1.  Why be a part of the USFSA Skate with US Basic Skills program?
 There is so much that this program has to offer for all skating levels, whether you are skating for recreation, hockey, or competitively.  It is the most widely recognized and effective basic skills program in the US.  For a nominal fee of $7.50, you will receive with the program, a record book with stickers to keep track of your progress, athletic insurance, and a Skate with US Badge.
 
2.  How do I know which level and class to choose? 
 Start with your age.  Snow Plow Sam classes are for ages 3-5 and the basic 1-8 classes are for ages 6 and up.  Then look at the skill descriptions on the web site to see which class you would best fit into based on your previous skating experience, if you have any.  We review all skaters after the first class and make adjustments accordingly.
 
3.  If my child is interested in hockey, where do they start?
 Hockey 1 is designed for students who have skated before and wants to learn to stop, turn, and go faster, etc.  Hockey 2 is designed to teach advanced hockey and skating skills such as forward and backward crossovers.
 
4.  Can adults take classes too? 
Yes!  We have a specific program for the adult beginner.  If there are enough adults to make a class for those who skate at higher levels, then these adults will be grouped together.  If adult registration is low, we work you into existing classes.  The beginner classes take place the same time as the kids’ basic lessons.
 
5.  How big are the classes?
 Class sizes are 3-6 students per instructor for Snowplow Sams and 5-12 students per instructor for all other basic skills classes.  Each group will have one instructor.  Assistants are available if needed.
 
6.  Can I request a certain coach for the class my child is taking, especially if it is an instructor my child has had before? 
Yes, if your child has enjoyed a certain coach from a previous session, please indicate the name of the previous coach on the registration form.  We will try to meet as many of these requests as we can.  If you are requesting a specific coach please write that out on your registration form.
 
7.  Can I make up a class? 
No, we are not able to do make ups. 
 
8.  How late can I register for classes? 
We request that all registrations be in by one of our registration dates, however registrations will be taken through the second week of the session based on availability.  We suggest attending one of our pre-registrations dates to assure a spot in a class and to receive a $10 discount off the registration fee.
 
9.   What do I do if classes are full and I still want to register for a class? 
In order to hold a class we need a minimum of 4 skaters.  If there is enough interest and an instructor is available to hold a class we will try to add more classes.
 
10.  Where do I go the first day of class?  Can I find out who the instructor will be prior to the first day of class?
 We suggest that you arrive 15-20 minutes early the first day of class to check in with the ice monitor, get your skates on, and meet your instructor before you take the ice.  You will meet your instructor five minutes before class in front of the rink windows where the sign is for your level of class.
 
11.  Do I buy or rent skates? Do I get figure or hockey skates?  What size do I get?
We suggest that if you don’t already have your own skates, that you use the rental skate available for $2 at the time of your lesson.  This is a great alternative for fast growing little feet or the adult skaters who are trying out the sport.  We also recommend that all beginning skaters start out in figure skates.  The blades on figure skates are longer than hockey blade and provide for better balance when just starting out in learning to skate.  If you insist on hockey skates, that’s okay too, but it might take longer to learn some of the skills.  For rental skates you will get the same size as your street shoe.  For new skates it may depend on the brand of boot you select.  You will need to be properly fitted for these.
 
12. If I buy my own where do I get them from and how do I know if I get the best fit?
Your local pro shop in your rink offers a good selection of new skates for beginners to elite skaters.  Sometimes sports resale shops have decent selections of used skates.  When selecting your own skates, it is important to find a pair with the proper ankle support.  Hold the skate by the top and turn sideways.  If the foot and blade bend toward the floor there is not enough support.  If you purchase new hockey skates, they do not come sharpened.  Please get them sharpened before class.
 
13.  How do I put on and lace my skates?
 First think about what you have on your feet before you put them on.  Thin socks work best for skating.  They also should cover your ankles.  For girls skating tights may work well too.  Thick socks may bunch and cause blisters and should not be used to make big skates fits.  Slip your foot into the skating boot pulling up in the tongue to make sure your foot is all the way into the boot.  Begin lacing the laces on the lace hooks in a crisscross fashion securely, but not too tight.  You will lose support if the laces are too loose. Tie at the top.  If the laces are too long re-lace downward on the lace hooks in the same criss-cross manner.  Never wrap the laces around the ankles.
 
14.  What do I wear when I skate?  Do I need a skate dress or hockey uniform?
 For all skaters, warmth, comfort, and freedom of movement are important.  We suggest dressing in layers.  Comfortable pants or sweat pants and a light jacket or sweater are good choices.  Mittens or gloves are recommended.  Snowplow Sam students will spend a lot of time getting to know the ice and sitting on it - so non restrictive snow pants and mittens are great.  Helmets (bike helmets are fine) are also required for students 5 and under.  Skating dresses may be especially for bonus ice.  Two pair of tights is recommended – one in the skate and one on the outside. Hockey uniforms are not necessary unless the instructor has made a request for something.
 
15.  How will I know how my child is doing?
 As part of the program your child will receive a basic skill record book.  Your child’s instructor will help keep track of progress in this book.  We encourage you to speak with the instructor after class if your have questions regarding the progress of your child.  The seventh week of class the skater will receive a progress report with a suggestion of what to work on and what level should be taken next.
 
16.  How many days a week might this consume over a long period of time? 
 Generally when you are just getting started, one 25 or 50 minute session of class is sufficient.  We suggest that for 30 minutes of lessons you take you also practice on your own an additional 30 minutes during a public skate, open skating time, or bonus skating time.
 
17.  Does it take exactly one session to progress to the next level?
 This all depends on the strengths of the individual student.  We do require you to demonstrate mastery of all skills at your skating level before going on to the next level.  Those who commit to practicing between lessons generally pass.  The Free Skate levels often take two sessions to pass.
 
18.  How much does it cost to skate pretty well?  How long does it take? 
The cost will depend on how often you skate, whether you are taking private lessons or group lessons or both, and what kind of skating session you are taking the lessons on (club ice or Cutting Edge Figure Skating).  The success of your skating will depend on your own physical and mental strengths, how often you skate, the instruction you receive for your coach, and the essential skating equipment you need to skate effectively.

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