Figure Skating

Not enough time to get to the ice rink? Still want to practice and improve?
Synthetic ice could be an option. But is it a good idea?
Check out my answers to your frequently asked question and my list of the best synthetic ice for figure skating.

Note - if you are looking for the best synthetic ice for hockey, head to this other article.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).

Is synthetic ice good for figure skaters?

Great progress in the past years

First, you may have read a lot of negative comments on the Internet about synthetic ice.
Always read everything online with a critical eye (including this article LOL):

You will notice that most has been written a long time ago or recent form contents of people quoting coaches that have tried synthetic ice a long time ago.

But the fact is, that in the past decade, the synthetic ice products have evolved tremendously. They are now reaching 90% of the gliding quality of ice and do not damage the blades like they used to (you just have to sharpen them a little more often).

This "fake ice" is still not ice (it won't project anything when you stop...), but it is much better!

Cons - Why is synthetic ice not ideal for figure skaters?

Let's start by the negative. 

• Size -
  Synthetic ice is much more appreciated by hockey player because they don't need a lot of space to practice many of their skills.
  Whereas to practice many figure skating moves you need to be able to gather speed. 
  There is no limit to how many tiles you can assemble (you can create an Olympic size rink) but having such a flat space is not common.
  Therefore you are limited on what you can work on.
• Toe picks damages -
  Again the hockey skate is a little more adapted to synthetic ice.
  The toe picks of our figure skates are not ideal to keep the surface damage free.

Pros - So can synthetic ice still be good to practice figure skating?

• The mental boost -
  First, let's just say that when we have limited access to the rink, getting the feeling of gliding is always positive. For most figure skaters, it is necessary for their fulfilment. So being able to glide at home, even if not as well, is still a great mental boost. After all, figure skating has a lot of mental benefits! 
• The positive side of added friction -
  Yes, the extra friction of the plastic makes it less enjoyable than ice. But it does have a benefit. It forces your muscles to work a little more.
  Therefore, you are building strength and explosiveness that will benefit you when you are back on the ice.
• Another great benefit for beginners -
  And for beginners, the added friction has another benefit. It reduces the risk of falling.
• Balance -
  In any case, even with a small surface you can still practice balance and artistry, with specific exercises.
• It can be a wonderful gift for a figure skater!

FAQs

In the next section, I am listing the best synthetic ice products on the market.
But you can find more answers to your FAQs after those product introductions:

• Impact on the blades
• Durability of the ice
• How it works
• ...

The best synthetic ice for figure skating

There is no ice designed just for figure skaters

All the current top products use a similar process with plastic and a lubricant combination. The reaction to make you glide is internal.

None of the products currently available have been developed for figure skaters. They have been developed for ice-skating in general.
The rest is marketing:

• who you see on the videos
• who is promoting them
• and for one of the companies, they created a special shape for figure skaters - but the material itself is not different.

So, don't make your choice based on the marketing alone.

Main criteria to consider when choosing your synthetic ice

• Coefficient of friction / Glide-ability -
  This is the most important - sadly they are not sharing it and all reviews are personal opinions. They depend on the conditions, the state of the skates, the installation of the ice... so many factors could impact the experience
• The interlocking systems - 
  It must be tight and seamless (for continuity) and be strong so that panels don't get loose.
  All main systems can be good if they have a good fit.
  Puzzle and Dovetail systems: easier to set up and take apart. Thus, you need to regularly check that there has been no slip before skating.
  Tongue and groove system: more work to install and difficult to take it apart. Strong locking.

• Thickness -
  Some manufacturers make it an important criterion other don't. The most important is the quality and hardness of the material. With the same material, thicker products will have a longer lifespan.
• Warranty -
  Considering the investment, I recommend checking out the details of the warranty. Not only the length but also what is covered. Like for many products, often you can make it work...
• Storage / ease of assembly -
  Depending on what you want to do with them, check how easy they are to move or store when not in use.
• Single vs Double-sided
  Single-sided: can have a special set up on the bottom part that makes it more stable and less sensitive to small ground variation.
  Double-sided: can be skated on both sides (if the bottom side has been protected) which doubles the lifespan of your product.
• Price - depending on your budget
• Customer service

No true stand-out

The best one is of course the one with the lowest coefficient of friction. 
Many companies state they are the #1 or the leader, it is quite funny - the truth is that most of them are pretty much equivalent.
Some say this one glides better; others say this other one.
I saw one influencer say in 2 videos that different brands were the best synthetic ice they had ever tested; it depends on who was paying that week.
The truth is that it is extremely difficult to compare as it depends on the surface under it, the environment, the skates, the players, what is being done...

