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Greater Boston Area Learn-to-Skate Classes
2022-2023 Season
Message from the director
We are celebrating over 50 years of teaching Learn-To-Skate Classes throughout Greater Boston. Over these years many thousands of children have benefited from these lessons including three generations of families.
COME SKATE – FEEL GREAT – HAVE FUN!
~Rosemary Hanley Cloran, Director~
Purchasing Skates?
Figure, Hockey, or Recreational Skates
Choosing figure, hockey or recreational skates is a personal preference. Students need a single blade skate (No double blades). It’s easier to learn to skate wearing a good quality skate that fits for the season. Ankles should be up straight, no turning in or old. New skates often do not come sharpened. When purchasing skates, ask if they have been sharpened. If not, sharpen skates BEFORE THE FIRST CLASS.
When buying skates, keep in mind that the more snug the fit, the better support for ankles.
Students need to be able to wiggle their toes. Generally, figure skates are a half size smaller or the same size as the shoe size. Hockey skates can run big, so often hockey skates are a full size smaller than the shoe size.
There are exceptions to this rule including those who have extremely wide feet. They may need to wear the same size as their regular shoe.
2022-2023 Skate Rental List
View the Skate Rental List to see which rinks rent and sharpen skates on what days (with cost if available).
Tips for the first class
Clothing should be warm and comfortable. Students need mittens or gloves. Arrive about 15 minutes early. Allow time for parking and getting skates on, etc. If you intend to rent skates, please keep in mind that not all rinks have skate rental. Make sure you check before arriving at the rink. It is always a good idea for children to make a bathroom stop before lacing skates. Upon arrival, check in with the Coordinator.
Proper Skate Maintenance
- Wipe blades dry after use
- Never use heat to dry blades
- Always use hard guards when walking off the ice surface
- Use soft guards “covers” to store skates
- Skates need to be sharpened if dull
First Class Procedure
Students are generally grouped according to ability and age. There are various instructors for different skill levels. There are separate instructors for children and adult classes.
At the first class, all students are evaluated and placed in the skill level that is most appropriate for them. As the skater masters the skills in their group, they are re-evaluated. Keep in mind that a child’s rate of progress can vary depending on their age, motor skill development, equipment, and motivation. The goal is to have fun, while learning skating skills.
A color dot will be placed on the front of each student’s helmet. Please do not remove it. This color dot indicates their assigned group and will insure that the student is in the correct class each week.
Students are on the ice a total of 50 minutes. There is a 25 minute lesson and 25 minutes of supervised practice.
We encourage all parents to be supportive and enthusiastic. Watching your child skate is welcome and encouraged, but please stand back several feet from the ice surface. This will allow the Instructor to teach and the children to learn, without distraction.
People that are not registered for the class are not allowed on the ice during the lesson. Please direct all questions and concerns to the Coordinator before or after class. Please do not attempt to ask the Instructor questions during the lesson, as this takes away valuable teaching time.
PARENTS OR GUARDIANS NEED TO REMAIN ON THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES DURING THE LESSON