The 45th Annual Northland Figure Skating Competition went from Thursday to Sunday at the DECC, Amsoil and Mars arenas. Starting bright and early each day, the competition held a variety of events and competition throughout the four days.

The Duluth Figure Skating Club reported serving over 600 skaters and having 1,400 starts. Each skater bringing their own style and all in a wide range of ages. There were over 200 events between the three arenas. With having over 1,100 hours of volunteers in four days. There were over 886 spots that are filled during the time of these events.

Skaters come from all over the United States. From California in the west coast, the Midwest, Kanas City, Oklahoma City, and even the east coast with skaters from Florida. Throughout these successful days competitions took many forms as skating is quite personalized according to Lea Scudamore, from the Duluth Figure Skating Club.

“So, it’s a lifelong sport. You can build your own competition because you take your elements that you’re good at to put together your program. And then find the right level to compete against in that program and skate your whole life. Yeah, it’s the only personalized sport out there.”

Not only can skaters personalize their skills, but the Northland hosts a bunch of events no matter the skater or skill level. “There’s different, you can do a spins challenge,” said the team, ‘Duluth Truthys,’ “there’s just a jumps program, there’s a team event. There’s IJS events, Excel events, and a ton of other events for all types of skaters. We have adult skaters and we have super teeny teeny lunch and everyone comes. It’s awesome.”

With so many skaters, ranging in practice and age, the Duluth figure skating club works hard to keep everyone safe. As when a figure skater lands a jump, the landing force on the skater’s body is estimated to be 5-8 times body weight. So, they offer lessons and ways for anyone to get on the ice.

“If you want to learn to skate and compete next year, you can talk to the Duluth Figure Skating Club. We’ve been teaching figure skating for 98 and a half years.”

With a century of skating in sight, the Northland welcomes people from all across the states to get on the ice.