Information for Skaters

How do I learn to skate?

Learning to skate is actually quite easy and fun. It requires a little determination, a lot of practice and no fear of falling down! Before you know it, you will be gliding around -- forward and backwards -- able to show off to your family and friends what you can do on the ice. Whether your goal is to learn to go backwards, land a Salchow, spin really fast, improve your hockey skating skills, do a graceful arabesque or even a triple Axel, we've got just the place for you to start! Remember, every champion had to begin with a few easy lessons...just like you.

Where do I go?

The U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Program is the learn-to-skate program of the national governing body of figure skating. We have established skating programs in more than 800 facilities across the nation. Go to the search engine and type in your zip code, and registered rinks across the country will appear. Contact a facility near you and ask about its Basic Skills group class schedule, registration information and the price of lessons. Most group beginner lessons are structured in six- or eight-week sessions, and there is usually room available for classes that meet your current ability. What to expect?

Follow these simple tips to get the most out of your skating lessons:

1. Listen attentively. Try the skill, try it again, ask a question if you don't understand, and try it again. Your instructor should be able to show you the skill, bear it down into easy steps, and offer a few suggestions for quick mastery.
2. Be a courteous skater, watch where you are going, and always skate in control.
3. Be prepared for your lesson with the correct fitting skates, warm attire and gloves or mittens.
4. Be on time! Arrive at least 15 minutes before class time.
5. Relax, smile, and have fun!

What will I get?

When you register for the U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Program, you will receive:

• Official U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills membership card
• A brightly colored record book with stickers to track your progress through the lessons
• A membership year patch
• Sport accident insurance
• General information about ice skating
• Instructor manual (for all instructors, assistants and directors)

(Some Basic Skills participants will receive "Certificates of Achievement," seen here, from those programs that choose to purchase them from U.S. Figure Skating.)

What about skates? New, used or rental?

The boots should provide a snug fit. A skate needs to be an extension of the foot, fit snugly, and be laced up properly. Look for these three factors in picking out a skate that fits you properly: your size and weight, skating ability and how many times a week you are planning to skate. If the boot does not fit properly or is too "broken in," it will not provide adequate support. Proper fit is essential for success in skating!

Basically, the fit should be snug, with the lacing pattern constant from toe to ankle. When you push your foot forward to touch your toe to the end of the skate, if you can put a finger inside the skate between the back of your foot and end of your skate, it is too big.

It is not always necessary to buy new skates, especially when first learning to skate. Used skates can be a great bargain...if you know what to look for. If you are unsure of the quality of a pair of used skates, please ask the skating director or your instructor for some tips.

When purchasing new equipment, go to a reputable pro shop or sporting goods store and take the time to find a pair. Skates, like most sporting equipment, get more sophisticated as your ability increases. Most manufacturers produce a beginning boot that comes with a beginning blade.

If you choose not to invest in your own skates, rental skates will do just fine, too. When renting skates, ask for a pair of firm boots with adequate support and sharp blades.

What do I wear?

Whether skating indoors or outdoors, dress for warmth by layering your clothing. Most indoor arenas are kept between 50-60 degrees, so jackets are recommended. As you get warm, you may wish to discard a layer. Comfort and ability to move freely are also very important. We suggest close-fitting but not tight pants. Sweatpants or warm-up pants are ideal. Your feet will feel best if you wear one pair of lightweight socks or tights. Bulky or thick socks may limit the support provided by your skates and create "bumps" inside your boots, making them uncomfortable. Make sure when fitting your skates that your toes can wiggle but your heel does not slide up and down or around once your foot is properly laced in the skate.

Protective head gear is recommended for children under the age of 6 and all beginner skaters. Contact a local sporting goods store for proper fit and information regarding safety helmets.

Remember gloves or mittens! Learning to fall is an important part of ice skating, and your hands will feel much better if you are wearing gloves or mittens. If you forget to bring them along, check with the rink's lost and found and borrow a pair.

Health benefits of ice skating:

Everyone from toddlers to seniors can enjoy the health benefits of ice skating. Ice skating helps build endurance, strengthen muscles, and increase flexibility.

Calories burned during recreational ice skating is about 250-810 per hour, and competitive skating can be up to 450-1,080 per hour.

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