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New Skaters Guide

Your Path to Skating Success Starts Here

What You Need

Congratulations on taking the first step towards discovering the joy of skating! Whether you're interested in figure skating, hockey, speedskating, or simply gliding across the ice for fun, this guide is designed to help you get started.

What You Need to Start Skating:

A pair of skates that fit properly (if you’re not ready to buy your own, rentals are available at most rinks)

Comfortable, warm clothing (preferably something water-resistant) and gloves

A helmet (recommended for beginners and children)

A willingness to learn and have fun!

What to Do Next:

Find a local ice rink or skating facility near you.

Check the rink's schedule for public skating sessions, lessons, and learn to skate (LTS) programs.

Determine your skating goals and objectives (e.g., learn to skate, improve skills, compete).

Choose a program or lesson that aligns with your goals and skill level (e.g., Learn to Skate, Bridge/Aspire, private lessons).

If you’re more advanced or want to progress quickly, select a qualified coach or instructor to guide you on your skating journey.

Get Ready to Take the Ice!

In the following sections, I’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to choose a program, select a coach, and get started with your skating journey. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, I’m excited to help you take the first step towards a lifetime of fun and adventure on the ice!

What to Wear

What to Wear

Type

Helmets

Schwinn Helmet on Amazon; available in XS and S sizes: amzn.to/3Ab2q9S

Protective Gear

CRS Cross “Bunga” (Ankle Gel) Pads: amzn.to/4dqoStV

Thermal Layers

American Threads Kids Thermal: amzn.to/4ckiPGw

Waterproof Outer Layer

Columbia Bugaboo (Unisex) Ski Pants: amzn.to/3LR6fnb

Gloves

Figure Skating Gloves (thin): amzn.to/3LP70wS

Jackson Ultima: Softec Line

Softec Vista Skate: Basic 1 (Snowplow Sam 2) or higher, Ages 3-13 (starts at Girls size 8)

Jackson Ultima Finesse Series

The excel skates series is perfect for younger/smaller skaters interested in pursuing figure skating. It comes with a toe-pick blade already attached. This skate is more supportive around the ankle, allowing new skaters to use the model for 1-2 years into their journey. Link: https://jacksonskate.com/collections/jackson-ultima-outfits/products/jackson-excel-womens-misses-v0

Riedell Skates

Ruby is the perfect skate for anyone new to ice skating. From the first steps onto the ice, Ruby provides the support and comfort needed to have a great experience while learning to skate. The smallest available size is a girls 12. Link: https://ice.riedellskates.com/Product/ruby-bovm

Risport & Edea Skates

Venus is Risport’s Entry Level model, designed for those who are starting to face the challenge of daily training and want to improve their technique day by day and step by step, with the dream of mounting the Olympics podium, and for beginners. They cannot be ordered online but only by authorized retailers. Size 170 and up. Link: https://www.risport.com/en/ice/venus/

Helmets

Helmets are strongly recommended for beginners of any age, but are typically required if you are a younger skater. Any helmet can work for skating, such as a bicycle helmet. The best ones are lightweight, adjustable, and do not move around while skating on the ice.

Item 1

Schwinn Helmet on Amazon; available in XS and S sizes:

amzn.to/3Ab2q9S

⁠

Item 2

Kids Helmet on Amazon; available in XS-L sizes:

amzn.to/3YsAIzl

⁠

Item 3

If you’re on a budget, this helmet is $8:

amzn.to/4daZuZi

⁠

Item 4

If you want a full face helmet (and your rink allows it):

amzn.to/3Ab242Y

⁠

External Link

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How to Choose A Program

Step 1: Determine Your Skating Goals Before selecting a program, it's essential to define your skating goals. Are you looking to learn basic skating skills, improve your technique, or compete at a high level? Knowing your goals will help you choose a program that aligns with your objectives.

Step 2: Assess Your Skating Ability Evaluate your current skating ability to determine which level is suitable for you. Consider your balance, agility, and overall comfort on the ice. If you're a beginner, the Learn to Skate Program might be the perfect starting point.

Learn to Skate Program (LTS)

The Learn to Skate Program is designed for beginners with little or no experience, offering a structured approach to learning fundamental skating skills. The program consists of two brackets—fundamentals and advanced or specialized programs in the following levels:

New to skating? Fundamentals.

Returning to skating? Advanced.

Take the quiz to find out which class is right for you!

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Fundamentals

Fundamentals

Name

Skating Type

Age Group

Curriculum

Snowplow Sam 1-4

Preparation

2 - 6 yrs

designed for children 6 and younger to learn the joys of ice skating and basic skills such as standing up, falling, and marching.

Basic 1-6

Preparation, Figure Skating

6 yrs or older

teaches the FUNdamentals of ice skating and provides the best foundation for success. Six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers and turns.

Hockey 1-4

Hockey

6 yrs or older

focuses on the fundamentals of skating skills, edges, turns, quickness and agility for players to be successful in practices and games. HECC rated helmets required.

Adult 1 - 6

Preparation, Figure Skating

16 yrs or older

for both beginning and experienced adult skaters who wish to start or improve their skating skills. Six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers and turns.

Adaptive Skating

Preparation, Figure Skating

any age

provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to develop new skills and enhance their skating experience. Skaters choose between developing personal challenges or following the 12-level track.

There are no rows in this table

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These programs require previous skating experience. Skaters in these programs should begin looking for a private coach that matches their needs to continue or accelerate their skating journey.

Advanced Programs

Advanced Programs

Name

Description

Prerequisite

Speedskating (Speed) 1-6

introduces skaters to the proper speed skating techniques, such as balance, weight transfer and ways to generate speed.

