Team Gary
My skating ‘second home’ is coach Gary in LA and his other adult figure skaters. He puts me on for Sectionals which are usually in or near LA. Recently I had to go to LA and contacted Gary, who suggested a pairs lesson. I thought he was kidding but definitely not! Gary was an elite pairs man in his youth, competing in Nationals twice in junior pairs and twice in senior pairs. He was only a few spots away from competing in the Olympics, and he still loves pairs.
Gary taught me two pair spins and throw waltz jump. I was so happy. I definitely have the bug for it now. I love working with a parter and I enjoy jumping, in pairs you get to do both. Being thrown into a waltz jump was the funnest thing ever. If I had anyone at home to do pairs with me, I would.
Related Posts:
Pacific Coast Adult Sectionals: Part II My skate at 2014 Pacific Coast Adult Sectionals.
Pacific Coast Adult Sectionals 2018: Part II Practice day at Toyota Sports Center and competition day at Pacific Coast Adult Sectionals in Pasadena.
Going to Sectionals A last-minute decision to go to Pacific Coast Adult Sectionals and the attitude I'm trying to cultivate.
Coins for Cares Avatar Program Skating my new Avatar dramatic showcase program for the first time at the Coins for Cares exhibition.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, look at you go! Those videos are super fun to watch–looks like you’re having a blast! I hope you have some more to share in the near future–with Gary or perhaps someone closer to home. Thanks for sharing your pair-adventures!
I did have a blast! I would like my husband to do pairs with me. He’s tall, built, and he did Learn to Skate along with my boys to encourage them. He is a very busy guy so that’s a difficulty. Might be a bit late to do it when we are retired.
Bravo, Mary! And welcome to the wild and crazy world of adult pairs skating! You look like you were having a great time out there with Gary. Maybe the two of you could team up sometime? And yes, throw jumps are quite thrilling (and scary!).
Eva at Eva Bakes recently posted..Skating Fridays
Yes, it’s so great that you got to work with that guy and take your first pairs test without even a local coach at the end. Are you two still working together at all? I wonder whether there is a way for us to team up? He would count as masters junior/senior. And he is my height and doesn’t want to lift me. His pairs partner was 4’10”.
I love that you had this opportunity! In the photo, everyone looks happy but you look JOYFUL. The joy is just all over your face! I hope you can find time to skate some pairs with your husband, even if you just start with doing a program for a holiday show.
This is awesome!!