KiwiSkate
The Kiwi Skate programme has been developed by the New Zealand Ice Figure Skating Association to introduce people of all ages into ice skating, and to develop basic skills on ice.
The main objectives of the Kiwi Skate school programme are to improve skaters confidence and skills on the ice. A series of skating skills tests have been developed by the NZIFSA and skaters are issued with a badge when they pass each test.
Skills for assessment
Tiny Tots 1
- Proper way to fall and get up (standing still).
- Dip standing still.
- Forward two-foot glide.
- Skate width of rink.
Tiny Tots 2
- ‘Scooter’ pushes.
- Back wiggle.
- Forward sculling.
- Dip whilst moving.
Beginner
- Rhythm skating: one count per glide
- Forward two-foot glide on a curve
- Forward skating and glide in sit position (2 feet)
- Snow plough stops
- Backward marching
- Forward double sculling
Elementary
- ‘T’ pushes
- Forward double sculling to backward double sculling
- Backward skating using alternating ‘C’ sculling
- Forward one-foot glides on a curve
- Half snow plough stops (both feet)
- Forward pumping around circle
Basic
- Two-foot turns on curve (forward to backward)
- Forward crossovers on a circle
- Backwards half snow plough (both feet)
- Backward skating using alternating “C” pushes with lift
- Forward inside edges
Novice 1
- Forward outside edges
- Forward outside three turns
- Back inside Mohawks
- Backward one-foot glides around a circle
- Back outside to forward outside Mohawks
Novice 2
- Forward inside Mohawk
- Forward spiral on a curve
- Forward inside three turns
- Forward and backward crossovers (two counts per glide)
- Forward two-foot parallel side stop (left and right)
- Back outside edges
Advanced
- Backward inside edges
- Backward outside three turns
- Backward inside three turns
- Forward and backwards crossovers in a figure eight pattern
- Forward circle pattern 1 – two crossovers into a forward outside three turn
- Forward circle pattern 2 – two crossovers step into a forward inside three turn
- Forward circle pattern 3 – two crossovers into a forward inside mohawk
- “T” stops
For skills testing information for all figure skating levels see the NZIFSA Section 700 Rules and Regulations.