So, I am listing your options below and sharing available information to help you compare (However, for some brands, not much is shared...).
I try to find the info as correct as possible, but I cannot guarantee complete accuracy.
All have the technology with self-lubrication.

Pre-packed lower price range options

Skate Anytime

• Great reviews on Amazon - see customer reviews
• In my option, this is a great option for young figure skaters
• One-sided tiles
• Tile size - 15.25" x 30.75" (1,27ft x 2.56ft)
• Gliding - it has a slip agent inside the product, so no additional product is necessary (self-lubricating)
• Interlocking system - puzzle
• Indoor and outdoor
• Thickness - 3/8″
• Warranty - 5 years
• No marketing around figure skaters

See various size packages and their prices

Here is a video from the Skate Anytime YouTube channel:

Polyglide Synthetic Ice Home Kit

• Overall correct reviews on Amazon - Read reviews on Amazon
• Double-sided tiles
• Tile size - 46" X 92" (3.8ft x 7.7ft)
• Gliding - it has a slip agent inside the product, so no additional product is necessary (self-lubricating)
• Interlocking system - puzzle
• Indoor and outdoor
• Thickness - 1/2″ (or 1/4 for starter kit, but not recommended)
• Warranty - 8 years
• Strong marketing around figure skating - they have a package with a shape supposed to be better for spin practice
• If the name rings a bell, it is because they were on the TV show shark tank

Visit website

Sniper's Edge Synthetic Ice

• Overall good reviews on Amazon - Read reviews on Amazon
• Double-sided tiles
• Tile size - 2ft X 4ft (24" x 48")
• Gliding - it has a slip agent inside the product, so no additional product is necessary (self-lubricating)
• Interlocking system - puzzle
• Indoor and outdoor
• Thickness - 5/16”
• Warranty - I can't find any info
• No marketing around figure skating

Visit website

Medium range

On quote - higher price range options

In no particular order.

Can-Ice

• Endorsed by Hockey Canada and Elvis Stojko
• Reviews - Not many unfiltered reviews available online, but many people share their videos on the ice on their FB page which is a great sign
• Double-sided tiles
• Tile size - 4’x5’ or 4’x10’
• Gliding - it has a slip agent inside the product, so no additional product is necessary (self-lubricating)
• Interlocking system - puzzle
• Indoor and outdoor
• Thickness -
• Warranty - 
• Several colors of tiles to create lines and sections

Visit Website

Glice Rink

• Reviews - I have not found many unfiltered reviews online
• Double-sided tiles
• Tile size - 77.4" x 38" (1965x965 mm - 6.4 ft x 3.2 ft)
• Gliding - it has a slip agent inside the product, so no additional product is necessary (self-lubricating)
• Interlocking system - tongue-and-groove
• Indoor and outdoor
• Thickness - 3/4 or 1/2
• Warranty - 6 or 12 years depending on the product
• Some marketing around figure skating 

Visit website

Synthetic Ice FAQs

What is synthetic ice? What is it made of?

Synthetic "fake" ice is made of polymers.
It is now made mostly from high density / ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene plastic with a slip agent.
All brands have been developing and improving with new materials and slip agents to always improve the gliding capability.

This material is shaped into panels that interlock smoothly to create a large even surface.

How do you skate on synthetic ice compared to real ice?

How it works on the real ice:
When your blade applies pressure, the ice melts, creating a thin film of water. This water lubricates and allows the blade to glide.

How it works on synthetic ice:
The plastic imitates the hard part of the ice and the slip agent a.k.a. lubricant additive (chosen for its reaction with the polymer) plays the role of the water.

