http://iowapublicradio.org/post/making-best-icy-winter
Check out this link to hear my interview on Iowa Public Radio.  Added my "spin" on the ice skating in Iowa, figure skating, coaching and information about how to get involved with the sport in Iowa.

The Ice Ridge is proud to support the sport of figure skating by providing a way for up and coming athletes to start on the road to the Olympics!
Check out our learn to skate programs! by clicking on this link.

Olympic History - Figure Skating

 Figure skating is the oldest
discipline in the Olympic Winter
Games. As far back as 1908, figure skating competitions were included in the Olympics in London, and in 1920 at the Antwerp Games.
Since the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, singles and pairs skating have been
a key fixture of the Olympic Games.

In 1976 ice dancing was included in the Olympic program; prior
to this (in 1972) it was the only part of the Olympics
as a demonstration sport. 

Today, figure skating is one of the most popular sports in the world.

 Figure Skating today

The Olympic Games program includes the
following figure skating competitions:
individual men’s and women’s events,
pairs events, ice dancing and also team
events. At the present time, only 5 sets of medals are contested
in the Olympic figure skating program.

 Single skating (Men and Ladies)
consists of a short program including 7 compulsory elements
and a free program. A well-balanced free program should include
jumps, spins, and steps.

 Likewise, mixed pairs skaters first perform a short
program (7 moves) and then a free program. Compulsory moves include
lifts, spirals, throws and synchronized jumps.

 One of the most significant criteria in the judging
of programs is the degree to which a pairs’ movements mirror
one another.

 Ice Dancing is the only discipline that allows the use 
of music with vocals. Dancers much adhere closely to the rhythm 
of the music and express the character of the music with appropriate 
emotion and feeling.

At present, ice dancing competitions, like those
of other forms of figure skating, consist of two programs. The
short program combines a compulsory dance—consisting of one
or two parts—and certain proscribed elements. The theme and rhythm
of the musical accompaniment is determined each season by the ISU
the sport’s governing body, while the length of this dance—currently

2 minutes and 50 seconds—is similar to requirements of other 
forms of figure skating. The free dance has not undergone significant 
changes over the years and the basis of its scoring remains, the
quality of the compulsory elements in close dancing positions,
the unison the skaters display and their ability to express the
character of the musical selection.


Team Events
in figure skating are a competition between the best national teams. Representatives of the singles and pairs skating perform a short and free program; in ice dancing they complete a short and free dance. Each team may have one sports pair and one dance pair, one male figure skater and one female figure skating.


Equipment
 

• Custom-made boots made of thick, stiff leather, with extra laces and 
  wide tongues, which provide the ankle with both flexibility and support
  usually made to the individual order for the skater.
   
• High strength carbon-steel blades with concave grooves along their entire
  
  length and teeth in the toe of the blade to allow for
  pushing off when executing certain types of jumps.
   
• A suit made of stretchable material that does not restrict the 
  skater’s range of movement. The outfit should correspond to the 
  character of the musical selection and reflect the theme of the 
  program.
   
• A standard skating rink is 30 by 60 meters 
  in size, with plastic or sliding boards. Figure skaters need ice 
  of the highest quality which is achieved using ice resurfacing 
  machines. The thickness of the ice over its entire surface should not vary 
  by more than 0.5 cm.

