"The camp is for everyone. We intend that the camp be an enjoyable learning experience. Skaters will be divided into groups of equal proficiency. We will teach beginners who are learning to go backward through to Adult competitors focusing on the more challenging aspects of skating."
Mark Hanretty is involved in it this year.
That maybe so. I have attended at least one of these camps when they were held at Dundee Ice Arena. Althought the coaches did their best, as did some of the other skaters, if you don't have a reasonable number of basic skills, there is a limit to what can be done. If you are a skater at the lower end of skate UK and are struggling with elements like forward crossovers or outside 3 turns, you might well find yourself in a group of 'equal proficiency' , but you could be the only one in that group! You really need some natural skating ability to get the most out of these camps.
I would suggest you need the skating skills to complete SKUK to Gold standard in about a year to 18 months to really get value for money. If you are struggling with the lower elements of SKUK (for example taking 6 weeks or more to master forward crossovers), then a camp like this will not be a 'magic' fix for you. You would be better, IMHO spending the same amount of money on private lessons where your coach can focus on the specific needs you have.
I spoke to Mark Hanretty about attending one of his camps, he has seen me skate several times. (I would put myself in the 'struggling' category). He said he would gladly take my money, but he didn't think I would get a lot out of his camp, and it could be counter productive as I would be surrounded by skaters of much greater ability and could end up demoralised.
However, if you are not a 'struggling' skater, go along and enjoy!
Paul
