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Welcome to the Learn to Skate Program
at The Rink at Lehigh Valley!

Group Instruction:
An Educational Opportunity

Welcome to The Rink at Lehigh Valley Learn to Skate Program. We are proud to serve the Lehigh Valley providing the highest quality of programs at an affordable rate. Our successful program is based on the curriculum designed by the US Figure Skating Association, the national governing body for Figure Skating. Our professional staff ensures a fun, challenging, safe and rewarding experience. This progressive program meets the needs of the recreational skater while developing the fundamentals to advance to competitive figure skating and ice hockey. Our Learn to Skate program runs year round with new sessions beginning every six weeks.

 

The Learn to Skate program is based upon the US Figure Skating to be the best beginning ice skating program that is fun, challenging and rewarding. This progressive six-week program serves the needs of both the recreational and the competitive skater.

 

The following is a short description of each level.
Download your copy of the brochure, the link is below the Days, Times and Dates.

Snowplow Sam
The Snowplow Sam program is for tots ages six and under. The Snowplow Sam program will teach tots the basics of ice skating in a fun and safe environment. Snowplow Sam will also teach tots the basic coordination necessary to move on to the Basic Skills level.

Parent and Tot Option
A parent may accompany their tot during the lesson to facilitate early childhood learning (especially for ages under 4).
  • Snowplow Sam 1
    Sit and stand up with skates on: off ice • Sit and stand up: on ice • March in place • March forward: 8-10 steps • March, then glide on two feet • Dip in place
  • Snowplow Sam 2
    March followed by a long glide • Dip while moving • Backward wiggles: 6 in a row • Forward two-foot swizzles: 2-3 in a row • Rocking horse: one forward, one backward swizzle action • Two foot hop in place.
  • Snowplow Sam 3
    Forward skating: 8-10 steps • Forward one-foot glide: Right and Left • Forward swizzles: 4-6 in a row • Backward swizzles: 4-6 in a row • Forward snowplow stop with a skid • Curves

    • Basic Skills
    The Basic Skills program will teach the participants the basics of ice skating and is for people ages 6 to adult. This program will teach correct technique of the basic elements of skating. Basic Skills program will also help to strengthen coordination and balance.
    * Adult Only Classes are available, please look below.
    • Basic 1
      Skate forward & glide on two feet • Glide forward on two feet & dip • Forward two foot swizzles: 6 to 8 in a row • Snowplow stop • Backward wiggles: 6 to 8 in a row.
  • Basic 5
    Backward outside edge & backward inside edge on a circle: right & left • Backward crossovers in both directions: five consecutive crossovers • One-foot spin: three revolutions • T-stop with an outside edge: right & left.
    • Basic 2
      Forward one foot glide: right & left • Continuous forward slalom: 6 to 8 in a row • Backward two foot swizzles: 6 to 8 in a row • Continuous backward slalom: 4 to 6 in a row • Moving snowplow stop.
  • Basic 6
    Forward inside 3-turn from a T-position: right & left • Hockey stop: right or left • Bunny hop • Forward spiral on a straight line: right or left.
    • Basic 3
      Forward stroking showing correct use of blade • Forward & backward one foot swizzles on a circle in both directions: 6 to 8 consecutive • Moving forward to backward two foot turn in both directions • Two foot spin: two revolutions.
  • Basic 7
    Forward inside open mohawk from a T-position: right & left • Backward outside to forward outside transition on a circle: right & left • Backward crossovers to a backward outside edge (landing position), both directions • Beginning scratch spin.
    • Basic 4
      Forward outside edge & forward inside edge on a circle: right & left • Forward crossovers both directions: 5 consecutive crossovers • Forward outside 3-turn, from a T-position: right & left • Backward snowplow stop: right & left.
  • Basic 8
    Moving forward outside 3-turn & moving forward inside 3-turn on a circle: right & left • Stand still waltz jump • Combination move: Forward crossovers (2) into forward inside mohawk, cross behind, step into backward crossover (1) and step to a forward inside edge: 3 times in both directions.

    • Freestyle
    A continuation of the Basic Program designed to give skaters a strong foundation on which to build their skills. Each free skate level is divided into four sections: moves in the field, spins, dance/footwork sequence & jumps. At the completion of Freeskate 6 the skaters will have been taught the 6 basic single rotation jumps, forward and back spins including variations such as a sit and camel spin, transition moves (moves in the field) to link elements together for skating performances.

