For the newer members among us, our community has a private weekly practice thread where we share what went well and not-so-well at each practice. It doesn't matter whether you're working on forward swizzles or double axels - everyone and anyone is welcome to contribute.
Added 7/13/2013:
Skatingforums.com conducts a monthly "Gamified Skatingforums Challenge" topic. The originator provides several challenges in skating to be performed on ice by members. It's just for fun and bragging rights. The challenge has several themed (spins, spirals, figures, jumps, etc.) elements to be performed, ranging from easy to difficult. There is something for all skaters to achieve, plus a little push to get to the next level. A limited-time poll gauges participation and members are on their honor when reporting their achievements. The "On-Ice Skaters" forum is used, so any contributions, tips or videos are only viewable by logged-in members.No one ever criticizes another member for being a beginner, so please don't let that hold you back. Feel free to say you're frustrated or concerned, happy and overjoyed. This forum is closed to guests and non-members, so only our community can view the information in this (and a few other) forums. You are among friends.
These threads serve a more important purpose as well: they record progress. While you may think you're "only" doing crossovers now, a year from you might be doing dances and freestyle. Looking back is a great way to motivate yourself to keep going forward.
It's fun for our members to enjoy each others' continual progress in skating. It is often inspiring and motivating, especially other beginners just starting out. For example, I remember when a certain beginner started posting about her swizzles and one-foot glides. Now she's working on scratch spins and jumps. That's WITH several months of "no ice" due to an unexpected rink closure. I still follow her progress to this day and I think it's great.
If you are really struggling with something, ask for some tips and someone is bound to answer. Be patient, though, because most of our members have other responsibilities beyond the board. Thursdays and Fridays are usually pretty quiet.
So join us and enjoy the ride! That's really what skating's all about.
The members-only practice threads can be found in the "On Ice Training for Skaters" forum, along with tons of other information:
http://skatingforums.com/index.php?board=6.0(Log in to view and post)
Search for
#spinclinic to find all of our spin clinic threads, or
#jumpclinic to find all of our jump clinic threads. #gamified will bring up some of our skating challenges.
Updated 10/24/2017