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Learn to Skate

Skate to your inner amazing. Skate to great!!

Our Learn to Skate classes offer something for everyone from first steps on the ice to mastering advanced techniques.  The curriculum follows solid skill development techniques based on the ABCs of basic athleticism: Agility, Balance, Coordination and Speed. A progressive system, that upon completion of the program, allows skaters to confidently advance to more specialized areas of skating.

Our Mission
To provide a fun and positive experience that will instill a lifelong love of skating.

Our Objectives

  • Teach the fundamentals of ice skating while building confidence and skills
  • Provide a curriculum that ensures success from the first steps on the ice to the mastery of advanced skills
  • Promote the health and fitness benefits of ice skating
  • Equip each participant with the foundation necessary to reach their skating goals

Questions? Please contact our Skating Director, Bruce Eisenberg at bruce.eisenberg@newyorkislanders.com.

Winter 2025 Classes: January 4th - March 23rd * No class 1/18, 1/19, 2/15 & 2/16

Parent & Tot: Ages 2-4
A parent participation version of the First Steps class. Parents should be sufficiently comfortable on ice skates to assist their child.  Children who can move and get up on their own should register for Snowplow Sam 1. 
Saturdays at 8:30AM or 9:00AM, Sundays at 11:45AM or 12:15PM

Snowplow Sam 1-4: Ages 4-5
Introductory classes divided into four progressive levels for kids with no prior skating experience. First time skaters will learn basic balance, proper falling and getting up, beginning forward skating and two foot glides.  The progression through Snowplow levels will include beginning backward skating, forward and backward swizzles, and snowplow stops.
Snowplow 1-4 - Saturdays 9:00AM or Sundays 12:15PM
Snowplow 1 - Saturdays 8:00AM or 8:30AM, Sundays 11:15AM or 11:45AM

Pre-Hockey: Ages 4-7
Must have passed Snowplow Sam 3 & 4 in hockey skates.  Pre-Hockey 1&2 are progressive levels intended for children who are enthusiastic about hockey.  Skaters will learn balance, basic forward and backward skating, glides, stops, turns and beginning crossovers. Required equipment includes hockey skates, hockey helmet with a face cage, shin guards, neck guard, hockey gloves and stick.
Saturdays 8:30AM or 9:00AM, Sundays 11:45AM or 12:15PM 

Basic Skills 1 & 2: Ages 6+
Levels 1 & 2 allow new skaters with little to no experience learn basic forward skating, beginning and backward skating, one and two foot glides and much more! 
Basic 1-2 - Saturdays at 8:00AM or Sundays at 11:15AM
Basic 1 - Saturdays 8:30AM or 9:00AM, Sundays 11:45AM or 12:15PM

Basic Skills 3 & 4: Ages 6+
The progression to Levels 3 & 4 includes forward and backward stoking, forward crossovers, three turns and footwork combinations. 
Saturdays at 8:00AM or Sundays at 11:15AM

Basic Skills 5 & 6: Ages 6+
Skaters in Levels 5 & 6 will work on skills including backwards crossovers, hockey stops, edge work, three-turns, bunny hops and more.
Saturdays at 8:00AM or Sundays at 11:15AM

 

LEARN TO SKATE - GROUP LESSONS
Winter Semester Runs January 4th - March 23rd. 

***No Class 1/18, 1/19, 2/15 & 2/16

10 Week Session - 30 Minute Classes
$350 per participant, includes $50 Learn to Skate USA Registration Fee

  • Helmet rentals WILL NOT be available. All skaters must provide their own. Helmets are required for all skaters - any skater in hockey skates MUST wear a hockey helmet with a face cage.
  • NO REFUNDS. Make-up classes are not guaranteed. A maximum of one make-up class per skater will be allowed, if available. 

Class Schedule

Saturday 8:00AM: Basic 1-6, Snowplow 1
Saturday 8:30AM: Basic 1, Snowplow 1, Parent/Tot & Pre-Hockey
Saturday 9:00AM: Basic 1, Snowplow 1-4, Parent/Tot & Pre-Hockey

 

Sunday 11:15AM: Basic 1-6, Snowplow 1 
Sunday 11:45AM: Basic 1, Snowplow 1, Parent/Tot & Pre Hockey 
Sunday 12:15PM: Basic 1, Snowplow 1-4, Parent/Tot & Pre Hockey 

See left for a description of each level.