SKATE SCHOOL

Frequently Asked Questions

First Day of Class 

  • There's always a lot of energy in the rink on the first day of classes. Here's what you need to know!

    • Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled class time. This will give you ample time to check in and lace up your skates before class begins.

    • When you enter the building, check in at our Skate School table to get your badge before proceeding to the skate rental counter.

    • Skate sizes are often 1-3 sizes smaller than your normal shoe size. If you are unsure what size you wear, ask to be fitted!

    • At the start of class, you will meet your instructor off the ice. Look for signs posted in the lobby.

    • This off-ice component will cover the very basics, including important safety information, and will help you feel more confident before getting on the ice.

    • Be sure to dress appropriately! Helmets are recommended for beginning-level skaters, but are not required. Dress warmly, in several light layers that can easily be removed as you get moving. And, don't forget your gloves!

  • For the first two weeks, you will meet your coaches in the lobby of the rink.

    After checking in at our Skate School table and getting your rental skates, look for posted signs that identify "rally points" where each class will meet their instructors off-ice. Once the very basics have been covered off the ice, your entire class will enter the ice together.

    Beginning in Week 3, all skaters will proceed to meet their instructors directly on the ice.

  • Be sure to dress in several warm, fitted layers that can be easily removed during class and allow for ease of movement. Long-sleeve shirts or sweaters, plus a jacket or vest are best!

    Pro tips:

    • Wear thin, crew-length socks that go above the top of ice skates. Ankle-cut socks lead to blisters...not fun!

    • Fitted sweat pants, leggings, or similar types of athletic wear are a great choice.

    • Don’t forget to bring gloves!

    • Helmets are recommended for beginning-level skaters, but are not required.

    Things to avoid:

    • Baggy, loose-fitting clothing, including jeans.

    • Shorts, tank tops, or tee shirts without additional layers.

    • Hard plastic knee pads, elbow pads, shin guards, and wrist guards.

    • Bulky clothing, such as ski or snowboard pants.

Class Eligibility

  • We offer classes for all skaters, beginner and advanced. No previous experience required!

    If you've never skated before, no worries! We have a class just for you—you'll be gliding, jumping, and spinning in no time!

  • For the safety of all participants, all skaters must be at least 3 years old before the start of their first class. Skaters in the Tots Series must be potty trained and be able to stand on their own wearing skates off-ice.

    Please be prepared to provide proof of age at the Skating Director's request.

  • Yes! Skating is for everyone!

    Our Adult Series is available for all participants who are at least 16 years old.

    The Adult Series teaches all the same skills from our badge-level courses while still providing the flexibility and safety for each participant to learn at their own pace.

  • No, we provide everything you need to participate!

    Even better? When you're ready to take the next step and purchase your own equipment, we offer a fully-stocked pro shop that has everything you need!

Skate School Policies

  • Yes - in order to be eligible for registration, every skater must hold a current ISI membership.

    If you are registering in our program for the first time, don't stress! When you register online, simply select the "I need an ISI Membership" option, and we'll take care of the rest! As a member, you are part an inclusive and global network of skaters, coaches, and rinks who believe in skating for the fun of it.

    You can learn more about the ISI Program by clicking [here].

  • Yes!

    All badge-level classes (Tot Series, Youth Series, Adult Series) can be made up on any day/time that another section of the same class is offered, space permitting.

    To make up a class, simply show up on the day of your make-up lesson and check in at the Skate School table. You will be given a pass that your instructor will collect in class.

    All missed classes must be made-up within the same block you are registered for. No refunds or credits will be given for unused classes at the end of the block.

    Advanced/specialty classes that are not offered on another day/time cannot be made up.

  • Yes, of course!

    In fact, we encourage you to stay and watch and ask that you do not leave the building while your child is in class. All parents are welcome to watch from the bleachers or from rink-side tables in the lobby.

  • Refunds can be requested for the remaining portion of a Skate School block, given that a written request is provided to the Skate School with at least two weeks notice before the final contract termination date. No credit or refund will be made for the lessons missed by the skater prior to the termination date. A refund will be issued for the tuition of all remaining classes, minus a processing fee of 10% of the total tuition.

    Refunds or credits will not be issued for any missed/unused classes at the end of a block.

Miscellaneous

  • Private lessons are a service offered by many of our coaches outside of your group lesson class. It is an opportunity to get one-on-one attention with a coach of your choosing on special ice time, called freestyle sessions.

    Private lessons are a great way to enhance the skills that you are already learning in class, to learn at a faster pace, or to supplement your group class by working on skills that might be more difficult to master.

    Skaters who wish to compete or perform in a recital will also need a private lesson coach to prepare for these events.

    You can learn more about private lessons and our staff coaches by clicking [here].