ISI is for the recreational ice skater that is looking to learn and have fun. Everyone has to start somewhere. Olympic skaters such as Dorothy Hamill, Scott Hamilton, Kristi Yamaguchi, Alisa, Czisny, and more, all participated in the ISI programs when they first started to skate. Ice skating offers both emotional and physical health benefits and is a great way to get in shape while having fun. When you become a member of the ISI, you enter the magical world of skating.
When you become a member of the ISI you become a part of the largest recreational ice skating organization in the world. You then have the opportunity to participate in their successful learn-to-skate programs that are for every age and every ability. You even have the opportunity to earn achievement patches when you test your new ice skating skills in their ISI testing programs. Your membership will allow you to compete in the many local, district, and national competitions and shows that they host. In addition, to all those things, you will also receive excess accident insurance with your paid membership which is a nice thing to have. So lace up your skates and hit the ice and learn how to ice skate in their “weSKATE” program.
The ISI offers a recreational learn-to-skate program they call “weSKATE”. Their learn-to-skate programs have been around for many years and have proven successful. Their “weSKATE” program is for all ages and ability levels and you can find skaters from the ages of 2 up to 92 participating in the programs. The program is broken down into levels that let you learn skills, test those skills, and move on to the next level. The levels of their program are “Tot 1-4, Pre-Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Freestyle 1-10, Open Freestyle (Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum), Couple 1-10, Pair 1-10, Dance 1-10, Free Dance 1-10, International Dances, Figure 1-10, Special Skater 1-10, Hockey Skating 1-5, and Hockey Skills 1-5.” As you can see, there are not only many different levels but also different disciplines of ice skating to learn including Ice Dance and Hockey. So now that you are having fun learning and testing your new ice skating skills, perhaps you’re starting to get the competitive itch or maybe you are ready to show off what you have learned to your friends and family.
Being a part of the ISI you are eligible to participate in the many ISI sanctioned local and district competitions as well as 6 national competitions each year. They even offer collegiate skating. At each competition each skater will be placed in an event group based on age and ability levels. It is not so much about being competitive and winning as it is about meeting fellow skaters, making new life long friends, seeing new places, being part of a team, and having fun all at the same time. When you participate in an ISI competition you not only have an opportunity to earn medals or awards as an individual but you earn points as a member of your ISI team.
The Ice Skating Institute offers something for every ice skater. Whether your interest is figure skating, ice dance, or hockey you can learn new skills, earn achievement patches, and compete as an individual and part of a team. While learning how to skate you are exercising both your mind and body, staying fit and healthy, seeing new places and meeting new friends, but most of all-having fun!
