They were a bit of a nightmare this year as they used IJS marking (i.e same as in Olympics). But very few skaters at the lower levels got their jumps called at all (i.e they got 0 marks so might as well not have bothered trying them)

I did well in low level couples compulsory dance and free dance and in low level singles and in fact would have won the level above me, as with most jumps being scored a zero, my very good upright spin and step sequence gave me more points.

There are a number of adult competitions about, Bracknell Guildford, Oxford, Bristol, Cardiff etc.

Are you a dancer or free skater? or both?

Hope you don't mind me butting in a bit here, but didn't really want to start a new thread.

I have noticed with mens black boots, there seems to be two types, the shiny ones which tend to be worn more by the celebs, and then rough looking boots mainly worn by the pros.

I was wondering, are they different types? Do the pros have their own special boots or something? Or is it just a style thing? I personally think the shiny boots look better.

I'm not at that level yet anyway - just at about skate UK 8/9/10 (doing things on all those levels at the moment)

The only jump I can do is a waltz jump!

I'd imagine the 'rough looking' boots are the ones with a suede finish.

I think they started to come in as an option a few years ago but it's basically a style thing although some types of boots may only come in that finish I'm not sure. It may be that whatever boot company it is make their higher level boots in that finish now.

I think the ones for the celebs all came from one supplier and as lower level boots, they probably only come in the one finish.

The pros would have their own boots so would be whatever they use and like.

I think Cardiff recently held a competition for exactly those levels - so you can't get out of it that way!

But if not yet then see you at competitions soon......

Hey - good for you! Well done! Thanks for your answer re tights btw.

I think I finally figured out who you are! I thought you were probably a member on another forum I use since you're a skater. I shall pm you later to see if I'm right and let you know who I am .

Oooh exciting! I've given away too much information now darn it!

Meanwhile the rest of us are left in suspense...

Free currently, although I'd love to get into pairs at some point...I kinda like the idea of being thrown around

I train at Bracknell so I'm in the right place! It may be a while before I compete though, I recently changed the foot I spin on (around 3 months ago) so that's requiring a lot of work!

Hmm - you need to pick your partner carefully if you do pairs. Just broken up with my dance partner and feeling slightly bitter

Do you go on morning patches at all? I might see you!

Not at the mo, I have to be at work pretty early! The timetable at Bracknell isn't the best for people who work normal hours!
Do you skate at Bracknell often? I'm there pretty much all weekend

If I could choose my ideal pairs partner...I'd have Fred! He seems like a good 'un

Go and watch a quality Senior - ie. Over 35 - Latin event. They all wear "little dresses" and most look terrific. There's some pretty terrific looking over-50s as well!

Ah - I'm not in much at weekends now my daughter doesn't skate any more (she's at uni). Do you have private lessons with one of the coaches? I tend to skate the weekday morning patches

I like Fred but I'm quite taken with Matthew - either would do.

Have sent you a pm . You haven't given away too much here, just repeated things that were written somewhere else. I wish I'd known your name before to come say hi on Saturday morning, we probably spoke in the changing rooms without even realising!

If you can do a 3 turn and back crossovers and can skate Friday evenings then you should come along to our synchro team practices 6.15 - 8.15. We're always looking for new members and are current British Adult Champions. It's good fun and improves your skating.

Is it a forum for skating?

Oh I'm sure there are! I have a decent size 8 figure so I'm not bothered about that aspect of it - I would just feel self conscious about people thinking I look a bit old to be wearing it (but it's all in my head, I know that!)

Ah my friend came along to a few of your synchro practices a while ago!
I'm being coached by Phillip Poole He's awesome!

Sounds like your friend did not stay - did we put her off somehow?

Phil's cool - you know he is doing a number in a charity gala in October I think.

Yep. He mentioned to me he was in the process of training up a doctor who works at Harley street at they're gonna do the headbanger!
I also occasionally have lessons from Chris, but that was mainly when Phillip was competing and couldn't teach for weeks.

My friend couldn't do a whole load of skating I think as she's doing a lot of practice & academy too. I think she found it a bit tasking too! It's much harder when you have to sync with others!