Help!

I recently moved back to Southern California after living in NY for a few years. I'm trying to find a new coach (or even better, an advanced adult class) and need some info.

My biggest problem is that I'm broke. Back in NY I was lucky, because I was able to find an awesome class for $45 a week that included off-ice techniques and on-ice spin/jump/footwork plus practice time! Anyway, this is why I'd prefer a group lesson, if at all possible, though I will go private again if I have to. I've checked a few rinks already and none of them have group adult classes for the more advanced skater. (I can land all my single jumps except the axel.)

My real question, though, is who are the good coaches in the area now?

I'm not looking for a coach that'll take me to the Olympics. It's about 15 years too late for that. I'm looking for a coach that will push me to improve at my own pace, but knows that I'm not trying to be the next Michelle Kwan. I skate for fun and personal satisfaction.

I'd prefer a coach that can really teach technique. I don't plan on ever landing a double axel, but I'd love to have a beautiful single axel! And I really need/would love to work on footwork and presentation.

Help please? Thanks!

It might be helpful if you let us know where you are in southern California -- and how far you're willing to drive to get to the types of lessons/coaching you want (Oxnard? Burbank? El Segundo? Aliso Viejo? Ontario?)

Oh and welcome back to southern California. I'm guessing from your screen name you are a UCLA grad/fan?


Thin-Ice (USC alumna -- but if it makes you feel any better, I cheer for UCLA in everything.. right up until the minute USC & UCLA play. I want your teams to be 2nd best in the country in every sport we both play.. and if UCLA is best in the sports USC doesn't have, that's fine too. )

Doh. That would help. This is what happens when you start posting at midnight.

And thanks for the welcome. Yes, I'm a UCLA alum. =) And I'd cheer for UCLA... if I ever went to any of the games! It's too bad they don't have a figure skating program.

Anyway, I live down in Buena Park, so the closest rinks to me are Ice Palace (Michelle Kwan's rink) in Artesia and Anaheim Ice (formerly Disney Ice). However, I'd be willing to drive out to Lakewood or Paramount... or anywhere else within about 20 minutes drive.

I realize you can't find a coach online, but I'm really looking for referrals or observations of good (and not so good) coaches. Thanks!

I skate at Paramount every Sunday (12 noon freestyle + 1:30pm public) and Daisies--who is also on this board--usually skates and coaches a little on those sessions. She is an excellent coach, very analytical and specific with technique (she just brought my axel back from the dead about a week ago). She also has the advantage of being a Gold level judge! I can't help you with the group class thing, but I know you'd get more out of two lessons a month with her than 4 lessons a month with many other coaches. You can PM her on Skatingforums if you want to set up a trial lesson or just chat with her.

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"You don't have to put an age limit on your dreams." - Dara Torres, 41, after her 2nd medal at the 2008 Olympics

I don't think judges are allowed to coach....at least not for money.

They can coach, they just can't judge their own students. Same goes for technical specialists (many of the top coaches are also certified tech specialists).

Small world! I live in BP as well. I skate at Anaheim ice early mornings and Paramount and Lakewood on weekend (if I skate weekends)

I have been with my coach since I started skating 9.5 years ago. She's great with adults and is very much into teaching solid technique. Her name is Sherri Terando, if you are interested. PM me if you want more info!

She just switched from judging to coaching (she is not going to judge anymore starting this season). Oh, and in case it's a deal-breaker, I'll warn you up front that she is a big USC fan, LOL!

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"You don't have to put an age limit on your dreams." - Dara Torres, 41, after her 2nd medal at the 2008 Olympics

Thanks everyone!

PattyP, I'm going to see if I can watch Sherri teach for a bit then maybe do a trial lesson. Can you tell me what her rate is? Is she ever at the rink during weekends/evenings? Thanks!!

She SHOULD be a big USC fan, too.. since she's another alum!

That's too bad for us, since she's a great judge, very fair and knowledgeable.. but lucky for her new students, since she is really good at explaining things clearly and in several different ways if needed.

DRATS!!! No more American Idol hand wave at the judges stands!!! LOL!!!

Okay, daisies... if I I ever end up traveling in your neck of the woods, I'll definitely try you out for footwork stuff (just b/c I *know* you got GREAT edges) and doubletoe's coach for everything else (b/c he's KEWL... )

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Cheers,
jazzpants

11-04-2006: Shredded "Pre-Bronze FS for Life" Club Membership card!!!
Silver Moves is the next "Mission Impossible"
(Dare I try for Championship Adult Gold someday???)

Thank you for the support, you guys!!!

But now Daisies is also one of my coaches (am I becoming a coachaholic? I only have 3. . .) so you have to say "Doubletoe's MAIN coach," LOL! BTW, Daisies kicks BUTT on jump coaching!

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"You don't have to put an age limit on your dreams." - Dara Torres, 41, after her 2nd medal at the 2008 Olympics

Dangit doubletoe. You make me want to head out to Paramount. Does Daisies coach at any other rink besides Paramount?

I just PM'd you!

Is there a 12 step program for having too many skating coaches there.

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Cheers,
jazzpants

11-04-2006: Shredded "Pre-Bronze FS for Life" Club Membership card!!!
Silver Moves is the next "Mission Impossible"
(Dare I try for Championship Adult Gold someday???)

Thank you for the support, you guys!!!

OMG, you guys are too funny!

doubletoe, thank you for mentioning me and for your vote of confidence in my coaching. jazzpants, I can still do the wave ... just from the ice instead of the stands!

bruingrl, for now, I am only at Paramount on Sundays. Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions. I would feel more comfortable answering questions in private since I don't want this to be construed as soliciting.

(Hey Thin-Ice -- Fight On! )

The first time I ever visited the USA (in 1998) I skated at Paramount - Daisies wasn't teaching there then, alas...

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Mrs Redboots
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I love my computer because my friends live in it!
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