What kind of elements typically make up a competitive Adult Gold Ladies FS program (in the US)? I'm thinking of moving up to Gold but I would like my program to be competitive. Anyone know what elements Gold skaters are doing in their programs?

Everyone has at least one axel, some of the top skaters have 1 or 2 doubles, but not all. Some do flying camels. I've seen spin combos in the form of camel-sit-back sit-back scratch, or change sits, or change camels. I think you're required to do a full-length footwork sequence, and most Gold skaters also do long spiral sequences, meaning lots of ice coverage. I watched both Silver and Gold Ladies at the New Year's Invitational last year, and the big difference (as it is bet all the levels, I imagine) is speed, ice coverage, and jumps were higher and more secure. I think most of the Gold Ladies had at least 1 combo with a loop as the second jump, and some did 3-jump combos. And obviously, your endurance has to be good b/c the program is 2:40.

In the Midwest, 2 axels (one in combination or sequence) + 1 or more doubles, and all the standard single jumps is the norm for a strong Gold skater. Usually 2 jump combinations and 1 jump sequence plus 3 other jump passes as solo jumps. Spins are usually f/camel (minimum of 3 revs, must be DEFINITELY camel position and must be three spinning revolutions once position has been achieved) or f/camel combination (usually with a back sit), combo spin with a change of position and foot (camel-sit-back sit, camel-layback-back sit, etc), and a solo spin (either a camel, layback, or sit that is fast, centered, and controlled), a full footwork sequence (straight line, circular, or serpentine) with varying turns (not just threes and mohawks, but also incorporating brackets, rockers, counters,and choctaws and some of these turning in your "non-natural" rotational direction), MIF of some sort (spirals, bauers, spread eagles, hydroblade) usually entering some of the jumps and covering a good deal of ice, and very good basic skills such as posture, stroking, speed, flow.

Techskater is very much correct. 2 solid axels, one in combo, 1-2 double attempts and it's helpful but not necessary to land it cleanly so long as you can show a good attempt. Good spins are helpful as is good footwork showing the ability to skate in both directions. What helps tremendously is the ability to look secure and solid in your skating quality and smiling is very helpful, good speed and ice coverage also work well. As a rule don't attempt jumps you have never landed cleanly, this will become more true w/ the new rules in 2007.

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Aside from the consistent axels in Gold (and usually a double sal or double toe, although not always consistent), I think the most obvious difference between Silver and Gold is in the quality of the spins and overall skating. Flow is smoother and faster, presentation is more polished, and spins are faster and more solid in Gold. Also, I rarely see a Gold program without a flying camel.

coskater is right, this is the last year throw jumps that are not clean ans still have them count for partial credit. last year was my first year in gold. I had 2 axels..one in combo...a double sal and double flip. both cheated but the sal closer to clean. due to a hip injury, I had to replace the sal with an attempted double lutz for nationals but went back to the sal for mountain cup. I relied heavily on strong spins to aid me as my jumps were not top notch. flying camel illusion, camel/sit/change sit/upright y combo, camel layback. also a straight line footwork sequence and spirals. I did qualify for championship gold, and placed 6th at nationals with a touchdown on the double lutz.
the ladies around me had much higher jump difficulty Although i didn't see the people before me , my coach did. I think that there were a lot more difficult programs attempted , but unfortuantly a lot of falls, so I ended up in the top 1/2 maybe just by circumstance of the people around me.
this years program is slated to include a double sal, double loop, double flip, and maybe double lutz. 2 axels and straight line footwork and spirals. kept most of the spins ...have been working on one more combo spin to raise the spin level, but have been slowed by knee surgery. but remember what co skater said...having these jumps in doesn't mean that i will get credit for them all. it could be the big stink bomb if you know what i mean. one thing i did learn last year as a first year gold is that speed and edges are really imortant. I saw the skaters around me were superior to me in that department so that has been my focus. I did buy the dvd of both ladies gold 1 and championship gold. i think the whole group is on there. pm me and i'll see if i can burn you a copy and send. Hope this helps.

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Q:If landing an axle is 3 times your body weight, then how many times your body weight is the landing of a throw axle
A: depends on whos throwing you and how much you lied about your weight on your pairs profile


a can of stickum : $5.95
the email asking "how do you get this sticky stuff off " ...priceless

those are great ideas...now what lift were we doing again?

hey Tim...i finally figured out how to get the sticky stuff off!

Missing: east coast stunt doubles poster

Thanks everyone! This helps a lot. It looks like I will have my work cut out for me in Gold, but now I know what goals to set!

icecatepairs, I am sending you a PM!