Beginning ice skating lessons?

Question

Hi, I am going to my first ice skating lesson this weekend, and I have only gone to public sessions a few times, so I know how to just skate, but nothing else. I am going to be in the Adult/Teen 1/2 class, I am 15. The rink I am going to has the standards of the USFS Basic Skills Program.

They also offer classes for Basic 1-8 and Free Skate 1-6. I was wondering what the difference is, and if you know what the adult/teen classes learn.

Also, I was wondering what the first things or tricks you learn are.

I missed the first class last week so I will be totally new.

What are the requirements to pass each level?

And to pass, do you just do the tricks? or do you learn an actual routine that you must do?

Last question, what should I wear??

Please help me!

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

Basic 1- 8 are usually for kids under 12 freskate 1- 6 are for after u complet basic 8  or adult 4.

u learn to stop, go backwards. forward crossovers.

im not completely sure what u learn in the adult classes but their prob about the same as the basic classes

u hafta be able to do each item well to be able to pass. up to freeskate 6 u just hafta be able to do the item. if u take the pre pre n up tests, its about the same. programs are only 4 competition or exibitions.

u shud wear sweat pants n a sweat shirt, dont 4get the gloves!!!

have fun and best of luck!

Answer 2

Congrats on starting with the basic skills program! I teach basic skills at my rink and I wanted to clear up some of the things the other posters may have had confused. Basic 1-8 can be taught to anyone over the age of about 5 or 6. There is no age limit on these classes. When you sign up the instructor will begin with very easy things such as falling and standing up, forward skating etc. Over the course of the 6 weeks you will build on the skills you learn. You wont be putting together routines in the basic skills program. If you are shooting to do routines to music I would hire an instructor for private lessons after you have complteted the basic 8 levels. If you choose not to do private lessons after basic 8 you can move onto freestyle 1-6 which is the introduction to things like the waltz jump, toe loop, spins, foot work etc.  As for what to wear, make sure you have gloves or mittens on because when you are sitting on the ice learning how to get up your hands can get really cold and wet. Also I don' suggest wearing a heavy jacket, but rather wear a couple layers insted. Heavy jackets tend to get in the way when you are skating. Make sure you are able to move freely in whatever you are wearing also. I'm so excited that you are becoming a part of the basic skills family! I wish you my best and if you have anymore questions feel free to email me!

P.S. It's not uncommon for people to do some of the levels over again. If you don't "pass" a level its a good idea to try that level again for your next session. I would say that 85% of the people who go through basic skills repeat at least one level. It is very normal and don't feel bad if thats what happens its actually a great way for you to perfect your skills!

Happy Skating!

Answer 3

You don't do routines with music and costumes until you're doing reglamentary USFSA level freestyle exams. I don't know if the first few levels require a routine (the Mexican system requires routines from Intermediate 1 and up which is the short program of each level), but you aren't expected to do a routine in the really low levels. Plus to be honest, I find routines that only have crossovers and Bunny Hops to be awfully boring. >_<

If you have mittens, you should use them. They will keep your hands warm and you'll injure yourself less if you fall.

You'll be learning stuff like crossovers, gliding in your edges, Spirals, Lunges, maybe Bunny Hops, Two foot spins maybe and Shoot the duck.

It's highly likely after every few classes you will be judged by the teacher on certain elements and if you do them well enough you'll get a badge and move up 1 level.

Answer 4

Basic 1-8 are the classes that you begin in and Free-skate/Freestyle classes are the classes after the basics, they are essentially the steps after you learn the basics. An adult/teen class just means that instead of being with younger kids that you will be with teens and adults, but you will learn the same things as the younger classes do.

Here are the links that say what you have to do to pass each level for the basics, and what elements you learn in each level http://www.sk8stuff.com/f_basic_ref/lts/...

and for free-skate/freestyle http://www.sk8stuff.com/f_basic_ref/lts/...

For the basic skills tests you just have to display to the instructor that you can do the moves.

I would suggest wearing a t-shirt with a jacket, gloves, and knit, exercise type pants so you can move, and when you fall that you won't get cold as easily (jeans soak up water easily so you get cold, and they are hard to move in), I would also suggest wearing thin polyester or nylon socks. Good luck!