Kim Ryan

Kim Ryan

Kim Ryan - Figure Skating Spin Specialist

Kim Ryan is been coaching for more than 40 years. She is an acclaimed spin specialist who has been focusing on spin technique for many years. She is a National and International coach and she holds a PSA Rating. She teaches primarily out of 3 different rinks in the Pacific Northwest, and works in collaboration with other coaches, allowing her to focus almost exclusively on spins.

In 2008 Kim launched her “Spinergy” Clinic series, which brings her unique spin specialization to more skaters and coaches. She works with skaters of all ages, including adults, and skill levels from beginner through international competitor. Kim’s teaching philosophy focuses on an energetic and supportive approach to help skaters make maximum progress.

 

 

 

Most recent videos at the top…

  • Improving a Combination Spin – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Improving a Combination Spin – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a spin lesson with a skater working on improving a combination spin. In Part 1 the focus was on the camel spin position and lunge entry. This part of the lesson focuses on the A-frame and suggested alternate spin that follows the camel in the combination. Kim begins by testing the […] Continue reading →

  • Improving a Combination Spin – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Improving a Combination Spin – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan begins a spin lesson with a skater working on improving a combination spin. We begin by watching the skater’s combination spin before any changes. Kim then focuses on just the lunge entry into the camel. To get the call for the lunge entry to camel, “You’ve got to get the lunge really […] Continue reading →

  • Off Ice Spin Class – Part 7, Camel Spin (Kim Ryan)

    Off Ice Spin Class – Part 7, Camel Spin (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a class on off-ice spin training. In Part 1 she explained and demonstrated in detail how to get started spinning off the ice in a repeatable and safe way. In Part 2 the class continued working on upright spins, advancing to forward and backward scratch spins with arm variations. In […] Continue reading →

  • Off Ice Spin Class – Part 6, Sit Spin and Intro to Combos (Kim Ryan)

    Off Ice Spin Class – Part 6, Sit Spin and Intro to Combos (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a class on off-ice spin training. In Part 1 she explained and demonstrated in detail how to get started spinning off the ice in a repeatable and safe way. In Part 2 the class continued working on upright spins, advancing to forward and backward scratch spins with arm variations. In […] Continue reading →

  • Off Ice Spin Class – Part 5, Happy Sit Spin (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a class on off-ice spin training. In Part 1 she explained and demonstrated in detail how to get started spinning off the ice in a repeatable and safe way. In Part 2 the class continued working on upright spins, advancing to forward and backward scratch spins with arm variations. In […] Continue reading →

  • Off Ice Spin Class – Part 3, More Upright Spins and Discussion (Kim Ryan)

    Off Ice Spin Class – Part 3, More Upright Spins and Discussion (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a class on off-ice spin training. In Part 1 Kim explained and demonstrated in detail how to get started spinning off the ice in a repeatable and safe way. In Part 2 the class continued working on upright spins, advancing to forward and backward scratch spins with arm variations. In […] Continue reading →

  • Off Ice Spin Class – Part 2, Upright Spins and Building Confidence (Kim Ryan)

    Off Ice Spin Class – Part 2, Upright Spins and Building Confidence (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a class on off-ice spin training. In Part 1 Kim explained and demonstrated in detail how to get started spinning off the ice in a repeatable and safe way. In this video, the class continues to work on upright spins and graduates to forward and backward scratch spins with arm […] Continue reading →

  • Off Ice Spin Class – Part 1, Basics (Kim Ryan)

    Off Ice Spin Class – Part 1, Basics (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan begins a class on off-ice spin training. This video focuses on how to get started with upright forward spins and upright backspins. Kim begins by explaining how to place the foot on the spinboard that she uses (and sells at kimspinergy.com), but offers an important tip regardless of what brand or […] Continue reading →

  • Sit to Up Camel – Why? IJS Considerations (Kim Ryan)

    Sit to Up Camel – Why? IJS Considerations (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a spin class (see Part 1 here and Part 2 here and Part 3 here) with more advanced spinners, with the emphasis on the sit to up camel difficult transition (worth a level!). In the previous parts of the class Kim focused on the nuts and bolts of HOW to […] Continue reading →

  • Sit to Up Camel – More Tips (Kim Ryan)

    Sit to Up Camel – More Tips (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a spin class (see Part 1 here and Part 2 here) with more advanced spinners, with the emphasis on the sit to up camel difficult transition (worth a level!). In the previous parts of the class Kim explained how to do this difficult transition, and this video offers more insights […] Continue reading →

  • Spin Class – Sit to Up Camel Difficult Transition (Kim Ryan)