Information For New Skaters

SKATING EXPENSES: How much does skating cost? My mother used to answer newcomers by saying, “well first get out your check book”. Like many activities it 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 mentions here.
SKATERS:
All skaters need to own at least one pair of well-fitting ice skates (boots).
  Rentals simply don’t provide the support or blade quality needed for serious
  skating. Consult your coach about the different options available in boots from
  used or gently used all the way to custom made. I cannot stress enough the
  importance of a well-fitted boot to avoid unnecessary foot problems. Never
  purchase a larger size with the idea of your skater growing into them as this
  can seriously injure their feet, not to mention create difficulty with balance.
  A stiffer boot dost not a better skater make! The health and well being of the
  structure of your skater’s feet will enable them to skate for years to come
  while avoiding seeing a Podiatrist.
SKATE SHARPENING: Skate blades need to be sharpened regularly. The
frequency depends on how often your skater trains. Avoid letting blades get too
dull as this can impede progress and cause difficulty with simple edge work.
Don’t just go to anyone who claims to sharpen blades as there is a true art to
this. Talk to more advanced skaters with some time invested in the sport to see
where they take their blades to get sharpened. Average cost is about $15.00 to
$25.00 a pair.
BLADES:
  Discuss which blade model best suits your skater’s ability with your coach. A
more advanced “rocker” will hinder a beginner as it takes more technique to
skate on. Don’t buy blades on the advice of another parent as their skater may
be more advanced than yours.
SKATING ATTIRE: To be comfortable yet safe. Baggy or bell bottomed pants
can cause a skater to fall due to blades getting caught in loose material.
Tights come in various types from in the boot to over the boot. Some skaters opt
to where two pair if skating in a cold rink. Wearing several layers of thin,
moisture wicking material works well. As the skater warms up, they can shed
outer layers. Gloves help keep hands warm. Look for a stretchy knitted glove
that fits well. There are new types of leggings that are a cotton/spandex blend
that fit well and go over the boot. These are rather pricey, but work very well.
In addition, skaters testing or competing will need special dresses, pants
(boys) or costumes. Always make sure skates are well maintained and clean when
testing or competing, laces tucked in or taped, as well as making sure hair is
well groomed and away from face.
PROFESSIONAL COACH: Each Coach or “Pro” charges by the lesson. It is your responsibility to interview the coach and find out his or her policy of payment. This is a business contract between you and your skater’s instructor, so make sure you compensate them according to their policy. With the new ruling by USFS and PSA it is your responsibility to ask your private coach if they are compliant and working on their continuing education requirements, as any coach in a non-compliant status will not be able to attend test sessions,
competitions, exhibitions, club ice or any USFS sponsored event with your
skater.
ICE TIME: Every time skaters take the ice, they essentially rent ice
time from the rink. 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 for current freestyle rate and or available “chip” cards.
Your expense will depend on how many sessions you skate.
TESTING FEES: Each skater must pay a fee upon submitting his or her
application for an upcoming test. This fee helps to offset testing costs, such
as rental of the ice and judges’ reimbursement for transportation. Rates vary
according to the kind of test taken and level. You will be billed by your coach
for the time he or she spends with your skater at the test, usually equivalent
to fifteen minutes to one hour of lesson time. Check with our Test Chair for
information regarding test fees and policies regarding registration.
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 coach for time spent with your skater at the event. A coach’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. Check the competition rink’s website for their announcement and
  registration form for all costs and available practice ice.
MUSIC: Music is an essential component to the success of any program. Coaches devote a great deal of time off the ice to cutting music for the best effect while adhering to competition time limitations. All coaches charge a fee for such program editing and recording services. The fee will depend on the number and length of the program(s) the skater will perform.
EXTRA LESSONS: When it gets close to test or competition time, your
coach may recommend extra lessons. This involves additional lesson fees, as well as possible expenses for extra ice time.
OFF-ICE
TRAINING: Many serious competitive skaters find off-ice training
to be successful in gaining the strength, balance and flexibility needed in
today’s demanding requirements. The cost for this varies according to the type
of training, frequency and facility usage. Some rinks offer off-ice yoga, core
or jump classes. Some skaters work with Personal Trainers. Make sure the
Personal Trainer you select has a knowledge of skating, is certified and
insured.

PRESS RELEASE – June 16, 2013

Des Moines, IA

The Ice Ridge - Now open in Southridge Mall - West End  Shops.
"A revolutionary, eco-friendly, theater sized, synthetic  ice rink and skating
academy."
 

Wondering where one of the best adult male figure skaters  in the world
resides?

You have to look in Des Moines, Iowa. This  is where Burton Powley,
from Des Moines, IA,  is going to re-invent the figure  skating scene in
Iowa.

Powley will focus his efforts on expanding figure skating and learn to skate at his new training facility, public  skating and theatre venue at Southridge Mall, opened since May 4th.

Powley has collected an impressive set of victories  including; 12 – 1st place finishes at US Figure Skating National Championships and 4 International Masters Mens titles.  This highly  acclaimed adult skating champion is now striving to give back to the sport he  has enjoyed for so many years.

Having never been in the Olympics is the only event that
has eluded him. But Powley has  established himself as one of the
best adult masters level skaters in the  world.

But also just as important, is  his volunteer work helping
important causes like the AIDS Project of Central Iowa, Breast Cancer
Awareness, Children’s Hospitals, and coaching up and coming young beginnner
skaters and figure skaters.

His travels have taken him  away from home for many weeks
this year, coaching, competing in competitions,  making personal appearances,
benefit shows, exhibitions, and fundraisers all  over the world.