Reported feeling:
It is said that the plastic is able to imitate up to 90% the feeling of gliding on the ice.
Skaters report that they are able to do as on the ice, but that it adds resistance. 
However, I would not see that as a bad thing. The added friction can be a benefice to the skater’s power and endurance.

What figure skating moves can be performed on the ice?

In theory, almost every figure skating move can be performed on the synthetic ice:

• Jumps
• Spins
• Twizzles
• Arabesques
• Technical steps
• ...

But, because you will be lacking space and some glidability, you are limited.
Plus, I don't recommend planting your toe picks very hard on the tiles.

It is great to work at a slower place on your body positioning and artistry, especially if you set it up in a basement with a mirror.

How long do synthetic ice panels last?

In theory, under normal use (which means with good maintenance and not doing stupid things on it), the use can be indefinite.
The tiles are quite strong and difficult to destroy. The glide-ability can be brought back with lubricant.

Check out the warranties offered by manufacturers. They can be from a couple of years to 10 years for some.

And most tiles can be turned to use the other surface and make your rink last even longer!

What about maintenance?

Check out the manual of the product.
Overall, there is not much maintenance to be done. No Zamboni required.
It requires mostly cleaning.

The most important is to clear the shavings that have formed. You can use:

• a broom
• a vacuum cleaner
• a wet mop
• a microfiber towel 

Don't use cleaners, unless suggested by the company. 

How often?
It depends on the amount of dirt and shavings created by the product and the environment (leaves, dust...).
I think a quick vacuuming before any session is best, but it depends on how often you practice.
Once in a while you can also consider pressure washing.

Alternative off-ice training equipment

If synthetic ice is not an option for you, you have other tools that can help you improve your figure skating.
You won't have the pleasure of gliding, but you can still improve off-ice.
Below are some examples of pieces of equipment.
You can learn more in my dedicated articles:

• Figure skating off-ice training routine - what to work on
• Figure skating Off-ice training equipment - Top 10
• Best figure skating spinners for off-ice training
• Figure skating stretches

And to stretch or do some core exercises, check out my collection of yoga mats to personalize!

You might also be interested in:

Getting confused with all the figure skating levels in the US? Want to better understand the evolution, requirements, test systems and classic ages. Below is a guide to better understand the US ice skating levels and skills.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).

Figure skating Levels and tests - Introduction FAQs

How many levels are there in figure skating?

There is a hierarchy in figure skating.  Levels have been predefined.
For all disciplines of figure skating there are between 6 and 8 official levels
They are based on technical difficulty, with required technical moves and program requirements.
To move from one level to another you take a test.  

Note: for beginners there are also 8 "pre-levels", to test progress on basic ice skating skills. 

I am listing the various levels and skills in further sections.

Why take figure skating level tests?

There are 2 main reasons why you or your kid should take figure skating tests:

• To be able to enter qualifying competitions and if you do, check out my competition checklists
• To challenge the skater, have a goal during practice and improve skating abilities 

Certificate and Badges

When passing, the skater gets a certificate and a badge from the figure skating club on behalf of the U.S. Figure Skating Association.
The names of skaters who have passed the test are as also listed on the U.S. Figure skating website.

As a skater advances, the tests become more difficult, so each test passed is a definite cause for celebration.
You can also purchase medals and pins for yourself or your kid.
Or if you are looking for something different check out my gifts for these occasions. They can be personalized with the name of the skater (or with a club name), the level and the year:

What if I or my kid fail an ice skating test?

This can be disappointing, but it is not dramatic.
You can take and re-take the same test as many times as you need to pass (with an interval of 28 days between each attempt).

Your coach or the comments on the form can tell you the reason why you failed. Keep practising and enjoy the journey!

US Figure skating vs ISI

In the rink closest to you, you may learn about different levels as those listed in this article (alpha, beta... ISI levels 1 to 10). 
Those levels have been established by the ISI (Ice Skating Institute).
What is the difference and implication you may ask?

