FAQ
What equipment do I need?
For all courses you will need:
- Ice skates (figure or hockey depending which course you take)
- Yoga or Gymnastic Mat
- Bluetooth headphones (bone conduction headphones are recommended)
- Digital device with internet access (smartphone, tablet, computer), though we recommend using a smartphone for on-ice training.
How does the online training work?
All training materials are pre recorded and hosted in our Skool community, so you can train whenever it suits your schedule. The training consists of video and audio materials you can watch and listen to on smartphones, tablets or computers. You do need bluetooth headphones for the on-ice training.
Where can I get the Skool app and how do I create an account?
You can download the Skool app from your device’s app store, or you can join our community here.
Which course is right for me?
This is a very individual choice. It depends which skills you want to improve and which skills you already have. Please check the curriculum and skill requirements of the courses to see which one is right for you.
What if a course turns out not to be right for me?
Everything you buy directly from this website comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee. You’ve got 14 calendar days from the date of your purchase to change your mind and get a full refund, no questions asked and no reason needed. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve already started the course. Just email us at hello@digitalskatingschool.com and tell us which programme you’re cancelling.
The community on Skool works differently. Skool is the seller for everything bought on their platform, so memberships and subscriptions there run under Skool’s own terms and their own refund process rather than ours. You cancel those from inside your Skool account. The full details are in our Liability Waiver.
How much time per week is needed for the courses?
Depending which course series you take, time can vary. For the Skate Smart course 2-3 hours a week would be ideal. For the Start Smart course 1-1.5 hours is sufficient.
How does off-ice training work and do I need a lot of space for this?
All you need for the off-ice training is a Yoga Mat and enough space around you to lift arms and legs fully extended in all directions. The training can be done barefoot or in socks. You may wear sneakers, if you prefer for certain exercises. You can do the training at home, outdoors or in the rink. When choosing where you train consider, that it is off-ice technique training, which is low in pulse and focuses on correct execution of patterns. It is not off-ice fitness training, so dress accordingly to the temperature you train in.
How do the audio guides work?
The audio guides are a unique part of our method. You will hear your coach’s voice leading you through the exercises. You will know what exercises you will do, since you will have prepared the training beforehand in steps 1 and 2. Once you are on the ice you will get instructions on the exercise and to check technical execution and pay attention to your body’s sensory experience.
The Skate Smart course covers improvisation, but I’m not sure I can improvise since I've never done this before. Should I still take the course?
The short answer is: YES, definitely! We know that improvisation is a new idea to many figure skaters. Let me reassure you, you are capable of improvising and it can really help your technical development! It may feel strange and uncomfortable in the beginning and, yes, you may have to learn to be less judgemental towards yourself while you improvise on ice. That is a hugely positive thing to be able to learn and I am sure before long you wouldn’t want to miss it!
Being able to let your edges flow without thinking during improvisation will benefit your physical understanding of skating moves and will help you build flow in step sequences and combinations. Additionally, it is beneficial to develop your unique way of expressing yourself on the ice which, if you are skating competitions, can support your component score because you will be able to integrate your unique style into any program!
I am not allowed to wear in-ear bluetooth headphones in my rink. What should I do?
We strongly recommend using bone-conduction headphones for the on ice training so you have both ears to hear all the local noise around you. These are extremely useful for any activity outdoors where you should be aware of your surroundings. The use of any headphones whether in-ear or bone-conduction is up to discretion of each ice rink and their individual rules. Please make sure you comply with your local ice rink rules. If you choose to use in-ear headphones, make sure you only use one on medium-level and no noise-cancelling function.
Is there anything I should do before I start training?
Yes, please. Skating and off-ice training carry a real risk of injury, and our training is pre-recorded, so nobody is there watching you. Do check with your doctor before you start if you’ve got an injury, a medical condition, are pregnant, or you’re simply not sure the training suits you. Train within your own ability, make sure your skates are properly fitted and sharpened, follow your rink’s rules, and stop straight away if anything hurts. Please read our Liability Waiver and Assumption of Risk before you train, since it applies to everyone using our material, free or paid.