Skating Programs

Program & Practice Session Information

• Classes are once a week on Wednesday evenings

• Students may be split based on age/ability levels, and class size—this is solely at the discretion of the instructors.

• Lessons run from November through the first weekend in March

• There are no classes on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving or over winter break.

Parent Notes

• Parents must remain at the rink during class

• Parents should not come around to the penalty boxes or stand near the entrance as this makes it more challenging for the coaches.

• We will come to get you if your child needs to use the bathroom or needs you for any other reason.

• Prepare your kids by letting them know they will fall and we will teach them to fall and get up safely. This is a necessary part of learning to skate. We will tell them that if they're not falling, they're not learning but for some kids, it helps if they know in advance so they're not too hard on themselves.

• Let your kids know they may be cold. First-time skaters can often be surprised at how cold it is on the ice.

• Schedule changes will be communicated via email.

Attire

• HELMETS are required—any kind that covers the back of their head.

• PLEASE—no hockey pads or gloves!  These make it harder for the kids to learn how to get up themselves and manage their body weight on the ice which is essential to learning how to skate.

• Jacket or coat (avoid long and bulky coats)

• Warm gloves or mittens (no ski or hockey gloves)

• Waterproof pants or layers of clothing to keep bottoms dry and warm, we sit on the ice and practice falling for the first couple of weeks.

Skates

• We do not rent skates.

• Figure or hockey skates are required.

• Proper fitting skates are important. Local skate shops including Crystal Pro Shop at the University of Delaware, The Patriot Ice Center, Ice Line, Pure Hockey, and Play it Again Sports all offer skate fitting and sales. 

• Plastic skates are not recommended.

• Make sure the blades have been sharpened before their first lesson. Skates do not come sharpened out of the box.

• Instruct your kids to stay off the pavement and bleachers to protect their skate blades.

• If you purchase new skates or if your child has never worn them before, have them walk around the house in their skates (CARPET only) to get them used to how their feet will feel in the skates. This also helps ease the "my feet hurt" woes until they get used to their skates. 

• See one of our coaches if you have questions about what skates are right for your child.  

Coaches and Instruction

• Lessons are taught by our professional figure skating coaches

• Assistance is provided by ‘junior’ coaches who are experienced figure and hockey skaters from our club

• Learn to skate is designed to teach skating safety, including safe behaviors on the ice, and basic skills.

• Every child will progress at his/her own pace and our instructors focus on building confidence in your child as skating on the ice can be very intimidating.  

• Our instructors are experts in teaching children how to skate and have been doing this for decades, trust the process and you’ll be amazed at the progress your child makes throughout the season.

Annual Ice Show—Learn to Skate

• The Annual Ice Show is a celebratory end to the season and an opportunity for skaters to showcase their skills. 

• Skaters participate in a group number that they’ll learn the day before.

• The show is free to attend and a great way to allow your skater to show family & friends how far they’ve come during the season!

• Professional recording of our show is available for purchase.