    Spin Class – Sit to Up Camel Difficult Transition (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a spin class (see Part 1 here) with more advanced spinners, with the emphasis on the sit to up camel difficult transition (worth a level!). She begins with the basic camel spin, and she shares a wide range of tips in her verbal description. When giving feedback to one of […] Continue reading →

  • Spin Class – Sit Forward, Cannonball (Kim Ryan)

    Spin Class – Sit Forward, Cannonball (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan begins a spin class with more advanced spinners, with the focus on the sit forward “cannonball” or “Fratianne” position. She begins the class with a basic forward upright scratch spin, going from spin entry to the skinny-v to the fast scratch position and then returning back to the skinny-v and then […] Continue reading →

  • IJS Spin Gateways – Opposite Direction – Part 4 (Kim Ryan)

    IJS Spin Gateways – Opposite Direction – Part 4 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her presentation on opposite direction spins. In Part 1 she explained the concept of spin gateways in IJS and worked with the class on basic spinning technique, and in Part 2 she taught an exercise that allows skaters to repeatedly perform opposite direction upright spins without stopping. In Part 3 […] Continue reading →

  • IJS Spin Gateways – Opposite Direction – Part 3 (Kim Ryan)

    IJS Spin Gateways – Opposite Direction – Part 3 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her presentation on opposite direction spins. In Part 1 she explained the concept of spin gateways in IJS and worked with the class on basic spinning technique, and in Part 2 she taught an exercise that allows skaters to repeatedly perform opposite direction upright spins without stopping. In this video, […] Continue reading →

  • IJS Spin Gateways – Opposite Direction – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    IJS Spin Gateways – Opposite Direction – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her presentation on opposite direction spins. In Part 1 she explained the concept of spin gateways in IJS and worked with the class on basic spinning technique. In this video, Kim teaches an exercise that allows skaters to repeatedly perform opposite direction spins without stopping. This helps skaters get high […] Continue reading →

  • IJS Spin Gateways – Opposite Direction – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    IJS Spin Gateways – Opposite Direction – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a class opposite direction spins. She begins by explaining the new concept of spin gateways in IJS and notes that opposite direction is a gateway. [Editor’s note: We do not in general have videos detailing IJS rules at iCoachSkating, as the rules are constantly changing. This video was recorded in […] Continue reading →

  • Flying Reverse Sit Spin (Kim Ryan)

    Flying Reverse Sit Spin (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches the flying reverse sit spin to a class of advanced skaters. She begins by having the skaters perform the basic movements at the wall. These movements start with a jump and a straight kick through in front, followed by “kick yourself in the butt” with the take-off foot (the tuck) […] Continue reading →

  • Death Drop – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Death Drop – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues working with an advanced class of skaters on the death drop. In Part 1 Kim taught the class a basic exercise at the wall to learn the necessary movements, as well as an illusion exercise to get used to the movements on the ice away from the wall. In this […] Continue reading →

  • Death Drop – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Death Drop – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches an advanced class of skaters her approach to the death drop. Even though this a class of advanced skaters, Kim teaches the skill “from the beginning,” initially focusing on fundamentals and exercises.  She explains that a death drop has “3 axises” or basic positions. She also contrasts the scissors-like motion […] Continue reading →

  • Flying Camel – Part 3 (Kim Ryan)

    Flying Camel – Part 3 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her seminar class on flying camels (see Part 1 here and see Part 2 here). In this video, Kim troubleshoots some specific issues and offers some very helpful tips. After watching some attempts, Kim focuses on arm details, particularly the need to land and spin initially in a standard or […] Continue reading →

  • Flying Camel – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Flying Camel – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her seminar class on flying camels (see Part 1 here). She continues with the walk-through at the wall that she introduced briefly in Part 1. This is one of the best ways to learn to fan the take-off leg after simulating the take-off. Kim warns against the common errors of […] Continue reading →

  • Flying Camel – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Flying Camel – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches flying camel spin in a class at a seminar. She begins by explaining that a skater really needs to have a good camel spin and a good back camel spin before they’ll create a good flying camel.  She demonstrates and explains what happens throughout the entry and fly part of […] Continue reading →

  • How to Practice Spinning (Kim Ryan)

    How to Practice Spinning (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan explains how to practice spinning, including how much to practice. Kim recommends training spins 15 minutes during every 45 minute to 1 hour on-ice practice. The 15 minutes should be focused and continuous, and not just a bunch of random spins throughout the practice that totals 15 minutes. For skaters that […] Continue reading →

  • Layback Spin – Part 3 (Kim Ryan)

    Layback Spin – Part 3 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a group class on layback spins. In Part 1 the focus was on proper upright spin entrance and spin centering. In Part 2 Kim started teaching the straight leg layback, and she continues with that in this video. She reviews the entire process, starting with “inviting the audience in” and […] Continue reading →

