So you would like to be a Figure Skater
Where to Begin

​Learn to Skate
  • The Penrith Ice Palace Skate School is a 'learn to skate program', designed for beginners of all ages.
  • Skate School is the feeder program for anyone wishing to progress into Figure Skating or Ice Hockey.
  • Classes are arranged by skating ability and coaches make sessions lively using a wide variety of activities that create a fun environment and promote learning.
  • All of our coaches are Fully Accredited and registered with the Australian Professional Skaters’ Association (APSA) and Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and as per NSW guidelines, also have a current Working with Children Check (WWCC). ​
  • Skaters progress individually, meaning they can move up a level at any time. Progression for each level is tracked on your personal card and once each skill has been learnt, it will be marked off and approved by the designated coach. Once all the skills on your card are completed and signed off, you can move up a level.
  • ​Each class includes a 30 minute lesson + 30 minutes practice + skate hire if required.
  • For all information regarding skate school, please refer to the Penrith Ice Palace website link and click on the skate school tab.

​Private Lessons
  • You may prefer Private Lessons which are one-on-one lessons with a fully accredited Figure Skating Coach.
  • If you want to take it to the next level and start entering Figure Skating Competitions you will need private lessons.
  • You can start private lessons regardless of your skating ability or level.
  • The Penrith Ice Palace affiliated coaches are all fully accredited and registered with the Australian Professional Skaters’ Association (APSA) and Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and as per NSW guidelines, also have a current Working with Children Check (WWCC). 
  • For a current list of our affiliated accredited coaches and their contact details please refer to our Coaches link
What you need to start Competitions

Skates
  • For competitions you will need your own Figure Skates.
  • All Figure Skate brands have different levels of boots from beginner levels to advanced and it can seem very confusing. The difference in the levels is generally a variation in the stiffness of the ankle support and the type of blade. Choosing the correct Figure Skates is very important. Your coach will be able to suggest the appropriate level of skate to suit your age and ability. 
  • Skate sizes also vary from one brand to another and can be different to your normal shoe sizing. It is extremely important not to oversize your boots. Too much growing room will affect your progress on the ice, cause sore feet and blisters and risk breaking the skates down prematurely. Your coach will also be able to help you size your skates.
  • You can purchase Brand New Figure skates from the Penrith Ice Palace Skate Shop as well as other stores around the state or online. Again your coach should be able to assist with this information. 
  • You may prefer a pair of second hand Skates to get you started. Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club has a range of second hand skates available for sale.  Refer to our committee members link for more information.

Competition Outfit
  • In order to Compete you will need a competition outfit.
  • Competition dresses are generally made up of a leotard with built in skirt and are the most common choice. These dresses are usually made of lycra allowing the skater to move freely. The colour and style is completely up to you. 
  • You can purchase a competition dress at the Penrith Ice Palace Skate shop, online or second hand.
  • You will also need Figure Skating Tights. These can be footed or over-the-boot style. Over-the-boot style is the most popular as they hide any scuff marks or scratches on your skates. These are also available from the Penrith Ice Palace Skate shop or via online stores. 
  • Please note:- It's always good to have a spare pair of skate tights as there is nothing worse than getting a rip or ladder on the day of your competition. 

Memberships
  • In order to compete in a Figure Skating Competition you must be a current member of an affiliated club (such as PVFSC) as well as a current member of NSW Ice Skating Association (NSWISA). 
  • For beginner levels (Aussie Skate), you will also need to pay a one off membership fee to Aussie Skate.
  • NSWISA fees are paid directly via the sports TG passport link. You will need to login and create a password and then follow the prompts for the relevant membership fees.
  • PVFSC fees are paid directly via our tidyhq link. 
  • More membership information is available here. 
How good do I need to be to Compete

​Aussie Skate
  • Competitions start from an Introduction to Skating (Tiny Tots 2 - Intermediate 2) and even have a designated section for children aged 5 and under so its never too early to start. General Guidelines are that competitions in these levels are to be skated on half ice. This means the ice is split by cones into two equal halves. The skater performs a 1 minute or less routine with background music supplied by the competition organisers. Skaters are judged on technical elements and presentation. Both halves of the ice are used at once so two skaters are performing at the same time with two separate judging panels. 
  • You can then progress through the levels and into the Bridging Program (Free Skating Levels1-4). General Guidelines are that competitions in these levels are skated on full ice. The skater performs a 1:30 minute program with their own background music without vocals. Skaters are judged on technical elements and presentation.
  • The above divisions are for Single Skating however, Aussie Skate also has divisions for Ice Dance, Synchronised Skating, Pairs Skating, Artistic Skating and Adults. The beginner levels start with the most basic skills taught in Skate School and progressively lead to more difficult elements as you advance through the levels. Your coach will decide which division is best suited to you.
  • Aussie Skate Division Guidelines and Required Elements link. 
  • Once you have progressed through the Aussie Skate levels you will test and progress into the IJS system which covers the more advanced levels.
I'm nervous about competing alone

The first several levels of Aussie Skate are performed on half ice, (meaning the ice is split in half with cones) therefore, there is generally another skater performing at the other end of the ice at the same time as you. Remember you are never alone. You will always have a coach present as well as family and other club members to cheer you on. 
How about Skating in a team

Maybe you would like to consider Synchronised Skating. Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club are affiliated with the Southern Sky Synchronised Skating Squad which trains at Penrith Ice Palace on Sundays.
Synchronized Skating is a team event with artistic programs to music incorporating exciting formations that intersect, travel and pivot. It includes elements of the other figure skating disciplines such as spins, step sequences and field moves. Synchronized team skating has grown in popularity for skaters of all ages and levels.
​For more information visit Southern Sky Synchronized