FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR? Dress warmly and comfortably, in layered clothing. Snow pants are recommended for children, as they provide extra padding while keeping your child warm and dry. Don't forget gloves or mittens!

SAFETY EQUIPMENT. Properly fitting helmets are mandatory for all skaters ages 10 and under and are strongly recommended and encouraged for ALL skaters. Most types of helmets are suitable for this purpose: bicycle, hockey, ski, horseback riding. They all provide adequate protection from head injury. Knee and elbow pads also help protect from bruises and other injuries. Please remember that falling down is part of the learning process.

ICE SKATES. You must provide your own ice skates, figure or hockey, single blade skates. If you don't have your own ice skates, rental is available at the skate rental shop located in the lobby. The cost of skate rental varies, but generally costs $2 - $3 per rental. If you decide to purchase ice skates make sure that the skate boot provides adequate ankle support and fits properly. The boots should be stiff and well-padded and should not be too large. If the skates are used, be sure that the blades are free of rust and properly sharpened.

HOW TO PROPERLY FIT AND TIE ICE SKATES. One of the biggest ice skating "myths" is that "I can't skate because I have weak ankles." That is generally untrue. Almost anyone can learn to ice skate. The biggest cause of failure is poor equipment. Either the skate is too large, doesn't give enough ankle support, isn't laced properly, or the blade is in poor condition. Here are some tips to help you avoid these problems. Once you have determined that the ice skate is the proper size and in good condition, loosen laces and pull the tongue open before putting the skate on your foot. Once you have put your foot in the skate, tap your heel to make sure your foot is well seated to the back of the skate. Then begin to tighten the laces, starting at the toe and working your way up the skate. The laces should be pulled rather tightly right up until you reach the hooks (in figure skates), then a little more loosely near the top to allow for ankle bend. Hockey skates don't have hooks, so you can tighten them all the way up. The skate should be a snug fit. Sizes vary according to make and model; however, it is not unusual (particularly in figure skates) for the skate size to be smaller than your normal shoe size. If trying new skates, start with your shoe size and go from there. If you are buying skates for a child, have them wear a heavy sock. This will allow some growing room. As the child's foot grows, you can use a thinner sock.

MAKE-UP CLASSES. Missed classes can be made up on another day, when available. You are limited to 2 make-up classes per session. All make-up classes must be taken during the current session and pre-arranged with the skating director. There are NO REFUNDS or credits for missed classes.

ICE RINK PROTOCOL. Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay at the rink while their children are on the ice. Please refrain from sitting in the hockey boxes during lessons. This is distracting to the skaters and can cause loss of focus and injury. There is ample bleacher space from which to observe. Under no circumstances will anyone be permitted on the ice surface without skates. All skaters must be enrolled in the Program and have a signed medical/liability release on file.