Above: BSA skaters attend the Miami Development Camp
By Joanne Vassallo Jamrosz
Despite its tropical climate and sun-drenched shores, the country of Barbados has etched a path onto the global figure skating landscape.
While Barbados does not have an ice rink, interest in the sport has grown significantly, especially with Barbadian skaters training abroad and representing the country internationally.
“Despite being a tropical nation, we have made tremendous strides in establishing a presence in international figure skating,” Barbados Skating Association (BSA) President Raj Sharma said. “Through structured development programs, international partnerships and competitions, we are laying the foundation for long-term growth and sustainability.”
It also joined the U.S. Figure Skating’s Learn to Skate USA program, which provides the foundation for building its own beginners’ program.
“By leveraging this foundation, we have worked with U.S.-based coaches, which ensures consistency and high-quality training,” BSA board adviser Tracey Sharma said. “This is especially important for a developing skating nation like ours where we rely on international training opportunities.”
Currently, the BSA supports a growing number of skaters who are training in Canada, the U.S. and Sweden.
“We have skaters at all levels, from Basic 1–6 to intermediate, novice, junior and adult levels,” Tracey Sharma said.
This past December, they participated in the Miami Ice Experience Development Camp with Minnesota coaches Carey Tinkelenberg and Karri Nachtigal. Tinkelenberg is also the founder and director of the Northfield Skating School.
“I was introduced to the Barbados Skating Association through a colleague at the ISU with whom I co-facilitate coaching development courses,” Tinkelenberg said. “The mission of the BSA was equally inspiring to one of my coaching partners, Karri Nachtigal. At our first meeting with the BSA leadership, we were struck by their passion, and we knew we could help implement the coach and athlete development pillars required to attain ISU federation status and help grow our sport.”
The Miami camp consisted of ice and off-ice classes over three days. Off-ice skaters were introduced to the Learn to Skate USA’s National Dynamic Warm-up and additional exercises focusing on basic jump, spin and movement technique.
“We also covered the basics of goal-setting, visualization and reflection through discussions and worksheets,” Nachtigal said. “On the ice, many of the skaters had been to the first development camp in Costa Rica, so we continued to build skills in group and private lessons with the Learn to Skate USA curriculum as our guide. We also choreographed and taught each skater their first program to music. The camp culminated with the second Barbadian National Championships, recorded virtually and submitted to an international panel to evaluate.”
The two also held an instructor training workshop to introduce the curriculum, philosophy and resources of the Learn to Skate USA program.
“Learn to Skate USA’s mission was a natural fit for this group,” Tinkelenberg said. “Our focus on teaching FUNdemnetals in a structured, engaging way while developing life skills through skating was a hit with BSA’s coaches.”
For Raj Sharma, the expertise and mentorship created a positive skating environment.
“Our skaters gained world-class instruction, and our coaches also learned valuable strategies to help shape future generations of Barbadian athletes,” Raj.Sharma said. “The bonds formed at the camp with Carey and Karri were extraordinary. Their mentorship made such a lasting impression on our skaters. That connection is something that will inspire them long after the camp.”
Raj Sharma sees their vision extending beyond competitive skating.
“We want to establish a lasting ice sports culture in Barbados,” he said.
Looking ahead, they hope to build an ice rink in Barbados.
“This will be a game-changer for the region,” Raj Sharma said. “Our vision is to lead the way for other Caribbean countries to establish their own skating federations and to become the central hub for ice sports in the Caribbean, as well as Latin and Central America.”
Tinkelenberg and Nachtigal also look forward to continue working with the BSA.
“This coaching experience has been like no other,” Tinkelenberg said. “Team BSA embraced the ice and embraced us with an enthusiastic spirit that was contagious and unforgettable. You can’t help but cheer for them and want to support them in their goals.”
