Ikaika just finished two competitions in a three week period. The Glacier Falls Open in Anaheim, California, and BC Summer Skate in BC, Canada. He did well at both competitions despite mistakes in the Long Program. Ikaika landed his first triple toe loops in competition at the BC Summer Skate! He caught a cold after Glacier Falls, but still competed in Canada. It was a bit rough mentally, getting prepared and confident for this week’s skate in Canada. Fatigue and illness took their toll. It was a triumph for Ikaika to compete, and very satisfying to have skated well.

Now he has a few days down-time, to rest and recover before the big push towards the first competition of the qualifying season. In the beginning of October, the NWP Regionals Competition in Tacoma, WA. This competition takes the top 4 places in each event Juvenile and above to compete at the Pacific Coast Sectional Competition in Oakland, CA in November. The top four places in each event then go on to the US National Championships in January.

A good practice is to enjoy the journey. This is especially true in this sport of Figure Skating. Wherever this qualifying season takes him, Ikaika has had a very enlightening journey so far this season. It has not always been easy, at times terrifying, but always a good learning experience.