The Mt. Pleasant Figure Skating Club Learn to Skate USA program keeps skaters enthusiastic about learning from the time they begin lessons until the time they reach their goals. Whether they dream of becoming a competitive figure skater or speed skater, joining a hockey team, or just skating for the fun of it, Learn to Skate USA is the place to start!
The mission of Learn to Skate USA is to provide a fun and positive experience that will instill a lifelong love of skating.
Objectives of Learn to Skate USA:
- Teach children and adults the fundamentals of ice skating while building confidence and skills through each lesson.
- Provide a progressive curriculum that ensures success from the first steps on the ice to the mastery of advanced skills.
- Promote the health and fitness benefits of ice skating.
- Equip each participant with the foundation necessary to reach their goal, be it recreational or competitive in nature.
About Our Program:
MPFSC hosts several Learn to Skate USA sessions each year. Classes include dedicated lesson time with a certified instructor and may include individual practice time and group activities.
Skaters are divided up by level with each level having a certain set of skills that must be mastered before moving up to the next. Testing is ongoing. Coaches are evaluating the skaters during each class and a formal test session is also completed at the end of each session. Skaters are moved up to the next skill level as soon as they have successfully completed the curriculum for their current class level. Once a skater “passes” their test they will receive a special Badge to honor their achievements.
Students, their family members, and other supporters should not be concerned if it takes more than one class session for the skater to successfully complete any given level. No two skaters progress at exactly the same rate, and the learning rate varies from week to week even for the same skater. Each skater is encouraged and allowed to progress at their own rate.
Classes Offered: (Click links for curriculum details)
Snowplow Sam 1 – 3: (Ages 4 – 5; Helmet Required) The Snowplow Sam levels are introductory classes divided into three progressive levels allowing our youngest skaters to build confidence while learning the basic skills of skating. These classes are designed to help develop agility, balance, coordination and speed. All classes will be taught in a safe and positive environment, incorporating fun and games making class time an enjoyable experience for all.
Some of the basic elements for the younger skaters include: standing up on the ice, marching in place, marching forward, swizzles, backward wiggles, glides and dips. (skills vary based on level)
Skaters who pass all three Snowplow Sam levels before they turn 6, will transition into Basic 2. Skaters who turn 6 before they complete all 3 Snowplow Sam levels, will transition into either Basic 1 or Basic 2 dependent on their current skill level.
Basic Skills 1 – 6: (Ages 6 – 17) The Basic Skills levels teach the FUNdamentals of ice skating and provide the best foundation for figure skating, hockey, and speed skating. Six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers, and turns. Upon completion of the Basic Skills 1-6 levels, skaters will be able to confidently advance to more specialized areas of skating. All classes will be well-structured with the focus on proper skill development taught in a positive, FUN, and social environment. Skaters will progress at their own rate and advance after skill mastery is demonstrated.
- Basic 1 and 2 (Ages 6 and up) : These introductory levels allow new skaters with no prior skating experience to build confidence while learning to skate.
- Basic 3–6 (Ages 6 and up): These levels develop all of the fundamental skating skills on the ice. Focus is on learning the ABCs of basic athleticism: agility, balance, coordination and speed.
- All of the Basic Skills levels provide the beginning skills necessary for all ice sports — Figure Skating, Hockey, Speed Skating and Recreational.
Adult 1 – 6 (Ages 18 and up): The adult curriculum is designed for both beginning and experienced adult skaters who wish to start or improve their skating skills. Participation in the program will help promote physical fitness and improve balance and coordination while teaching proper skating techniques. Divided into six levels from basic skating to more advanced skills, adult skaters will progress at an individual rate while being challenged and motivated. Students with previous skating experience will be evaluated on the first night of class to determine their skating level. — Class offerings will be dependent on coach availability.
General Class Days & Times:
Snowplow Sam 1, 2, 3:
- Mondays: 6:00 – 6:25 pm
- Thursdays: 6:00 – 6:25 pm
Class includes group lesson and practice/activity time.
Basic 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Pre Free Skate
- Mondays: 6:00 – 6:50 pm
- Thursdays: 6:00 – 6:50 pm
Classes include a 25 minute group lesson and 25 minutes of individual practice or group activity time.
Please arrive for class at least 20 minutes early to get skates on. Lessons/Warm-ups begin promptly at 6 pm.
Recommended Clothing List
- Warm Gloves
- Helmets are highly recommended and a good idea for new beginners. Please note they are required for all skaters 5 and under (bicycle helmets are acceptable)
- Light Jacket or layered jackets
- Light to medium weight socks that rise above the ankle. (1 pair only)
- Long sleeves and long pants (snow pants are acceptable for beginners).
- Jeans are not recommended as they are restrictive to movement.
- Skirts or skating dresses may be worn with tights or leggings.
Are you interested in a more 1:1 approach to coaching or is your skater interested in competing? Consider signing your skater up for Private Lessons.
Click here for more information!
Learn to Skate USA is the only ice skating program endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and U.S. Speedskating.