• The US figure skating is the national governing body for figure skating in the States (recognized by the International Skating Union (ISU) and the Olympic Committee).
•  The Ice Skating Institute is an organization of participants of all aspect of the sport (ice rink owners, instructors, trainers, builders, suppliers...) to support the development of ice rinks and provide and promote ice skating.
• They both allow participation is competitions they organize under certain conditions such as membership, for example.
• There are correspondences between test levels

This article focusses on the US Figure skating levels.

What are "Gold Medalists"?

Figure skaters that pass some of the highest tests in figure skating become U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalists e.g.:

• Senior Freeskating 
• Senior Moves in the Field
• Gold Dance
• Senior Free Dance
• Senior Pairs

Basic ice skating levels - beginners

Even before you start going through the Figure skating level tests, kids can have goals and see progress thanks to ice skating teaching systems with levels.
Ice skating moms, you should know that the 2 most commons taught in group sessions are:

• The Snowplow Sam (4 levels)
• The Basic Eight (8 levels)

These give you a good common basis for all disciplines of figure skating. Once you have passed them all you can choose to specialize: single, pairs, ice dance, synchronized skating.

Not one system is better. Just follow the one available at the rink.

Figure skating levels & ages (single and pair)

Names of the figure skating levels for singles and pairs

For singles and pairs, the skaters have to progress through the following levels:

• Pre-Preliminary
• Preliminary
• Pre-Juvenile
• Juvenile
• Intermediate
• Novice
• Junior
• Senior

For each level, you can validate Moves in the Field and Free Skate.

What are moves in the field?

They test the skater’s ability to perform patterns on the ice, focusing on

• accuracy,
• posture,
• bilateral movement,
• extension,
• edge quality,
• continuous flow,
• turn execution.

Mastering these skills is essential.
Each level in Moves in the Field consists of 4 to 6 set patterns that must be performed by the skater:

• clockwise and counterclockwise 
• on both the right and left foot
• on both inside and outside edges

Diagrams are available in the US figure skating rulebook (at the end - MITF section and page numbers - after page 316).
Patterns are different for adaptative skating.

Figure skating free dance test - correspondence with jump levels

For free dance tests, the program (to music) must be presented with some requirements in terms of Jump, Spins, Moves and Combos.
To give you an example some of the requirements per level are:

• Pre-preliminary: waltz jump, salchow, toe loop, half flip, half lutz, 3 revolution one-foot spin 
• Preliminary: waltz jump, salchow, loop, flip, combo waltz + toe loop, 3 spins including a sit spin... - 1min 30
• Pre-juvenile: loop, flip, lutz, combo with toe loop as second jump, camel spin, camel to sit spin... - 2min
• Juvenile: Axel plus 2 other single jumps, Combo with 2 single jumps, several spins including an attitude spin and a spin combo... - 2min15
• Intermediate: axel, loop, flip, lutz, 1 double jump, several jump combos including a combo double - single, sit spin with foot change, flying camel... - 2min30
• Novice: Double Salchow, double toe loop, double loop, combo of 2 double jumps, spins, step sequences... - 3min (ladies) and 3min30 (men)
• Junior:  3 different double jumps including a double flip, compo of double jumps, circular step sequences... - 3min30 (ladies) and 4min (men)
• Senior: at least 4 different double or triple jumps, combo with double jumps, 4 different spins, serpentine step sequence... 4min (ladies) and 4min30 (men)

All requirements are listed in the US figure skating rulebook

How long between tests?

It depends on the skaters. Some progress more rapidly than other.

Often, it is faster to progress through the first ones - six months to a year or more.

However, it becomes more complicated as the skater progresses, and some levels can take 2 to several years.

Doing some off-ice training can help progress on the ice. See my article for suggestions.

Ice Dance Levels and Test

Names of the figure skating levels for ice dance

In the US, for ice dance, the structure is different: 

• Preliminary
• Pre-Bronze
• Bronze
• Pre-Silver
• Silver Dance
• Pre-Gold
• Gold 
• International

For each level, Moves in the fields are replaced by compulsory pattern ice dances to music (at least 3) and free skates by the free dance.
Test can be passed solo or partnered.

Ice dance levels and age

The evolution is similar to the ones explained above in the single and pair figure skating section.

