LEARN TO SKATE

• Sit and stand up: on the ice – Lower the centre of gravity and when sliding off to one hip, use the hands on the ice to control the upper body. To stand up, follow the off ice instructions.

• March forwards 8 to 10 steps – Using the marching action move forwards, with arms held slightly in front and parallel to the ice, feet turned out.

• Forward two foot glide – After marching forwards glide forwards on two feet for 2 x your body height.

• Dip - March forwards for 4 steps then glide for the count of 4, then dip for the count of 4.

• Forward swizzles – 6 to 8 in a row - With knees bent turn toes out and push feet apart. Once the push is complete turn toes in and come up in the knee to complete the movement.

• Backward wiggles – 6 to 8 in a row - Stand with feet parallel, the width of hips apart. As hips turn side to side the arms move against the hip action to create backward motion.

• Snowplow stop - Whilst moving and with heels turned slightly out, do a stop movement in which one or both feet create a skidding action.

• Rocking horse – 2 to 3 - From a standing position perform alternating backward and forward swizzles.

• Two foot hop in place – From a stand still position do a small hop in place with slight knee bend at the start and finish of the movement.

• Forward one foot glides – R & L – After a moving start, balance in a two foot glide position. Pick up one foot with the free toe held firmly behind the skating heel for the distance of 1 x the skaters height.
  Backward two foot glide – Glide on both feet backward balancing on the ball of the feet for the distance of 1 x the skaters height.

• Backward swizzles – 6 to 8 in a row – While moving use an in and out simultaneous movement of both feet on inside edges.

• Two foot turn from forward to backward in place – Stand with feet parallel, rotate the shoulders against the hips to start the movement, release the hips to allow the body to turn. Slight knee bend and balance over the middle to front of the skate.

• Moving snowplow stop (one foot or both feet) - Whilst moving and with heels turned slightly out, do a stop movement in which one or both feet create a skidding action.

• Forward alternate ½ swizzle pumps  - Move forwards in and out of 5 to 6 markers that are on the ice. Skate around the markers with both feet parallel and use a slight twisting action of the shoulders against the hips.

• Two foot hop in place – From a stand still position do a small hop in place with slight knee bend at the start and finish of the movement.

• Forward stroking showing correct use of blade – The thrust must be made by using the inside edge an NO use of the toe pick.

• Forward ½ swizzle pumps on a circle, 6 to 8 consecutive clockwise and counter clockwise – The pushing foot will not leave the ice, relax and glide between pushes. The weight should be on the inside leg

• Moving forward to backward two foot turn, clockwise and counter clockwise – These turns are made whilst gliding forwards on two feet on a circle and momentum must be maintained in a constant direction.

• Backward one foot glides, R & L – After achieving a backwards two foot glide pick up one foot and hold it firmly behind the skating heel.

• Forward slalom – Feet parallel as you curve in both directions using a soft knee action and twisting the body

• Two foot spin – up to 2 revolutions – Optional entry, one foot moving forwards and one foot moving backwards, shoulders and body in an upright balanced position.

• Forward outside edge on a circle – R & L – On a circle balance on two feet then move the weight to the inside leg and lift the outside leg for a count of 2 whilst the skating foot is on an outside edge. The free foot should be held in front.

• Forward inside edge on a circle – R & L - On a circle balance on two feet then move the weight to the outside leg and lift the inside leg for a count of 2 whilst the skating foot is on an inside edge. The free foot should be held behind.

• Forward crossovers, clockwise & counter clockwise – 5 consecutive crossovers are required with balance and control.

• Forward outside three turn – R & L from a stand still – From T position, push onto outside edge and rotate body before the turn. With the weight on the ball of the foot turn the skating foot to a back inside edge with control continuous momentum.

• Backward ½ swizzle pumps on a circle - clockwise and counter clockwise – The swizzle foot should not leave the ice and the movement should be smooth and continuous.

• Backward stroking – The push is from inside edges with the free foot held in front. The upper body should be still and there should be strong glides between the strokes.

• Backward outside edge on a circle – R & L – After gliding backwards on two feet on a circle, move the weight to the inside foot and lift the outside leg and hold it in front. The outside edge should be held for two times the skater height.

• Backward inside edge on a circle – R & L - After gliding backwards on two feet on a circle, move the weight to the outside foot and lift the inside leg and hold it behind. The inside edge should be held for two times the skater height.

• Backward crossovers, clockwise & counter clockwise – On a circle do a backward one foot swizzle action and cross the outside foot over the inside one. The inside foot remains on the ice during the push and the cross, the outside foot must leave the ice.

• Beginning one foot spin – up to 3 revs optional entry & free foot position – Start from the two foot spin and then lift one foot. The spin must be on a back inside edge and controlled for 3 revs.

• T Stop – The stopping foot will be held at a right angle to the skating foot and gently placed onto the ice, slowly putting pressure on the outside edge to create a skid.

• Side toe hop – both directions – Begin a series of side hops with the leg reaching out to the side, then tapping the toe pick into the ice and performing a sideways leap.

• Forward inside three-turn, R & L from stand still position – Starting from a T position push on to an inside edge and rotate the arms and shoulders into the circle. Move the weight to the ball of the foot and turn to a back outside edge maintaining momentum.

• Moving backward to forward two foot turn on a circle, clockwise and counter clockwise – While moving backwards on a circle balancing on two feet, rotate the arms and shoulders out of the circle and rock to the back of the skate and turn to forwards.

• Hockey Stop – Whilst gliding on two feet turn hips and feet without moving shoulders and arms. The feet should be at a right angle to the direction you are skating and will create a skid. Maintain control at the end of the stop for 3 seconds.

• Bunny Hop – While gliding forwards and balancing over the skating side, swing the free leg with a backward to forward swinging action. The skating leg will spring as the free leg passes and lifts into the air. The landing will be on the toe pick of the swung leg.

• Forward Spiral on a straight line, R or L – While gliding forwards balance on the skating side with the free leg extended behind in a turned out position.

• Forward Lunge R or L – While skating forwards bend the skating knee while turning out and extending the free leg behind. Continue bending until the inside of the free foot boot is on the ice.

Pre-Freeskate is an introductory level preparing the skater for Freeskate where they will start to learn jumps and spins.     

In this level they will learn:

• Backward outside edges

• Backwark outside edges to forward glide

• Mohawk sequence

• Moving outside and inside 3 turns

• Mazurka

• Waltz jump from a stand still

• Start of a 1 foot spin

• Advanced forwards stroking – Strong Open Strokes around the rink with crossovers at end of rink, emphasis on rise and fall of the knee.

• Forward outside and inside edges – Start in T position. Free leg held behind to start and then brought through to a straight free leg position. Come to a two feet position and push onto other foot. Good control and balance is essential and no toe pushing.

• Advanced backwards outside three-turn – After moving on a circle the three turn will be executed with the free leg held in front. Entry and exit edges must be equal to the skaters height.

• Scratch spin from backwards crossovers – Entry with backward crossovers, the free foot is brought in to just above the skating knee and the position is held for a minimum of 3 revolutions.

• Waltz jump from crossovers – Enter with two or three backwards crossovers, the jump must be controlled and the landing must be held for two times the skaters height.

• Half Flip Jump – Enter with a forward inside Mohawk. The supporting leg is on a slight inside edge with the other leg extended behind. The extended leg reaches and taps into the ice, as this happens the skating leg straightens to give lift. After rotating half a turn land on the opposite toe from the take off toe and step immediately into a glide on the opposite leg.

• Backward outside and inside edges – From standing perform aback push off and hold the edge with the free foot in front for a quarter of a circle and then rotate the shoulder, arm and take the free leg back. Once half a circle has been completed push onto the other leg and repeat. The edges should be performed with control and balance.

• Forward outside and inside spirals in both directions – The spirals will be performed on a circle and will be held to two tomes the skaters height.

• Progressive Chasse sequence – There are 4 steps to complete the sequence and the sequence should be repeated to complete a full circle, clockwise and counter clockwise. RFO; LFI; RFO; LFI clockwise and LFO; RFI; LFO; RFI counter clockwise.

• Waltz threes – While moving on a circle the three-turns will be performed with an extended free leg. The entry and exit edges will be held for three times the skater’s height.

• Beginning back spin – Start the spin from a back inside pivot. The spin should be performed on a back outside edge with the free foot crossed in front. 1 or 2 revolutions are required.

• Waltz Jump, side toe hop, Waltz jump – Begin with backward crossovers, this element should be performed with control and balance and the landing edge must be held for two times the skater’s height.

• Toe Loop – After doing a controlled forward inside three turn, the free leg extends backwards and taps into the ice. The lift is created by the skating foot drawing level with the tapping foot and continuing into the air. The landing should be controlled.

• Forward and backward crossovers in figure eight – Performed with good speed, control and no use of the toe picks.

• Waltz eight – From standing perform a forward outside three turn change feet and step to forwards. This sequence should complete a full circle with control and balance.

• Advanced forward swing rolls – 4 to 6 swing rolls must be completed with speed and control.

• Backward inside three turn – The three-turn must be performed on a circle with the forward inside edge after the turn being controlled. The free leg position is optional.

• Back spin min 3 turns – The entry is optional however the exit must be on a controlled back outside edge.

• Salchow – After either a three-turn or Mohawk, balance on a back inside edge with the free leg extended behind. As the free leg moves forwards the depth of the edge will increase allowing lift to be created as the supporting leg straightens. Half a rotation will be completed landing on a controlled backward outside edge.

• Half Lutz – The jumps will be executed on a backward outside edge in the same manner as the half flip.

• Spiral sequence – Forward inside spiral Mohawk back outside spiral in both directions. Each spiral should be held 2 to 3 times the skaters height.

• Forward power three-turns - Outside three-turn, step wide, backward crossover, step forward and repeat in both directions. 

• Backward progressive Chasse sequence – There are four steps to complete the sequence which should be repeated to complete a full circle. LBO; BBI; LBO; RBI clockwise. RBO; LBI; RBO; LBI counter clockwise.

• Sit spin – The position that should be achieved is a sitting position with the thigh parallel to the ice with the body leaning forwards. There should be a minimum of three revolutions.

• Loop Jump – After entering from a three-turn or Mohawk, take off a back outside edge rotating one full turn in the air and land on a back outside edge. The landing edge should be two times the skaters height.

• Waltz Jump Loop Jump Combination – this combination should be executed with speed, control and balance.

• Backward outside three-turn sequence – Backward outside three-turn, forward inside Mohawk into 3 backward crossovers repeated 3 times clockwise and counter clockwise. Strong skating edges throughout.

• Spiral sequence – Forward outside spiral, forward outside three turn, one backward crossover, back inside spiral, clockwise and counter clockwise.

• Camel Spin – After entering from back crossovers 3 revolutions in the camel position must be attained.

• Change foot upright spin – A minimum of three revolutions on each foot

• Loop / loop combination – No step or turns between the jumps and a controlled landing of each jump is essential.

• Flip jump – With either a three turn or Mohawk entry the jump must be performed at speed with a controlled landing.

• Waltz jump / Falling Leaf / Toe Loop – This jump sequence must be performed at speed with a controlled landing two times the skaters height.

• Forward outside slide chasse, swing roll sequence

• Alternating backward crossovers – After a moving start is achieved perform one backward crossover followed by an outside edge extension position. Repeat in opposite direction on new lobe.

• Five step Mohawk sequence – RFI-LBI Mohawk, RBO, step forwards to a LFO, slide to RFI. Repeat step in an alternating pattern three times.

• Camel / Sit spin combination – A minimum of 5 revolutions in total is required.

• Split Jump or Stag Jump – Entry can be from either a Mohawk or a three turn and the landing must be strong.

• Waltz jump half Loop Salchow – this combination is performed at speed with a controlled landing for 2 times the skater’s height.

• Lutz Jump – Skated at speed with a correct outside edge take off.

• Axel (Walk through) – The axel does not have to be landed for this test. The skater should have a clear understanding of how an axel works and the basic biomechanics behind the jump.

Do you have a skater who wants to learn with their OWN AGE group? 

This is the class for them!   

Skaters will learn at their own pace with a hands-on instructor tailoring to each skater's need and level. 

We offer classes for adults of all levels ages 18 and older.   

Come and experience one of our adult classes and learn at your own pace. Our experienced coaches will coach you safely and patiently while you learn the basic skills to come and skate on your own. Our classes also offer higher skating skills for those more advanced.