Learn To Skate

Rogers Parks and Recreation department is happy to be a member of USFSA (U.S. Figure Skating Association) basic skills learn to skate program.

We follow the guidelines of Snowplow Sam, the USFSA’s Basic Skills Program’s mascot.  Sam helps kids of all ages learn to skate. The Snowplow Sam levels 1-3 are for children 5 years old and younger. The elements are the equivalent of Basic 1 but are divided into smaller, easier steps for little kids to gain confidence on the ice. Games and stories are encouraged to keep these classes fun and child participation at a maximum.   Older kids and adults have the option to learn to skate in the basic levels, adult/teen class and hockey skating (Note: There are no sticks with hockey classes, skating skills only).

Each child will receive 25 minutes of class instruction, a badge with 10 punches for open skating.  Kids ages 5 and under are free; however, other members of the family can use these open skate punches.  There is an expiration attached to these free open skates, as they are tied to the skating session to encourage students to practice.  Upon completion, each skater will receive a certificate of achievement or participation. It is not unusual for a skater to have to repeat a class before advancing; however, should a child complete a level mid-stream, they will be moved up and start the next level during the session.

Rogers Activity Center has a limited number of rental skates available for $2 per session, first-come, first-served. Shoe size toddler 6/7 to adult 13.

Decide what skating level your child should be at using the descriptions below.  Ages are a general guide, and skaters will be assessed in first class for level appropriateness.

Choose your level:
  • Snowplow Sam 1: for beginners age 3-5, who have never skated before.
  • Snowplow Sam 2: for skaters age 3-5, who have passed Snowplow Sam 1.
  • Snowplow Sam 3: for skaters age 3-5, who have passed Snowplow Sam 2.  If pass Sam 3 – move to Basic 2 or Hockey.
For the following classes, choose the route for your skater (Basic or Hockey):
  • Basic 1: Glide, dips, snowplow stop, swizzles, and hops.
  • Basic 2: Backward: glide, swizzles; Forward: one foot glides, forward to back turn, slalom.
  • Basic 3:  Forward: slalom, two-foot turn, swizzles on circle; Backward: one-foot glide, two-foot spin intro.
  • Basic 4: Forward: edges, crossovers, outside three-turns; Backward: swizzles, stop.
  • Hockey 1: Proper stance, T-pushes, dip/squats/swizzles, snowplow stops, backward skating.
  • Hockey 2:   Proper stance, T-pushes, dip/squats/swizzles, snowplow stops, backward skating.
  • Hockey 3: Forward: c-cuts, slalom, stops/starts; hockey turns, lateral crossovers, backward V-stop.
  • Hockey 4: Forward: one-foot pushes, crossover glides, crossovers clockwise & counter clockwise. Backward: c-cuts, one-foot glides, Mohawks, hockey stop.
  • Teen / Adult: (Ages 16+) Starts with basics in level 1 & advances throughout the session

Schedule:
Learn to Skate Schedules

Requirements:
Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Come prepared with:

  • Properly fitted, sharpened skates (no double blades).
  • Mittens or gloves.
  • Warm, comfortable clothing.
  • Helmets required for Sam classes, and recommended for Basic 1, pads are optional.

Registration:
Registration is available through the District 728 Community Education website.


Questions:
Contact Rogers Parks & Recreation at 763-428-1033 Ext. 8.