Adult Figure Skating Tests

Moves in the field and free skate for adults

Adult free skate and moves in the field tests are divided into eight levels:

• pre-bronze 
• bronze 
• silver 
• gold 

And then the standard track if they want:

• intermediate 
• novice 
• junior
• senior 

The adult pre-bronze through gold tests is normally equivalent to the classic pre-preliminary through juvenile tests.
However, note that adults don't have to follow the adult track. They can choose the standard or adult track. 

The Adult test can be taken with age-appropriate expectations by 

• adults 21 and older
• adults 50 and older

Ice Dance for adults

The pattern ice dance track can be followed the same way by adults 21 and older and adults 50 and older. However, the expectations will be age-appropriate.
The only difference is for the free dance taken as a couple, it is only 4 levels: pre-bronze, bronze, silver and gold.

Synchronized skating levels

At the moment there are no tests for teams to pass and validate their level.

However, to compete inside a synchronized skating team, certain levels of move in the field, free dance or ice dance can be required.
For example all skaters of a Novice synchro team must have passed the intermediate moves in the field test.

Learn more here.

Figure skating test GIFT IDEAS

As I wrote earlier, you can purchase the certificate and badge. Or you can purchase a medal or pin.

However, if you want to celebrate with something a little more special, below are my suggestions.

See my Zazzle collection of figure skating test congratulatory gifts.

They can be personalized with

• The name of the skater (or the name of the club)
• The level that has been passed
• The year of the test

Keychain to personalize the ice skating bag

Magnets to decorate the bedroom

Yard Signs

Cake topper if your throw a party

Journals on the figure skating theme

See more ideas on my article.

A training journal to train on the next level:

You might also be interested in:

Want to record your figure skating thoughts and progress? Want to make this season the best ever? Or just want to draw and take notes in a beautiful figure skating notebook? Check out the following figure skating journal, training log and notebooks to keep notes of all things ice skating and more.

Those can be great gifts for figure skaters or for synchronized skaters.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).

Figure skating training log

Want to create and record your best figure skating season?
Then you need more than just a notebook. 
Below is a training log created especially for figure skaters (this is not a generic tracker like most).

The inside of the journal is full of prompts to dream and record:

It can help you:

• Clarify your vision and define your goals for the season - for example to pass a figure skating test or successfully land a jump
• Identify smaller goals to reach each week
• Track your practice on and off the ice
• Remember all the critical tips from your coach and go back to re-read them
• Record your weekly achievements
• record your season's results and progress

It exists with 4 different covers for you to have a style to fits you:

The cover and interior is neutral - it can be used by all types of figure skaters.

Best figure skating journal for diary

The following journals have been created especially for figure skater to write down their diary.
Not just boring lines, but with silhouettes behind them to keep figure skating in mind!

For all figure skaters

The following journals can work for all figure skaters including ice dancers.
The silhouettes is the same of every page, a pair of figure skates.
Plus the fun saying that Ice skating is good therapy!

For female figure skaters

The following journals are for girl figure skaters. There are 5 silhouettes inside of a female figure skater in various attitudes and skates: 

• Arabesque
• Biellmann
• Spread eagle
• Ina Bauer
• Pair of figure skates

Other covers available

For male figure skaters

I have prepared the male silhouettes and working on publishing the journals. Coming soon

For synchronized skaters

The following journals are for synchronized skaters. There are 3 silhouettes inside about synchro skating: 

• 3 skaters doing Arabesques
• 3 skaters doing spread eagles
• 5 figure skates on one line

Figure skating notebooks to personalize

In this section, you can find notebooks that are simply rules inside.
Not specific design on the interiors.
However, you can personalize the cover with the name of the figure skater!

For all figure skaters

See all gender-neutral notebooks to personalize

For female figure skaters

See all female skater notebooks to personalize

For male figure skaters

For synchronized figure skaters

See all synchronized skating notebooks (more coming) to personalize

Fun notebooks for figure skaters

If you are looking for something more fun just to doodle, below are a few other with different shapes or fun designs:

Figure skating coach notebooks to personalize

You might also be interested in: