Aerodynamics of Figure Skating

Although spectators may see figure skating as art, skaters view it as science. Every move, from basic forward or backward linear skating to advanced jumps and spins, uses aerodynamic principles to complete the step. As science has progressed over the years, so has figure skating. Although Axel Paulsen performed the first Axel jump in 1882, skaters today routinely incorporate double, triple and even quadruple Axels into their programs.
Creating Speed
Wind resistance along with the power of the skating strokes determines how fast a skater moves. Skaters propel themselves forward in an upright position with their arms held out horizontally. Each stroke of their skates creates linear momentum and forward propulsion. To gain speed, however, they bend deeply at the waist, taking a stance much like that of a speed skater to create as little wind resistance as possible. Unlike speed skaters that tuck their arms into their bodies, figure skaters trying to gain speed hold their arms out and pointed in the direction they are moving.
Spins
Figure skating spins take in the physics of rotational inertia, angular momentum and torque. Most spins start out with the skater in the opposite position that their spin will take. If he plans a forward spin on the left foot in a counter-clockwise position, he may launch the spin from a backward, right-footed, clockwise move. As the skater propels from one position to begin the spin, he quickly centers on the ice creating torque, a force that makes him rotate. To create rotational inertia that increases the speed of the spin, the skater draws his arms into his body, turns his head in the direction of the spin and moves his arms straight down or up with hands clasped to create a straight line. Professional skater Natalia Kanounnikova set a Guinness World Record in 2006 by achieving 308 rotations per minute in a simple figure skating spin.
Jumps
Basic figure skating jumps include the Axel, Salchow, flip, lutz, loop and toe loop. Each one has distinct characteristics depending on whether the skater lands the jump on the same foot she launches on, whether the jump starts from a forward or backward motion and whether the skater uses the toepick on her blade to propel herself into the air. What all of these jumps have in common is their use of propulsion, torque and rotational inertia. Most jumps start at a high speed to allow the skater to propel herself higher up in the air. The height of the jump determines the amount of time the skater has to perform his rotations. As soon as the skater becomes airborne, she draws her legs together, crossing one foot over the other, turns her head in the direction of the spin and crosses her arms closely over her chest to create as little wind resistance as possible and to create torque, allowing her to spin in the air. As the spin ends, the skater opens her body up to slow her speed for a gentle landing.
Clothing
Skaters wear tight-fitting clothing that creates the least wind resistance. Although female skaters wear skirts, they are very short, usually 5 to 6 inches long. Men's pants are a bit looser fitting than women's attire, but a strap on the bottom of the pant leg that loops below the foot keeps the pants as close to the body as possible.