ICE SKATING LESSONS

Everyone who begins to learn the sport of Ice Skating should have at least one series of lesson just to be able to enjoy their experience. It can be exceedingly frustrating to be a continual "rail-hanger". There is the safety factor too. Just as in driving a car, the rank amateur is a danger to himself as well as others.

So how does one get into a group lesson program, and is there any place to go when you have finished the course? Here are the basics for entering the world of skating:

GROUP LESSONS are broken into four age categories: ADULT, JUNIOR, CHILDREN and PIXIES. Most Group Lessons are given during the arena’s standard Group Lesson programs, where registration and repetitive par­participation are necessary. Group Lessons are usually offered in 4, 6, or 8 week long programs. The group lesson student is responsible for attending all the lessons (no partial sign-ups are permitted nor are makeup or refunds pro­vided). The arena’s Professional skating staff instructs all levels of group lessons. All group lesson programs offer a progression of skills that should be learned to ensure the skater’s safety and sensible training techniques. The programs will start with the basics of learning proper skate fit and the technique of proper lacing, and move on to the fundamental building blocks of skating. As the skater progresses he/she will learn to distinguish and control the two edges of the skate blade, and then gradually learn basic footwork moves necessary for all facets of skating. The first week of Group Lessons is always hectic: skaters are split into groups according to ability, proper skate fit is checked, and refinement of class distributions all take a great deal of time. Please always remember that the program is listed as a "group" lesson program, so individual attention is difficult at best. The ratio of students to instructor may be as high as 25 students per instructor. Group Lessons are also offered on a drop-in basis for children during a session called "Parents & Puppy Practice" and for adults during sessions referred to as "Coffee Club".

CHILDREN and PIXIES (Children ages 6-12, Pixies ages 4 & 5), there are four possible lesson programs: (normally Tuesday or Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings or afternoons). Children may choose to start their instruction with a drop-in lesson and skating sessions designed for the children and their parents. This program is called "Parents and Puppy Practice". This is the only session that chairs may be brought onto the ice for the security of the beginner. (Normally Puppy Practice sessions are held on Sunday mornings from 10:30 am - 12 noon.) The use of chairs is a practice that while calming nerves, if prolonged can lead to bad habits for future skating. The more obvious choice for a beginning program for Children will be Pixie and Children’s Group Lessons. Please note that Pixies (children 4 - 5 years of age) must have ice-skated prior to their registration for Group Lessons. Pixies can gain their first experience on the ice with their parents’ help on General Sessions or during Parents & Puppy Practice sessions. Finally, there is always the choice to arrange for private lesson by one of the ice arena’s Professional staff.

JUNIOR skaters (ages 12- 17 years) have their own Group Lesson programs (normally held on Thursday afternoons or evenings). The Junior skaters may instead wish to make arrangements for private instruction with an arena Professional staff member.

ADULTS have three choices of ice skating lessons. On Mondays and on Fridays the arena offers special adults only sessions referred to as Coffee Club. During a Coffee Club session there is, as part of the Cost, a 1/2 hour group lesson taught by members of the arena’s Professional staff, plus open skating time, free coffee and a free donut. Just as with the other age groups there are also Ice Skating Group Lessons for the Adults, these are offered on Monday nights. Also, as with the other age groups the adults may wish to arrange for private lesson with a Junior instructor or an arena Professional staff member.

PRIVATE LESSONS may be your choice either after several group lesson programs or at any time during your skating experience. Private instruction is available from the arena’s highly skilled Professional Staff. The arena Professional is capable of teaching all levels of skating from beginner to world-class competitor. It is best to watch and talk to the Professional that interests you to discover the teaching style and expertise that best fits your skating goals. Arrangements for private lesson with an arena Pro are to be handled directly with the Professional staff member. Please contact the arena’s office manager for more information. PAYMENT FOR PRIVATE LESSONS WITH A PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBER DOES NOT PAY FOR OR PERMIT ADMISSION TO ANY SKATING SESSION.

For the skater who has completed a sufficient number of group lesson programs or private lesson to enable them to feel comfortable and competent with their skating (generally 24 weeks of lesson or more) and ready for something more challenging than General Session skating there are a variety of programs to consider, talk to a Pro to learn more.

Call: 707.546.7147 for prices and lesson dates & times.

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