Powley will now try to turn his attention much closer to
home, mentoring and coaching beginner  skaters, learn to skate, hockey skills
and figure skaters in Central Iowa and  continuing his outreach and fundraising
efforts for a local non-profit figure  skating club, the Capitol Ice Academy, in
Des Moines, Iowa, he help to establish  in 1999.

His vision benefits children,  families and adult skaters
that want to try the sport and see if they can take  it to the next level.
Powley wants to show that Iowa can indeed  produce champion figure
skaters and professional show skaters, as he has well  proven.
Given the opportunity and chance to participate in the  sport at any age
or any skill level is his goal for his students. And keep it fun!

“We have had a very difficult  time over the last 9 years
securing ice times and funds for our community  programs, since my rink was
closed, but our group is still working very hard  towards their mission
statement and making a difference in their  community. I have run
into many roadblocks along the way, but I am  very persistent. I
would like to remain in Des Moines , because it  is my home, but you can only
beat your head against the wall for so long before  you think maybe I would be
better appreciated somewhere else. I  don’t want to be just another
Iowan who found success and then left,” Powley  said. 
 
So he is now expanding his  skating academy with a new
location at Southridge Mall in Des Moines,  IA.

“We hope to see a major change  in the way business,
corporations and the key players in Des Moines treat figure  skaters and show
skaters.  No local sponsorships exist for aspiring  young figure
skaters or show skaters,” Powley said.  But it is one of the  highest rated
sports events on television.

“What is needed is a  grassroots outreach effort to continue on the work of the Ice Ridge and the  Capitol Ice Academy, which has already produced over 65 World Recreational  Figure Skating Champions since 1999, as well as a host of State, National, and  World Team Champions; and countless exhibitions and theatrical events for those  who enjoy watching the sport and participating for fun and fitness, on a  very tight budget,” he said.

Being somewhat of a pied-piper  with children, Powley knows what they like and dislike about skating and can  certainly produce champion and show skaters, given the proper opportunity to do  so.  He was honored with the Iowa Sports Foundation "2012 Caring Coach Award", over all other sports coaches in Iowa!
"This was even more special to  me", since he was nominated for this award by his athletes and parents, he said.

“I have had to start over so  many times and re-invent myself that it seems like second nature,” he  said. “I only wish I didn’t have to beg to for opportunities for my students and skaters. I have a lot of pride and it doesn’t feel  good for you to always have your hand out. What my skaters need is  a hand-up, not a hand-out," he said.

The seasonal nature of the  Brenton Ice Skating Plaza in
downtown Des Moines and continual changes in  management and summer closer of the Metro Ice Sports Facility and Bucaneers  Areas in Urbandale, have proved to be challenge for aspiring figure skaters, but  Powley will continue to focus his efforts on the Ice Ridge.   And continuing his  work with the Hawkeye Skating Club, in Coralville, IA; where he operates his own  skating school.

He will remain cautiously  optimistic about the future of
figure skaters and show skaters in Central  Iowa.   And if the past is any
indication of his future successes, things  are looking promising since
Southridge Mall is eager to have Powley bring  his skaters to their location.

 
The Ice Ridge is available for birthday parties, private rentals, learn to skate, figure skating,  and other special events. 
Check out their website for complete schedule and  pricing information.
http://www.theiceridge.com/ 
515-371-8666  or
515-829-1694 rink hotline.


Burton Powley is available for  coaching, choreography,
personal appearances, as guest speakers, or for shows  and exhibitions.

Check out the links  below for information on
membership or other  skating opportunities.
http://www.theiceridge.com/
http://capitoliceacademy.shutterfly.com
http://hawkeyeskating.org/
or call 515-371-8666.

##
 

(04/13/2013) - Before a full house and a lively crowd, Michael Rubke (Los Angeles FSC) edged out veteran Burton Powley (Hawkeye SC) by less than one point to win the championship masters intermediate-novice men's event at the 2013 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Burton Powley claimed the championships masters intermediate-novice men's
title with 37.47 points, a slight margin over silver medalist Christopher
Williams, who collected 37.30 points. The bronze medal went to John Weinstein,
who generated 36.07 points.


Skating an Avatar-themed free skate, Powley had some trouble during his
five-minute warm-up, in which he was slipping on his takeoffs, but said "pure
determination" got him through the routine.


He landed 10 jumps with minimal mistakes, including five doubles and an Axel,
but felt most relieved after his first jump – a clean double loop. All of his
spins were level one, and his 20.40-point program component mark was the field
second highest.

