Learn to Skate

LEVEL INFORMATION

Tots: For skaters ages 3 & Up, who have never been on the ice, have limited experience, and are NOT able to stand or move without assistance. 

Fall Down/Get Up Marching/Moving Forward

Standing-Basic Control

Beginner: For skaters ages 5 & Up or those that are able to march & stand unassisted for the duration of class. Before Mite I for hockey players.

Fall Down/Get Up               Marching

Standing Swizzle (still)       Swizzle (moving)

Backward Wiggle               Prep for Snow Plow Stop

Teapot

Pre Alpha: For skaters that have passed the Beginner level. After a year of Mite I for hockey players.

Two-Foot Glide                  One-Foot Glide (right & left)

Swizzle                          Backward Wiggle

Backward Swizzle             Beginner Stroking

Snow Plow Stop

Alpha: For skaters that have passed the Pre Alpha level. After or during a year of Mite II for hockey players (dependent on skill).

Forward Pumps- Both Directions   

Forward Crossovers- Right over Left & Left over Right

Forward Stroking/Skating

One Foot Snowplow Stop

Beta: For skaters that have passed the Alpha level. For hockey players in Mite II & III (dependent on skill).

Backward Stroking/C-Cuts 

Backward Pumps- Both Directions

Backward Crossovers- Right over Left & Left over Right

T-Stops- Right & Left Outside Edge

Gamma: For skaters that have passed the Beta level. For Mite III hockey players (dependent on skill).

Right & Left Forward Outside 3-Turns

Right & Left Inside Mohawks

Right & Left Mohawk Combination

Hockey Stops (left & right)

Delta: For skaters that have passed the Gamma level. For Mite III hockey players (dependent on skill).

Right & Left Inside 3-Turns

Forward Edges- Outside & Inside

Shoot-the-Duck/Lunge

Bunny Hop

Hockey Skating Skills Beta & Up: Skaters need to have skated at least a season as a Mite 3 or have PASSED the Beta level in order to participate. Skaters are expected to be able to be proficient in forward AND backward crossovers. If skaters are unable to do forward or backward crossovers, EVEN IF they have skated as a Mite 3, they will be moved to a different class. 

Forward & Backward Edges (Inside & Outside)

Power & Stride                   Arm/Shoulder Control

Mohawks/3-Turns                Transitions

Various Starts                     Skating Drills

Adult: For those 18 years and older wishing to learn how to skate or brush up on some skills. 

Our coaches will work with each skater where they're at skill wise and adjust accordingly to their needs

PLEASE OPEN AND REVIEW WELCOME LETTER PRIOR TO REGISTERING.

We encourage you to print a copy for your records.

What skates should I use?

For new skaters under the age of 6, we recommend starting them in figure skates to learn proper balance and technique, even if they want to become a hockey player. We suggest switching back to hockey skates when they are in the Pre Alpha level or are able to move confidently across the ice with no assistance. We highly discourage double bladed skates.

What if I don't own skates?

Hudson Hockey Association does not have any rentals. You must bring your own skates.

What type of clothing should my skater wear?

Make sure to dress warm with a pair of gloves. Snow pants might be a good idea for Tots and Beginners. We strongly recommend and encourage the use of a helmet; both hockey or biking helmets work well. Students are learning the essentials of skating, therefore it is strongly advised for skaters to leave the hockey gear at home, especially for Tots and Beginners. We DO NOT allow the use of walkers/stabilizers on the ice. 

Is there a discount for families or for taking more than one class?

We do not offer a discount for families with multiple learn to skate students or for a skater taking multiple classes. 

What happens if I have to miss a class?

Makeup classes are not guaranteed, especially for Tots and Beginners, and are based on availability and class sizes, with approval from Alyssa. Please email Alyssa Saintey or stop at the front desk during lessons to ask. 

What if my skater is moved to a different level?

If at any point throughout the season a skater has mastered the skills in their level, the coach will move them up to the appropriate level and you will be informed of the switch and their new class and session time. 

Can my skater take more than one class?

Yes! We encourage skaters to take more than one class if they are able to!