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
Questions? Please contact our Skating Director, Bruce Eisenberg at bruce.eisenberg@newyorkislanders.com.
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 First Steps or Snowplow Sam.
Saturdays at 9:00AM or Sundays at 11:15am
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 8:30AM or Sundays - 11:45am
Snowplow 1 - Saturdays 9:00AM or Sundays 11:15am
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, hockey gloves and stick.
Saturdays 8:30AM or 9:00AM
Sundays 11:15AM or 11:45AM
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 1-6 - Saturdays at 8:00AM or Sundays at 12:15PM
Basic 1 - Saturdays 8:30AM or 9:00AM | Sundays 11:15AM or 11:45AM
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 12:15PM
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 12:15PM
Pre Free Skate & Advanced Free Skate: Ages 6+
Pre-Free Skate is the next level after Basic Skills 6. In this level, skaters will learn a variety of progressive skating skills, transitions, spins and jumps - all of which build on the previous skill, providing skaters a strong foundation of all elements.
Saturdays at 8:00AM or Sundays at 12:15PM
LEARN TO SKATE - GROUP LESSONS
Winter Semester Runs January 6th - March 24th. *NO CLASSES 1/13, 1/14, 2/17 & 2/18
10 Week Session - 30 Minute Classes
$350 per participant, includes $50 Learn to Skate USA Registration Fee
Saturday 8:00AM: Basic 1-6, Pre Free Skate & Advanced Free Skate
Saturday 8:30AM: Basic 1, Snowplow 1 - 4 & Pre-Hockey
Saturday 9:00AM: Basic 1, Snowplow 1, Parent/Tot & Pre-Hockey
Sunday 11:15AM: Basic 1, Snowplow 1, Parent/Tot & Pre Hockey
Sunday 11:45AM: Basic 1, Pre Hockey, Snowplow 1-4
Sunday 12:15PM: Basic 1-6, Pre Free Skate & Advanced Free Skate
See left for a description of each level.