    • Freestyle Test 1
      Forward inside pivot • Two-foot spin • Forward Arabesque • Backward Edges (outside and inside edges) • Waltz Jump • 1/2 flip
    • Freestyle Test 2
      Ballet Jump • Half toe walley • Half lutz • One foot spin • Two forward Arbesques • Dance step sequence
    • Freestyle Test 3
      Backward outside or inside pivot • Salchow Jump • Change foot spin • Backward Arabesque • Toe loop or toe walley jump • Dance step sequence
    • Freestyle Test 4
      Flip jump • Loop jump • Half loop jump • Two backward Arabesques • Backward outside and inside 3 turns (Dance step sequence)
    • Freestyle Test 5
      Camel spin (minimum three revolutions) • Flip jump • Forward upright spin to back scratch spin (three revolutions each foot)
    • Freestyle Test 6
      Alternating back crossovers to back outside edges • Camel / sit spin combination (five revolutions) • Lutz jump
    2009-10 Fall / Winter Season Dates, Times and Fees
    Each class is held for 30 minutes, one a week for six weeks. On the first day of classes, please come at least
    30 minutes early on the first day to check in, receive your class assignment and get the correct rental skates.
    Session I: Sept. 8, 2009
    Session II: Oct. 20, 2009

    Session III: Dec. 1, 2009
    Session IV: Jan. 12, 2010
    Session V: Feb. 23, 2010

    Classes will be held Tuesdays (6-8pm), Saturdays (12:15-1:15pm) and Sundays (1:30-2:30pm).

     
    $95.00 per enrollment
    $85 for first time enrollees
    for 6 Weeks
    Program Benefits
    All registered members of the Basic Skills Program will receive the following:
    • Rental Skates Included!
    • US Figure Skating (USFS) Basic Skills Membership Card
    • USFS Basic Skills Record Book with Stickers
    • Each student will receive a card good for 6 FREE Public Skating Sessions ($2 for skate rental not included)
    • Opportunity to participate in Rink shows and competitions.
    • Most importantly have a positive mental and physical experience!
    What Do I Wear?

    Our coaching staff has recommended that the students should come to all classes with the following:

    • Warm Jacket, pants and hat
    • One pair of knit gloves (REQUIRED)
    • Helmet for beginners (REQUIRED for all skaters 6 & younger, loaner helmets are available at rink)
    • Certified ice hockey helmet is REQUIRED for Hockey LTS only.

    Please Click here for the 2009-10 Fall/Winter Learn to Skate Brochure.

    2009-10 Learn to Speed Skate
    Season Dates, Times and Fees
    Each class is held for 1 hour , once a week for five (5) weeks. On the first day of classes, please come at least
    30 minutes early on the first day to check in, receive your class assignment and get the correct rental skates.
    Session I: Oct. 10, 2009
    Session II: Nov. 21, 2009

    Session III: Jan. 16, 2010

    Learn to Speed Skate Classes will be held Saturdays 11:45-12:15pm.

     
    $65.00 for all participants
    for 5 Weeks
    Program Benefits
    All registered members of the Basic Skills Program will receive the following:
    • Speed Skate Rentals Included!
    • 10 Student maximum per class
    • US Figure Skating (USFS) Basic Skills Membership Card
    • USFS Basic Skills member patch
    • USFS Basic Skills Record Book with Stickers
    What Do I Wear?

    Our coaching staff has recommended that the students should come to all classes with the following:

    • Warm Jacket, pants
    • One pair of knit gloves (REQUIRED)
    • Helmet
    • Knee Pads (no plastic)
    • Neck Guard with Bib, purchase at Ruff Sports

    Please Click here for the 2009-10 Learn to Speed Skate Brochure.

     

    Competitions and Shows
    The Rink at Lehigh Valley offers all participants of the Learn to Skate program the opportunity to perform in both shows and competitions. Shows and competitions are a great tool to motivate, set goals and give a skater a sense of accomplishment while learning good sportsmanship and team work. Skaters of all ages, levels and ability get the opportunity to participate. Competitions and shows occur throughout the year so there is always something to work towards. Click on the show or competition link for the up to date information on the next event.

    Adult Lessons
     Adults are also welcome to join the classes. If you used to skate in childhood or have always wanted to give it a try, then this program is for you! The Rink at Lehigh Valley will provide professional instruction for beginners and advanced skaters alike. This program is based on the US Figure Skating curriculum. Not only is it a fun activity to participate in, but it is also a wonderful way to get exercise! The class consists of a half hour of instruction and a half hour of practice weekly for 6 weeks - skate rental is included.

    The Junior Elite Skating Club Program allows skaters to achieve and perform at a higher level while addressing the need for a high quality, well balanced group instruction program. This program is geared to skaters who would like to accelerate their learning while having the opportunity to sample various forms of skating: Ice Dance, Artistry in Motion, Synchronized Skating, Moves in the Field, Jumps and Spins. Training techniques such as off and on ice training are also introduced throughout the season. Skaters who have passed Basic 4 level are eligible. The Junior Elite Skating Club is intended to be a supplement to the Learn to Skate Program, not a substitution. Most skaters enroll in this program while completing their Basic 1-8 and Freeskate levels. Click on the Junior Elite Skating Club curriculum link to get a full description of the curriculum as well as benefits, cost and schedule of classes.

    Serving the Community Since 1992.........The Rink at Lehigh Valley
    3323 7th Street, Whitehall, PA 18052
    Rink Office: 610.434.6899, Fax: 610.434.8140
    All Content © 2005-2008 The Rink at Lehigh Valley User Agreement