Skating Levels?

Question

So, I'm a little confused about the figure skating levels, and ISI and the other one. :p I'm a bit niave with them. So what are the basic levels? I'm only familiar with pre-alpha, alpha, beta, gamma, delta, pre-fs, fs1 , and up to 6. My ice rink flyers only list lessons up to freestyle 6, so what about freestyle 7-10? Are there levels after freestyle 10?

Also, I also understand that there are sections within levels. When I was starting out, I started at Pre-alpha 1, prealpha 2, alpha 1, alpha 2,etc, and they would last for about 3 months each. But I read online and listed it only as prealpha, alpha, beta, gamma delta on one district website, and then prealpha 1, prealpha 2 , etc on a different one. Are seperating levels into two parts easier? Or is it more time consuming than having just a joint level? How long are those levels's lesson that don't seperate it into two sections? Can someone help me? I'm not sure it makes much sense, but could someone help me out? Thanks!

Answer 1

Freestyle 7-10 are levels after freestyle 6 (obviously), in freestyle 7 and up you tend to work on doubles (jumps such as double toe loop, double toe wally, double lutz etc). and other advanced spins. I have heard once you reach a certain level...you are certified for teaching.  To pass freestyle 10, I have heard you need to land your double axel and/or an axel on the other foot.

Answer 2

your skating rink is weired they r normally like 4-5 wks

Answer 3

So normally there are no ones and twos in any level. I'm assuming that maybe the numbers were referring to the different groups (If you are looking at Learn-to-skate)

You are correct, there are levels after Freestyle 6 (They go up to 10). The reason your rink is not showing it is probably because not many people continue is ISI after they pass the FS 5 or 6 test. After FS 6 the requirements start to get weird with jumps the other way and weird moves.

BTW: The other division is USFS (United States Figure Skating).

Answer 4

Levels can be very confusing to understand completely when you first start skating! The reason your levels are different than that website is probably because the people at your rink probably find it more effective to split up those levels into groups so you can focus more on each element. Yes, some rinks don't split up the levels into seperate groups,but that's just a different way of doing it. Some people may think splitting the levels up like that is more time cosuming, and other people may think that spending more time on each skill improves your skating overall for the long term(I'd probably agree, even though my rink does levels the other way!).

         As to how long those "joint" levels are, it varies at different rinks. At some rinks it takes a few weeks, others a few months. At my rinks the sessions are a few weeks long, however, not everyone passes the first time!

         About the levels following FS6, most people that I know have already moved on to USFS levels by then, and have a private coach. Private coaches can help you out at any level, though! Those who continue thru FS10 probably also have a private coach. There are no levels after FS10, however, if you passed that level you probably wouldn't want to pass anymore!LOL!

Answer 5

Okay, here you go:  

1) Assuming you're in the US, the two figure skating groups are ISI and USFSA.  ISI is more recreational, fun competitions.  USFSA is the more serious, training organization.  Both have basic levels.

2) USFSA basic levels are called Basic 1-8, and then Freeskate 1-6.  These are the levels that group lessons are offered for.  Many skaters don't finish the Freeskate levels, and instead start private lessons and move into the competitive levels (pre-preliminary, preliminary, and on up).

3) ISI basic levels are Pre-Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta.  Group lessons are usually offered at these levels.  Then you go into Freestyle 1-10.  FS 10 is the top ISI level.  Some rinks (like yours, it sounds) offer group lessons at the Freestyle levels.  Other rinks only offer group lessons through Delta.  

To continue after the group lessons end (whether it's at Delta, or at FS6 like at your rink), you go into private lessons with a coach.  Of course, you can get private lessons at any time - you don't have to wait to reach a certain level.  

A lot of people move into USFSA once they pass FS 5 or 6 in ISI, because they have the skills to move into the pre-pre level of USFSA.  That may be why your rink only offers group lessons thru FS 6 in ISI.

4) Regarding grouping within the levels (ie. Pre-Alpha 1 and Pre-Alpha 2), that's probably something your rink does to separate skaters into more distinct skills groups so the coaches can focus on specific elements.  There's no official Pre-Alpha 1 or Pre-Alpha 2, etc.

Hope that helps!

Answer 6

there are levels after freeskate 10 its called pre preliminary or pre pre.