Figure skating competitions are exciting; however, they can also be overwhelming without the right preparation. Taking the time to make sure your skates are sharpened, your costume fits perfectly, and that all your accessories (and snacks) are packed in your bag puts you on track for a successful event. Competition preparation also includes physical and mental preparation, such as practicing your program and learning how to manage nerves. Without proper preparation, stress and nerves can easily take over on the day of the competition. That’s why a detailed figure skating competition checklist is so valuable. Here’s how to prepare and what to pack for your next event! How to Prepare Before the Competition How you prepare in the weeks and days leading up to your competition is just as important as your packing list. Proper preparation, which includes everything from your training regimen to equipment maintenance, is one of the secrets to having a great competition experience. Think of it this way: your pre-competition prep lays the foundation for a successful and fun event. Practice and Training In the weeks leading up to your competition, consistency is crucial. You need to polish your choreography, build confidence, and fine-tune elements and skills. It’s a good idea to run through your entire program in full costume, so you can identify weak spots and master your routine. You want it to feel effortless. Running full programs also helps increase your endurance, in addition to getting you comfortable with the flow of moves. Registration and Scheduling Competitions often have strict registration deadlines. Make sure to sign up well in advance. Once you’ve registered, confirm the event schedule, check your event time, and take note of any additional activities, like group assignments or warm-up sessions. If you’re travelling for the competition, then you also need to plan transportation and book accommodations early to avoid last-minute stress. You might need to take a day off from school or adjust your work schedule, too. Clear communication with teachers, employers, and family members helps prevent mix-ups and keeps things running smoothly. Preparing Equipment in Advance You’re almost ready for the event, but is your equipment? You need sharp skates, tailored costumes, and a bag packed full of all the essentials. Be sure to schedule a skate sharpening a few days before your competition (the Figure Skating Boutique offers professional skate sharpening services) and inspect your boots, blades, and laces for any signs of wear. You should also try on your competition dress or outfit to make sure it fits comfortably, allows for full movement, and doesn’t have any fabric flaws or signs of damage. Figure Skating Competition Checklist Stressful packing and forgotten items can put you in a negative headspace, which can hinder your performance in competition. Competing can be nerve-wracking enough. You want to avoid all unnecessary worry or tension. Arriving at your competition with all the correct items properly packed sets you up for success. Use this checklist as a guide to ensure nothing gets left behind. This will ensure you stay focused on your routine and do your best on the ice. 1. Sharpened figure skates Your skates are the most important item to bring. Make sure they’ve been sharpened in advance—not the day of. Inspect the laces for signs of wear and bring a backup pair just in case. Don’t forget both hard guards for walking around the venue and soft soakers for absorbing moisture when you’re finished. A small towel for wiping blades after each use is another item that should be on your competition checklist. 2. Skating accessories and tools Every skater should keep a few extra tools and accessories in their bag for those unexpected situations. Pack an extra set of laces, a screwdriver for blade adjustments, and gel pads or moleskin for any pressure spots that could develop. 3. Costumes and apparel Of course, you also need your competition outfit. Try to pack a backup costume as well, whenever possible. Remember to test your outfit during several practice sessions to double-check that it’s comfortable, supports your movement, and suits your routine. You should also pack multiple pairs of tights (runs do happen!), warm-up jackets and pants (to keep your muscles loose before you skate), and gloves or mittens (for off-ice waiting times or on ice warm-up). 4. First aid, nutrition, and hydration It’s very important to keep your energy levels high on competition days. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, and pack healthy snacks like fruit, granola bars, or trail mix. A small first aid kit with blister pads, athletic tape, and band-aids is also a must. 5. Competition paperwork Competition paperwork is one of the easiest items to forget. Always save a copy to your email or phone, in addition to bringing hard copies. Make sure to also pack your membership card (if applicable), medical information, and competition schedule. Keeping all paperwork in a clearly labelled folder ensures that everything is easy to find when needed. Additionally, make sure that you’ve sent in all your program music and paid all of your competition fees to ensure a smooth competition experience. Mental Preparation Before Competition Physical training is essential, but approaching competition with a focused and healthy mindset is just as crucial. Mental strength plays a huge role in how you perform on the ice. It can be the difference between skating with confidence and being held back by nerves. Goal setting is a good place to start. Rather than focusing solely on medals or placements, try setting personal goals that are fully within your power. You can’t control how your competitors perform or what the judges will think of your performance, but you can come up with clear and achievable personal goals. This might mean landing a jump you’ve been practising, skating with more expression, or improving your spins. Having these clear, realistic objectives gives you something concrete to work toward and keeps your mind focused in a positive direction. Confidence grows from preparation. You’ve spent hours practising and preparing for your competition—trust that! Remind yourself of the progress you’ve made and lean on supportive voices, whether it’s from your coach, teammates, friends, or family. Finally, take steps to manage nerves. Breathing exercises, light stretching, running through your program office ice, or listening to calming or energizing music can all help settle anxiety before you skate. Competition Preparation With the Figure Skating Boutique The Figure Skating Boutique is here to help you prepare for your next competition. We stock a wide variety of costumes and accessories, so you can shine on the ice and stay comfortable in between routines. Additionally, we offer useful services like boot fitting assistance and professional skate sharpening. For all your figure skating needs, competition preparation, and more tips on finding the right skate fit, call Figure Skating Boutique at (905) 597-6000 or contact us here.