Basic 3

Pre Freeskate, Freeskate 1-6

comprised of a variety of progressive skating skills, transitions, spins and jumps for aspiring figure skaters

Basic 6, (formerly Basic 8)

Synchronized Skating 1-6

a team sport in which 8-20 skaters perform together. Skaters will learn exciting elements such as block, circle, line, wheel and intersection.

Basic 3

Dance 1-6

emphasizes rhythm, interpretation of the music and precise steps. These dance patterns are also the first levels of the official US Figure Skating dance test track.

Basic 6

Pairs 1-4

is designed to introduce skaters to the foundational principles of unison, in shadow or mirror, using basic free skating skills.

Basic 6

Theatre on Ice 1-4

combines the grace of figure skating with the excitement of theater and dance.

Basic 6

Artistry in Motion 1-4

introduces skaters to the basic principles and philosophy of choreography, presentation and performance.

Basic 6

There are no rows in this table

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Beyond Learn to Skate...

Ready to move past the learn to skate program and continue building your skating skills? Check out the following programs and pathways!

Bridge Program (US Figure Skating Aspire)

The Bridge or new USFSA Aspire Program is designed to “bridge” the gap between learning to skate fundamentals and the athleticism demanded of figure skating. It is comprised of on-ice group training and off-ice training (flexibility and strength). It is perfect for skaters moving up quickly through the freeskate levels, those who have completed freeskate level 5-6, or those who are learning single jumps (up to and including the axel). After successful completion of a bridge program, skaters are usually invited to the local figure skating club to purchase a full membership where they can compete, test, or skate on special freestyle sessions for figure skaters only. To pursue figure skating competitively or take official US Figure Skating tests, skaters must have a registered coach on their behalf. Some skaters choose one coach, others have a team of coaches who specialize in different fields (Ice Dance, Moves in the Field, Freestyle, Competition/IJS, Choreography, Technique).

Figure Skating Club

Skaters who are ready to attend their first competition, take a US Figure Skating test, participate in showcase events, perform in Theatre on Ice or synchro have to join a FSC or Figure Skating club. You can find skating clubs online using USFSA’s database:

https://www.usfigureskating.org/skate/find-a-club⁠

. To join a club, you pay an annual membership fee (Collegiate skaters pay for a 4 year membership). Membership, test registration, and other related activities occur on

entryeeze.com⁠

, however you can sign in and access members only information as an FSC member on USFSA’s page via log-in:

https://www.usfsaonline.org/⁠

Recreational/In-House Hockey League

If you’re new to playing hockey and have just completed the learn to skate hockey levels, this is the recommended starting place for an affordable option that builds experience. It allows you to meet and work with your local coaches to find one that suits your needs for private lessons when you are on a travel team. You don’t need to play in-house to audition for a travel hockey league, but the more practice the better!

Travel Hockey League

The Travel Hockey League is designed for more experienced hockey players who are looking to compete at a higher level. This program requires a significant commitment to travel and competition. To be placed on a team, players must attend tryouts during the season. Levels range from C (lowest) to AAA (highest). Some high schools also offer opportunities to play travel hockey through varsity or junior varsity teams.

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How to Choose A Coach

Choosing the right coach is a crucial decision for skaters of all levels. A good coach can help you improve your skills, build confidence, and achieve your skating goals. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you choose a coach that's right for you:

Step 1: Define Your Coaching Needs

Before starting your search for a coach, it's essential to define what you're looking for in a coaching relationship. Consider the following factors:

Your skating goals and objectives

Your current skating level and experience

The type of skating you're interested in (figure skating, hockey, speedskating, or recreational)

Your availability and schedule for lessons

Your budget for coaching fees

Step 2: Research Potential Coaches

Research potential coaches by:

Asking for referrals from friends, family, or other skaters

Checking with your local skating rink or club for a list of certified coaches

Searching online for coaches in your area

Checking with national governing bodies (e.g., US Figure Skating, USA Hockey, US Speedskating) for certified coaches in your area

Step 3: Check Coaching Credentials

Make sure the coaches you're considering have the necessary credentials:

Check for certification from a national governing body (e.g., US Figure Skating, USA Hockey, US Speedskating)

Look for experience working with skaters at your level and in your discipline

Check for any additional certifications or training (e.g., first aid, CPR, sports psychology)

Step 4: Observe a Lesson

Observe a lesson or two to get a sense of the coach's teaching style and philosophy:

Pay attention to how the coach interacts with their students

Note the coach's ability to provide clear and concise feedback

Observe how the coach structures their lessons and sets goals for their students

Step 5: Meet with the Coach

Meet with the coach to discuss your goals, expectations, and any questions you may have:

Ask about their coaching philosophy and approach

Discuss your goals and expectations for your skating

Ask about their experience working with skaters at your level and in your discipline

Discuss their availability and schedule for lessons

Ask about their fees and payment policies (fees can range from $15-200/hr, depending on the coach)

Step 6: Evaluate the Coach's Communication Style

Evaluate the coach's communication style to ensure it aligns with your needs:

Pay attention to how well they listen to your questions and concerns

Note how clearly they explain concepts and provide feedback

Observe how they handle corrections and criticism

Step 7: Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, choosing a coach is a personal decision. Trust your instincts and choose a coach who:

You feel comfortable with and enjoy working with

You believe can help you achieve your skating goals

You feel is a good fit for your personality and learning style

By following these steps, you'll be able to find a coach who can help you achieve your skating goals and provide a positive and supportive learning environment. Remember to always prioritize your safety and well-being when selecting a coach.