SRFSC Member Information
Skating Expenses
How much does skating cost? Like many activities, that depends on how intensively you get involved. The following is a summary of costs that skaters may encounter as their training advances. Although this list is intended to provide an idea of the more significant expenses skaters may incur, please realize that it is not comprehensive. While some Club members may never require all of the services listed, other skaters may elect to make investments beyond those mentioned here.
Skates: All skaters need to own at
least one pair of well-fitting ice skates. (See Skates and Skating Attire
for more information.) Rental skates simply don't provide the support and
blade quality necessary for serious skating. It is always wise to consult
your pro (coach) about whether to buy new or used skates, as well as where
to buy them.
Skate Sharpening: Skate blades need to be sharpened regularly; the
frequency depends upon how much time the skater spends on the ice. Skate
sharpening is available at a variety of locations in the Bay Area,
including Snoopy's Home Ice. Ask your pro for advice on how often and
where your skates should be sharpened.
Skating Attire: To be comfortable (and safe!), skaters absolutely must wear appropriate clothing for practice ice. In addition, skaters who elect to participate in competitions and/or shows usually need special costumes. (See Skates and Skating Attire for more information.)
Professional Coach: Each pro charges by the hour, and it is your responsibility as a skater or parent to pay your pro directly.
Ice Time: Every time skaters take the ice, they essentially rent ice time from Snoopy's Home Ice. In freestyle sessions, for example, fees reflect the fact that the number of skaters on the ice is limited, allowing skaters to work on advanced skills without the distractions of crowding and recreational beginners. Check with the arena secretary for current rate information. Your expense will depend on how many sessions you skate.
Testing Fees: Each skater must pay a fee upon submitting his or her registration for an upcoming test. This fee helps to offset testing costs, such as rental of ice time and judges' reimbursement for transportation. Rates vary according to the kind of test taken. (See Testing for more information.) You will also be billed by your pro for the time he or she spends with your skater at the test (usually equivalent to fifteen minutes to one hour of lesson time).
Competition Fees: Every competition charges an entry fee, and these vary widely. In addition to the entry fee, you will be responsible for reimbursing your pro for the time he or she spends with your skater at the event. A pro's lodging and transportation expenses will normally be divided equally among the skaters he or she is taking to the competition. Of course, you will incur travel expenses as well, including lodging and transportation, if the competition is out of town. Skaters may also sign up for practice ice at the competition rink for an additional fee.
Music: Music is an essential component to the success of any program. Pros devote a great deal of time off the ice to cutting music for best effect while adhering to competition time limitations. All pros charge a fee for such program editing and recording services. The fee will depend on the number and length of the programs the skater will perform.
Extra Lessons: When it gets close to test or competition time, your pro may recommend extra lessons. This involves additional lesson fees, as well as possible expenses for extra ice time.
Off-Ice Training: Many skaters who test and/or compete find that off-ice training helps them to be successful. This may include, for example, such disciplines as ballet and other forms of dance, strength training, conditioning, flexibility training, Pilates, and plyometrics. The costs for these types of training vary, depending on the source and frequency of instruction.
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updated 10/20/2003