FAVORITE CAMPS, COMPETITIONS UNVEILED BY LEXI ROHNER Training involves more than attaining elements and repetitive
program run-throughs. A variety of camps and competitions are out there to support, complement and increase a skater’s skills and learn- ing opportunities. Below are a few that have received high marks from adult skaters nationwide.
CAMPS
Eagle River FSC, Eagle River, Wisconsin
www.facebook.com/eagleskaters/ Camps and minicamps are conducted in fall, winter and spring.
Jocelyn Chalquist originally chose this location to have lessons with her preferred Canadian partner-coach. “I continue to attend because of the long-term relationships developed,” Chalquist said. “Continued progression of my skating and dance tests has been beneficial.” All disciplines (including figures) and ages are available and generally there is an international dance judging panel for two days of test sessions. “I always have goals and sometimes I meet them,” Chalquist, a Wisconsin resident, said. Coaches include former Olympians and international competitors. Recalling her best memories, Chalquist recounts passing her final gold dance test and another skater passed the final international dance test; a coach broke out champagne at 11:30 at night in the rink’s concession area to celebrate.
High Sierra Adult Skate Camp, Lake Tahoe, California May 24–28, 2017;
klvskates.wixsite.com/2017hsasc/about Entering its sixth year, this West Coast camp boasts ice dance
and altitude training. Karen Lawrence Viel organizes and skates. Elizabeth Ozorak has attended twice, choosing it for the emphasis on ice dance. “I was working hard at the time and liked the possibility of testing at the end of camp,” Ozorak said. “I returned because the coaching quality is so high.” Ozorak received something useful from each coach she worked with, finding the atmosphere supportive and encouraging.
7k Camp, Monument, Colorado January 19-21, 2018;
www.skate7k.com/ 7k’s reputation has grown since its inaugural run in 2016. Adult
skaters Laura Armstrong and Karen Burgner agree the camp was welcoming. “7k camp was amazing last year,” Armstrong said. “We had classes with Rohene Ward and Kori Ade and their coaching staff.” Ade offered program critiques and discussed those with the group so everyone could learn. “Classes were great and it was a really posi- tive environment,” Burgner said. “They’re also receptive to participant feedback and work hard to make the camp a great experience.” The camp included Ade’s top-level skaters Jason Brown, Jordan Moeller and others, who sit in on sessions and social events and are available to answer questions. Younger skaters attending are as friendly as the coaches.
Sports Quest Skating Academy, Minneapolis, Minnesota September 22–23, 2017;
www.sqsaparade.com/adult-training-camp/ Created in 2016, this adult skating camp features four-time
U.S. medalist and Olympian Caryn Kadavy and a variety of other presenters. On- and off-ice training is offered, including Sheila Thelen and her Champion Cords, and the chance to improve jumps using an off-ice harness. Elaine Larson chose SQSA, as her coach, Sandy Wittman, coordinates the camp. “She works hard to make the camp a
42 APRIL 2017
great experience for adults,” Larson said. “I was hoping to make prog- ress on my double toe loop with new perspective, and to get out of a rut I’d been stuck in.” Larson’s expectation was to fill her usual five to 10 notebook pages with tidbits to take back and apply to training. “Thanks to Sheila, my double toe loop finally started to click,” Larson said. Care is given to make camp worth the time and expense, and skater feedback from prior years is incorporated to improve the experience.
COMPETITIONS
Golden West Championships Aug. 31–Sept. 3;
allyearfsc.com/2016-golden-west-championships/ This Labor Day weekend competition invites all skaters at all
levels. “All Year does a great job with Golden West,” Cari Lee said. “I loved that I was competing in the same event as some of our biggest skating stars.” Other events Lee enjoys include Mid-Winter WarmUp, an
adults-only preseason competition that was held Feb. 19. Hosted by the Los Angeles FSC, Lee said organizers go all out for the compet- itors. At the Southern California Invitational Final, competitors earn their chance to compete, as top skaters do for the Grand Prix Final. “It’s well-run and an honor to compete at that competition,” Lee said. Mid-Winter WarmUp;
www.facebook.com/events/151026745384654/ Southern California Interclub;
www.socalinterclub.org/invitational.htm
Michigan Showcase June 2–4, 2017;
icehouseskatingacademy.org/michigan-showcase.html Adult theatrical skater Donnie Durant enjoys the Michigan
Showcase. Run by Ice House Skating Academy (IHSA), this compe- tition is well-orchestrated. “All competitors are treated fairly and equitably,” Durant said. “IHSA did an amazing job when they hosted National Showcase.”
Rochelle Revor has a list of nationwide competitions she en-
dorses. “Deborah Burgoyne North American Invitational, Colonial Classic, Peach Classic and Buckeye Open all do an excellent job as adult-only U.S. Figure Skating local nonqualifying competitions,” Revor, a gold ladies competitor, said.
www.facebook.com/pg/USFSAdultSkatingCommittee/events/
USA Masters Games July 14–16, 2017;
www.usamastersgames.com/extra.asp?ID=6900 Elizabeth Ozorak has participated in many competitions and
enjoyed wonderful experiences. “The best so far was USA Masters Games,” she said. “The first ever in 2016 was such a positive atmo- sphere, even my son — who was my skating mom for the competi- tion — commented on it. I loved the opening festivities, marching in the states procession and the ridiculously huge Olympic-sized medals.” Socializing is enjoyably rampant; Ozorak’s only lament being the lack of the international judging system for all free-skate events, not only gold and masters. “I would definitely go back, though prob- ably not every year,” said Ozorak, citing costs similar to the U.S. Adult Championships. Ozorak enjoys attending historic firsts, including the 2016 ISU Adult Competition in Vancouver, Canada. She planned to enter the Ontario Invitational at the end of March.
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