  • Layback Spin – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Layback Spin – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a group class on layback spins. In Part 1 the focus was on proper upright spin entrance and spin centering. This video starts there and discusses the place on the blade we need to balance the spin, between the ball of the foot and the bottom toe pick. The video […] Continue reading →

  • Layback Spin – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Layback Spin – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan begins a group class on layback spins. Not surprisingly, the focus in this video is entirely on proper entrance and spin centering, so Kim only teaches details of the forward upright spin here. She begins with a discussion of centering which she calls “centeration.” Centering a spin is incredibly important for […] Continue reading →

  • Camel Spin – Part 3 (Kim Ryan)

    Camel Spin – Part 3 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her detailed explanation of how she teaches camel spins. In Part 1, Kim discussed details of the setup and initial entry edge, with emphasis on hand positions intended to properly open the shoulders and generate edge pressure for rotational energy. In Part 2, she focused on the actual camel spin […] Continue reading →

  • Camel Spin – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Camel Spin – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her detailed explanation of how she teaches camel spins. In Part 1, Kim discussed details of the setup and initial entry edge, with emphasis on hand positions intended to properly open the shoulders and generate edge pressure for rotational energy. In this video, she focuses on the actual camel spin […] Continue reading →

  • Camel Spin – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Camel Spin – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan shares her method of teaching camel spins. She begins by acknowledging there are many ways to do a camel spin entry, such as leading with the skating side arm or leading the non-skating side arm. Neither of these is wrong, but Kim explains she wants both hands in front on a […] Continue reading →

  • Step-By-Step Process for Centering Spins (Kim Ryan)

    Step-By-Step Process for Centering Spins (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a class a lecture and demonstration on centering spins, focusing on the basics of performing an upright front scratch spin. Kim uses a step-by-step process to help skaters learn and center spins, and there are specific reasons for each part of the process. [Editor’s note: This may be a frustrating […] Continue reading →

  • Sit Spin Basics (Kim Ryan)

    Sit Spin Basics (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a sit spin class at a seminar. The skaters in the class can all do a sit spin, but many need help getting the position lower so it’s a “real” sit spin. After watching the class make some initial attempts, Kim begins by focusing on improving the skaters’ functional strength […] Continue reading →

  • Improving a Camel Spin – Lesson (Kim Ryan)

    Improving a Camel Spin – Lesson (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a skater to improve a camel spin. (Previous parts of this lesson focused on the sit spin, Part 1 and Part 2.) This skater, who can rotate the camel a few revolutions and has a reasonably high free leg, has a number of very common problems. First and foremost, […] Continue reading →

  • Making a Sit Spin Lower – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Making a Sit Spin Lower – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    As in the previous part of this lesson, spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a skater to improve a basic sit spin. In the previous part, the focus was on getting the balance and tension correct to get all the way down to a valid sit position. In this video, the focus shifts to improving […] Continue reading →

  • Making a Sit Spin Lower (Kim Ryan)

    Making a Sit Spin Lower (Kim Ryan)

    In this lesson, spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a lower level skater who is struggling to get down all the way on a sit spin. This is a very common problem at this level, and Kim addresses it first by testing the skater’s leg strength and balance with a simple forward dip. The goal […] Continue reading →

  • Lesson: Layback, Side Layback, Haircutter, Biellmann (Kim Ryan)

    Lesson: Layback, Side Layback, Haircutter, Biellmann (Kim Ryan)

    In this lesson, spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a flexible and talented skater on an advanced upright layback type spin combination. The skater is starting this spin combo with a side layback, but Kim notes that it is still important to begin the regular layback process to get both hips pressed forward and the […] Continue reading →

  • Sit Spin Class (Kim Ryan)

    Sit Spin Class (Kim Ryan)

    Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches sit spins in a class setting at a recent seminar. Kim begins by explaining the value of spinning in terms of points in competition programs. Not surprisingly for a spin coach, Kim would like to see skaters spend as much time working on spins as they do working […] Continue reading →

  • Teeter Totter Arms – Fun (and Helpful) Spin Exercise (Kim Ryan)

    Teeter Totter Arms – Fun (and Helpful) Spin Exercise (Kim Ryan)

    Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a fun exercise that is helpful during the development of spinning fundamentals. The goal is to center a basic upright spin, then move the arms up and down such that both arms make a line. Kim briefly mentions the similarity to a teeter-totter (also called a seesaw or […] Continue reading →

  • Spin Class, Part 2 – Centering, Eggbeater (Kim Ryan)

    Spin Class, Part 2 – Centering, Eggbeater (Kim Ryan)

    Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a spin class at a recent seminar. In Part 1, Kim summarized the basics of her teaching methods. The focus in that video was the basic forward upright spin, and she continues with that in this presentation. She reviews the concepts and distributes the class around the ice […] Continue reading →

  • Spin Class, Part 1 – Forward Upright Spin (Kim Ryan)

    Spin Class, Part 1 – Forward Upright Spin (Kim Ryan)

    Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a spin class at a recent seminar. This is a chance for us to learn or review Kim’s main teaching concepts related to spins. The first video focuses on preparing for the forward upright spin, also called the forward scratch spin. Kim begins with a discussion and demonstration […] Continue reading →

  • Spinboard Training – Camel Spin and Variation (Kim Ryan)

    Spinboard Training – Camel Spin and Variation (Kim Ryan)

    Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan shares a process for developing and mastering the off-ice forward camel spin on a spinboard. You can learn more about spinboards here and purchase a spinboard directly from Kim. Kim recommends a standard spinboard upright warm-up before working on camel spins. Kim begins with a reminder of how to […] Continue reading →

  • Spinboard Training – Forward Sit Spins (Kim Ryan)

    Spinboard Training – Forward Sit Spins (Kim Ryan)

    Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan shares a process to developing and mastering the off-ice forward sit spin on a spinboard. You can learn more about spinboards here and purchase a spinboard directly from Kim. Kim recommends a standard spinboard upright warm-up before working on sit spins. Kim begins with stationary balance and strength drills, […] Continue reading →

  • Spinboard Warm-Up (Kim Ryan)

    Spinboard Warm-Up (Kim Ryan)

    Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan goes through a thorough spinboard warm-up that she recommends to all skaters at the beginning of each spinboard practice session. You can learn more about spinboards here and purchase a spinboard directly from Kim. This presentation is a condensed description of the warm-up and more detailed information can be […] Continue reading →

  • Spinboard Tutorial – Part 3 (Kim Ryan)

    Spinboard Tutorial – Part 3 (Kim Ryan)

    Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan shares a tutorial on how to use her off-ice spinboards. You can learn more about spinboards here and purchase a spinboard directly from Kim. This presentation is taken from a Zoom call between Kim and well-known US coach Diane Miller. Both were gracious enough to let us publish their […] Continue reading →

  • Spinboard Tutorial – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Spinboard Tutorial – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan shares a tutorial on how to use her off-ice spinboards. You can learn more about spinboards here and purchase a spinboard directly from Kim. This presentation is taken from a Zoom call between Kim and well-known US coach Diane Miller. Both were gracious enough to let us publish their […] Continue reading →

  • Spinboard Tutorial – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Spinboard Tutorial – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan shares a tutorial on how to use her off-ice spinboards. You can learn more about spinboards here and purchase a spinboard directly from Kim. This presentation is taken from a Zoom call between Kim and well-known US coach Diane Miller. Both were gracious enough to let us publish their […] Continue reading →

  • Spinboards For Off-Ice Spin Training

    Spinboards For Off-Ice Spin Training

    iCoachSkating founder Trevor Laak encourages all skaters to buy a spinboard from spin specialist Kim Ryan. Kim has pioneered the use of spinboards for off-ice spin training, and she has been using these tools regularly with skaters from all over the world. The purpose of this video is to show you what is possible with […] Continue reading →

  • Flying Sit Spin Lesson – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Flying Sit Spin Lesson – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a flying sit spin lesson with a skater who is familiar with the element but not proficient. In Part 1, Kim covered the entrance and initial fly, including arms and the leg tuck. At the end of Part 1, Kim was trying to get the skater to feel […] Continue reading →

  • Flying Sit Spin Lesson – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Flying Sit Spin Lesson – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)

    Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a flying sit spin lesson to a skater who is familiar with the element but not proficient. After having the skater attempt one as a baseline for the lesson, Kim has the skater come to the boards and use the doorway to practice the desired air position and […] Continue reading →

  • Hamstring Stretching for Camel Spins and Back Issues (Kim Ryan)

    Hamstring Stretching for Camel Spins and Back Issues (Kim Ryan)

    During a camel spin lesson with spin specialist Kim Ryan, the skater complained of a tight or painful low back. As Kim demonstrates, this is often a result of tight hamstring muscles. Kim shares several stretches that can improve back pain, starting with a simple hamstring stretch where the skater takes a shoulder-width stance and […] Continue reading →

  • Developing the Camel Spin – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Developing the Camel Spin – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)

    Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a camel spin lesson with a young male skater. In the previous videos of this lesson, Kim worked on a forward upright scratch spin and the basics of the camel spin. There is not a lot of new technical information in this video, but we get to see how Kim […] Continue reading →