Skating School / Learn To Skate

Skating School Learn to Skate program is located at the LA Kings Valley Ice Center. We provide many opportunities for  skaters to participate in annual shows and in local and district competitions in many different events categories. All of our  coaches are committed to sharing the experience of ice-skating with our students.

Curriculum offered through our Learn to Skate Program is designed for those who want to skate for fun and love the sport or  take it to the next level. The program helps you master new skills with each lesson that build upon past lessons, so your  time on the ice is always fun and rewarding. Once you learn the basics you can advance to higher figure skating levels,  theater, hockey and even join a synchronized skating team.

  • 8 Week Classes or 9 Week Classes (depending on the semester)
  • 30 Minute Classes
  • $160/$180 (prices vary based on number of classes)
  • Most Classes Capped at 15 Skaters
  • No refunds allowed
  • All missed classes must be completed before the end of the semester

>>SKATING SCHOOL MARCH-APRIL 2024 SCHEDULE


Classes

This level is specifically designed for beginning skaters age 3-6. Maneuvers are broken down into smaller parts so they  can be easily learned and mastered. Games are used for the skaters to succeed and accomplishments elements.

Tots/Hockey Tots 1-2: For skaters 6 and under 

  • Proper Way to Fall
  • Proper Way to Get Up
  • Marching in Standing Position
  • Marching While Moving
  • Two-Foot Jump in Place
  • Forward Swizzle Standing Still
  • Single Swizzle
  • Beginning Two-Foot Glide

Advanced Tots/Hockey: For skaters 6 and under who have mastered Tots 1-2 

  • Push and Glide Stroking
  • Preparation for Snowplow Stop
  • Dip
  • Forward Swizzle
  • T-Position and Push (Right And Left)
  • Backward Swizzle
  • Two-Foot or One-Foot Snowplow Stop
  • Backward Wiggle

This beginning level is for skaters 16 and younger. Step-by-step progression of skills makes learning fun, and fast!  Teaching the fundamentals of skating.

  • Two-Foot Glide
  • One-Foot Glide (Right & Left)
  • Forward Swizzle
  • Backward Wiggle
  • Backward Swizzle

Skaters will start with Alpha and progress through all the levels (Alpha / Beta / Gamma / Delta / Freestyle) in order, to  the freestyle levels after mastering the required skills at each level.

Alpha 

  • Forward Stroking (6)
  • Forward Crossovers – Right
  • Foot over Left (5)
  • Forward Crossovers – Left Foot over Right (5)
  • One-Foot Snowplow Stop

Beta 

  • Backward Stroking (6)
  • Backward Crossovers – Right Foot over Left (5)
  • Backward Crossovers – Left Foot over Right (5)
  • T-Stop – Right Foot Outside Edge
  • T-Stop – Left Foot Outside Edge

Gamma 

  • Right Forward Outside 3-Turn (One Foot Turn)
  • Left Forward Outside 3-Turn (One Foot Turn)
  • Right Forward Inside Open Mohawk Combination
  • Left Forward Inside Open Mohawk Combination
  • Hockey Stop

Delta 

  • Right Forward Inside 3-Turn (One Foot Turn)
  • Left Forward Inside 3-Turn (One Foot Turn)
  • Forward Edges – Forward Outside Edges and Forward Inside Edges
  • Shoot-the- Duck or Lunge (choice of one)
  • Bunny Hop

Freestyle  

  • Edges
  • 3-turns
  • Pivots,
  • Waltz jumps
  • 1/2 jumps
  • Forward spirals
  • One foot spins
  • Salchow jumps & more
  • Two foot spins
  • Dance steps
  • Back edges
  • Change foot spins

For the player who is all about hockey but needs to learn how to skate before puck handling. Skaters will learn the basic  hockey stance, stride, knee bend, and other necessary fundamentals to be successful.

  • Stationary Ready Position
  • Glide in Ready Position
  • Forward Swizzle
  • One Foot Glides
  • One Foot Inside Edge Glide Around Cone
  • Two Foot Moving Jump
  • Two Foot Stationary Jump
  • Forward Squats
  • Circle Side Pumps
  • Control Stop
  • Control Turn
  • Two Foot Inside/ Outside Edges

For the skater who wants to continue develop their skating skills, this class can be combined with Hockey 3

  • Forward Crossovers-Around Circle
  • Forward Two Knee Touch
  • Forward Once Knee Touch
  • Backward Skating- C Cuts
  • Backward Glide- In Ready Position
  • Forward to Backward Turn/ Mohawk
  • Backward to Forward Turn/ Step Out:
  • Jump over Stick
  • Backward Crossovers- Around Circle
  • Backward Stop
  • Backward Crossovers- Straight Back
  • Backward Two Foot Jump
  • Backward Two Knee Jump

Designed to focus on the proper techniques for the game of hockey, teaching future players how to stick handle, shoot  and carry the puck on their sticks. Sticks and pucks are involved in this class.

Full gear is required.

