It’s a common question: “Am I Too Old To Learn To Ice Skate?” The answer, unequivocally, is no. You’re never too old to learn. However, competitive skating is a different story. While anyone can learn to enjoy skating recreationally, reaching a competitive level as an adult requires significant dedication and may present unique challenges.
Competitive Skating as an Adult: What to Expect
Adult figure skating competitions offer various levels, allowing skaters to compete against others with similar skills and experience. If you’re in the US, you won’t be eligible for standard-track qualifying events (like regionals) or non-qualifying events at juvenile or intermediate levels due to age restrictions.
However, possibilities exist. If you master the first four Moves in the Field and freestyle tests (up to juvenile, requiring an axel) and land some double jumps, you could compete in “Open Juvenile” against teenagers. This level roughly corresponds to Adult Gold in adult competitions, requiring four adult tests and allowing easier doubles, although many older skaters at this level may not attempt doubles. If double loops, flips, or lutzes become your forte, Open Juvenile might be a better fit.
Passing the Intermediate freestyle test disqualifies you from Open Juvenile but doesn’t qualify you for standard Intermediate (under 18 age limit). Your option becomes the Adult Intermediate/Novice competition, permitting doubles up to a double loop.
The Time Commitment for Competitive Skating
Reaching these competitive levels demands considerable time and effort. Expect several years of lessons and near-daily practice. A realistic estimate might be 10 hours weekly on ice, including at least one hour of lessons, for five years. Prior gymnastics experience and relative youth can be advantageous, but success isn’t guaranteed.
Limited rink access, financial constraints, college, work, family, or social commitments restricting skating to two or three days a week for a couple of hours make achieving even these modest competitive goals unlikely. This holds true even for younger skaters, especially during growth spurts.
Realistic Goals and Expectations
If axels, double jumps, and mid-level Moves in the Field prove difficult, reaching Adult Silver, typical for adult beginners, might be a more realistic outcome.
Conversely, with more ice time, hard work, and natural talent, you might progress through novice tests (demanding Moves in the Field and solid double and double-double combinations), potentially opening doors to standard-track competitions, including regionals. While unlikely, it’s theoretically possible and could serve as a long-term aspiration.
Reaching senior-level skills with clean, consistent double jumps and combinations is far less probable. Double axels and triple jumps are even more challenging. Even children starting at 5-7 years old, dedicating 10-12 years with 10-20 hours of weekly practice, might not reach this level.
Finding Joy in the Journey
The key is aligning your goals with your resources, talent, and available time. Define achievable aspirations, recognizing that you might not reach the highest levels. Find enjoyment in the process of learning and improving at lower and intermediate levels. Ice skating can be a rewarding hobby, regardless of competitive achievements. If anything less than novice or senior level feels like failure, you might be approaching the sport with the wrong mindset. Embrace the journey, celebrate progress, and find joy in the ice.