Veteran showman Burton Powley claimed silver with a score of 35.61 points. He's won the event twice, once in 2008 and again in 2010. A powerhouse of a one-man show who creates his own costumes, chooses his own music and choreographs his own programs, Burton's favorite move is his "Burtono" double toe, arm over the head. The audience likes it, too.

A skating coach with his master's degree in art, Powley uses the ice like a canvas, often deviating from his program if the spirit moves him. Burton explained that another spirit moved him during this particular performance.

"My sister died recently, and I wear her ring now when I skate," he said. "It makes me feel like she's with me."

His program included two double Salchows and two double toe loops, but it was his positive GOEs on his spiral sequence that made him happiest.



Burton Powley, made a successful debut at the championship
masters level. Last year's championship gold winner also landed a handful of
doubles, and his Spanish-themed program emphasized his artistic flair.


Powley, said there were some differences between competing at the
championship gold and the masters level, especially the endurance factor with
the four minute program. But he had been training triple run-throughs of his
program and was overall pleased.


"I had planned a double axel and triple toe in practice but decided to play
it safe after knowing the other guys were having problems," Powley said. "I knew
a clean program would make the podium. It was my goal to finish in the top 3,
and I guess I accomplished that. Next year I will do an even more technically
difficult program."


Powley coaches more than 40 students in Iowa, not known as a hotbed for
skating.


"They don't expect Iowa to produce many champion skaters, but it is my goal
to be a good role model for my students and be part of a team that can put Iowa
on the radar screen in the figure skating scene," he said.


With numerous titles to his credit, Powley is one of the most well-known
adult figure skaters. During the adult championships, Powley spends his office
time using his humor and words of wisdom to support other skaters.


"I have made many new friends and fond supporters that cheer really loud for
me," he said. "I wanted to return the favor and assist other skaters who may be
nervous or do not have their coach present to put them on the ice. I don't get
nervous, and I think I have a calming influence over others ... I can find
something positive in every performance and wish to convey that message to many
of those who seemed disappointed at the results or their performance."

Burton Powley is back.


It's been six years since Powley last competed at the U.S. Adult
Championships, but he picked up where he left off, winning the championship gold
men's competition with four double jumps.


Powley (Des Moines, Iowa) collected all but one first-place ordinal for his
"Firebird" program highlighted by the sureness and height of his jumps. With his
convincing victory, it's no surprise that Powley said he hopes to test up to the
next level. But for now, he's thrilled to just be back.


"I really came back to challenge myself," Powley said. "I didn't expect to be
this strong. It's a great feeling. After I hit the third jump I couldn't stop
smiling. My mouth hurt I was smiling so much."


Shortly after he left the competitive ranks in 1999, Powley said he began
suffering from ongoing health problems that eventually resulted in the removal
of his gallbladder. Once that was taken care of, he as back on track.


Back on track for Powley, who is also a skating coach, resulted in gold. He
landed a double flip, double Salchow, double toe and an Axel-loop-double toe
combination.


"I felt like I was 20 today," said Powley, 47. "The standard has really
improved over the years."


Powley thinks his experience at the 2005 Midwestern Adult Sectional
Championships in high-altitude Colorado Springs helped prepare him for this
event.


"I had to have oxygen when I came off the ice at Mids," he said. "Since then
I've been doing double run-throughs, and I really sailed through my program
tonight."

Burton Powley is back.


It's been six years since Powley last competed at the U.S. Adult
Championships, but he picked up where he left off, winning the championship gold
men's competition with four double jumps.


Powley (Des Moines, Iowa) collected all but one first-place ordinal for his
"Firebird" program highlighted by the sureness and height of his jumps. With his
convincing victory, it's no surprise that Powley said he hopes to test up to the
next level. But for now, he's thrilled to just be back.


"I really came back to challenge myself," Powley said. "I didn't expect to be
this strong. It's a great feeling. After I hit the third jump I couldn't stop
smiling. My mouth hurt I was smiling so much."


Shortly after he left the competitive ranks in 1999, Powley said he began
suffering from ongoing health problems that eventually resulted in the removal
of his gallbladder. Once that was taken care of, he as back on track.


Back on track for Powley, who is also a skating coach, resulted in gold. He
landed a double flip, double Salchow, double toe and an Axel-loop-double toe
combination.


"I felt like I was 20 today," said Powley, 47. "The standard has really
improved over the years."


Powley thinks his experience at the 2005 Midwestern Adult Sectional
Championships in high-altitude Colorado Springs helped prepare him for this
event.


"I had to have oxygen when I came off the ice at Mids," he said. "Since then
I've been doing double run-throughs, and I really sailed through my program
tonight."