This class is designed for adult skaters who wish to improve their skating skills. Coaches will work on varies skills based  upon skaters abilities

Adult Class (Beginners and up)

  • Two-Foot Glide
  • One-Foot Glide (Right & Left)
  • Forward Swizzle
  • Backward Wiggle
  • Backward Swizzle
  • Forward Stroking (6)
  • Forward Crossovers – Right
  • Foot over Left (5)
  • Forward Crossovers – Left Foot over Right (5)
  • One-Foot Snowplow Stop
  • Backward Stroking (6)
  • Backward Crossovers – Right Foot over Left (5)
  • Backward Crossovers – Left Foot over Right (5)
  • T-Stop – Right Foot Outside Edge
  • T-Stop – Left Foot Outside Edge

Advanced Adults 

  • Right Forward Outside 3-Turn (One Foot Turn)
  • Left Forward Outside 3-Turn (One Foot Turn)
  • Right Forward Inside Open Mohawk Combination
  • Left Forward Inside Open Mohawk Combination
  • Hockey Stop
  • Right Forward Inside 3-Turn (One Foot Turn)
  • Left Forward Inside 3-Turn (One Foot Turn)
  • Forward Edges – Forward Outside Edges and Forward Inside Edges
  • Shoot-the- Duck or Lunge (choice of one)
  • Bunny Hop
  • Edges
  • And more…

IS MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED?

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

  • Membership in the world’s largest recreational ice skating organization
  • ISI Ice Skating Program – the original learn-to-skate program – tried and true!
  • Accident insurance included with membership fee
  • ISI testing program and national test registration
  • Colorful achievement patches
  • Recreational Ice Skating magazine (delivered to your home rink)
  • Recreational Ice Skating Online digital magazine (RISonline.org)
  • The opportunity to participate in local, district and national ISI competitions and shows, including ISI World Recreational Team  Championships – the largest annual recreational ice skating event on the planet!

PRIVATE LESSONS

Why Consider Private Lessons? 

  • Private Lessons are NOT a substitute for Skate School Classes; however, they may assist a student in passing a  class sooner.
  • Sometimes just one or two skills can prevent a child from passing a level for several sessions. A few private  lessons concentrating effort on those particular skills may help the skater pass.
  • Students interested in trying a Figure Skating Competition will need a Coach to get them started. How To Get Started 
  • If you have a particular Coach in mind, please feel free to approach them. If you can’t speak with them feel free to  leave your name and number at the Skating School Office and we will be happy to get it to them. All Staff is  prohibited from soliciting customers, but they are all more than happy to help those who inquire.
  • Private Instructors set their own lesson times in accordance with ice availability. Each individual can give you a  better idea of when they teach. Lessons are typically taught in 15, 20, 30, 45, or 60 minute increments. Custom  amounts of time can be arranged with individual coaches. Please contact the instructor directly to confirm rates  and availability

POLICIES

Private coaches work as independent contractors. All coaches have slightly different policies and procedures. Please  check with your coach before beginning lessons. Standard policies are as follows:

  • Notify your coach 24 hours prior to of any and all cancellations. Failure to do so will result in full payment of the  scheduled lesson.
  • Coaches may reschedule lessons with another student should three or more cancellations occur without proper  notification.
  • Please be prompt. Tardiness cannot be made up by the coach as ice time is not flexible. You are responsible for  full payment of lesson regardless of tardiness.
  • Compensation will be made if the tardiness or absence is on the part of the coach.

COSTS

Customers are responsible for paying the coach directly. Coaching fees do range $20 – $40 (some may be slightly higher)  for a 20-minute session, depending upon each coach’s price. Ice time must be paid for prior to taking the ice for the  lesson. Coaching fees do not include General Admission in the price. General Admission will be charged separately.

  • Additional fees
    • Music Editing will start at $25 and go up from there depending on the coach
    • Competitions local will be the same as an hour private lesson
    • Competitions away will have incurred extra fees as far as the following but not limited to:
      • Hotel
      • Gas
      • Food Per diem
    • USFS Testing sessions: will be the same as an hour private lesson

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What should my child wear to class?

A: Children should dress in warm, comfortable clothing with lightweight socks and gloves or mittens. Knit leggings,  sweatpants, sweaters and sweatshirts are good choices. We highly recommend helmets for all children under age 6.

Q: What are the class procedures?

A: We suggest arriving at least 15 minutes prior to the class start time. Skaters must always check in at the skate  counter.

Q: What if my child misses a class?

A: Make ups are allowed with in the current semester.   No credit or refunds will be offered for any missed classes PLEASE DO NOT ASK.

Q: Should I buy my child his/her own skates?

A: Skate rentals are not included with your child’s tuition and are appropriate for beginning skaters.  As skaters progress, they will benefit from the comfort, support and consistency of the their own skates.  Ask your child’s professional instructor for a recommendation of skates based on your child’s level.

Q: How often should my child practice?

A: We recommend skaters practice approximately 2 hours per week in addition to their regularly scheduled  class. Skaters should practice the skills they learn in their classes.

Q: What if I have more questions?

A: You may contact your child’s instructor or the Skating Office with your questions, comments or concerns. The Skating  Office can be reached at (818) 893-1784 or skatingdirector@lakingsvalleyicecenter.com.