The public is welcome to come by and watch.
- Submitted
