FAQ'S

Private lessons are lessons for those skaters who want to learn in a one-on one environment compared to a group lesson where learn skills are taught to a group of skaters. The private lesson takes place between the coach and the skater. Private lessons are personalized to the skater. Typically private lessons last between 30-60 minutes depending on the agreement of coach and skater. Private lessons occur on either public skating sessions or freestyle sessions depending on age and level of the skater. The benefits of private lessons include personalized instruction. Private lessons help skaters build a strong skating foundations, they help skaters who might be struggling with certain skills in group lessons, they're helpful for skaters who want to learn at a faster pace or want to take their skating to the next level. Private lessons are essential for skaters who want to compete and test through US Figure Skating or perform in skating shows. Private instruction not only requires a skater to show up for their lessons but also to practice. My motto is practice makes progress. I ask my skaters to commit to practicing a 1/2 hour for every 1/2 hour lesson. It is important to practice the skills learned during the private lesson to keep progressing forward.

Ice skating rinks are cold. Come dressed in comfortable clothing that will keep the body warm while allowing a free range of motion. Dressing in layers is key. Clothing such as leggings, sweat pants, and sweatshirts are all encouraged. Please do not wear jeans, shorts or snow pants; they limit your body movement. Wearing lightweight socks that extend above the length of your boot should be worn to prevent blisters. Because of the cold and because we fall, skaters should wear gloves to protect their hands. Helmets (bike helmets, hockey helmets) are recommended for beginner skaters but are not required. Soft cloth knee and elbow pads are also recommended but not required. Please do not wear plastic knee, elbow or wrist pads. They slide on the ice and it is difficult to get back up when a skater falls. The most important idea is to wear what you are comfortable in while remaining safe and warm.

First, congratulations on your first lesson! If you are a beginner skater, expect to start the skating lesson off-ice. I will check to make sure your skates are fit and tied properly and then we will learn the proper way to fall, move forward and bend our knees off-ice for safety. Once you are comfortable, we will take to the ice and practice the skills learned off-ice before moving to more difficult skills. If you are an experienced skater, I will review the skills with the skaters to determine their level. The first lesson will be more of evaluation of a starting point. Once I evaluate the level of the skater, I will start adding newer and more difficult skills into the lesson. Whether you are a new skater or a returning skater, my hope is that your will be challenged learning new skills while having fun skating.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cee73f_6d61129c6b5b42758b43f73382ef9957~mv2.jpg This question all depends on skating experience. As a beginner, I require all students start in regular/figure skates. The balance on the blade is easier to learn on regular skates. If a skater wants to play or skate in hockey skates, it is an easy transition once the balance is learned on regular/figure skates. If you are not a beginner, a skater can use hockey skates if they chose. Whatever skate type the skater wears, make sure the skate properly fits the foot. If you have any questions about tying and fitting skates, please discuss with Becky prior to your lesson.

Fitting and tying ice skates properly is important for comfort support and performance while skating. First, choose the correct size skate. Ice skate sizes run 1- 1.5 sizes smaller that your street shoe size. Skates should fit snugly on a skater's foot without pinching. Try on your skate by loosening the laces. Loosen the laces completely, especially in the ankle area. Your foot should easily slip into the skate. When slipping the foot into the skate, make sure the heel of your foot is snugly positioned in the back of the boot. Lightly tap the heel of the bald on the floor to help position the heel. Tying skates starts in the toe area. Tighten the laces around the toe area to ensure the foot is secure. It should not be constricting the foot. Pull the laces evenly on both sides as you work your way up the skate. In the mid foot area, it is important to tighten the laces snugly without cutting off circulation. At the ankle area of the skater, tighten laces securely to provide support. This area is most important for stability and control. Secure the top of your ice skate. Figure skates typically have eye hooks, so laces should be wrapped tightly around the eye hook. If a skate has eyelets, continue lacing up to the top. Next tie a secure knot or double knot. Avoid letting the lace ends dangle to prevent tripping. Once the skates are tied, stand up and bend your knees. This allows you to check the fit of the skate. Skates should be snug without being painful. Ankles should be supported without wobbling. Avoid the common mistakes of tying skates too loose, overtightening the skates and wearing the incorrect size of the skate. As you begin your skating journey, please ask Becky if you have any questions about fit and tying of your skate.