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Welcome to the Learn to Skate Program
at The Rink at Old York Road!

The Rink at Old York Road would like to welcome you to our Learn to Skate program! Over the years, our Learn to Skate program has taught many of our community’s parents, children and grandchildren.

Our program is led by Figure Skating Director Julia Rey. All of our Professional Skating Staff is accredited by US Figure Skating, Ice Skating Institute of America and or Professional Skating Association. Click here to meet our Professional Figure Skating Staff.

We are home to the Jr. Old York Road Skating Club which offers the opportunity for young figure skaters to advance beyond the Learn to Skate Levels into high level training and competitions.
Click on the logo for more information.

The Learn to Skate program is based upon the US Figure Skating to be the best beginning ice skating program that is fun, challenging and rewarding. This progressive six-week program serves the needs of both the recreational and the competitive skater.

 

The following is a short description of each level.
Download your copy of the brochure, the link is below the Days, Times and Dates.

Snowplow Sam
The Snowplow Sam program is for tots ages six and under. The Snowplow Sam program will teach tots the basics of ice skating in a fun and safe environment. Snowplow Sam will also teach tots the basic coordination necessary to move on to the Basic Skills level.
  • Snowplow Sam 1
    Sit and stand up with skates on: off ice • Sit and stand up: on ice • March in place • March forward: 8-10 steps • March, then glide on two feet • Dip in place
  • Snowplow Sam 2
    March followed by a long glide • Dip while moving • Backward wiggles: 6 in a row • Forward two-foot swizzles: 2-3 in a row • Rocking horse: one forward, one backward swizzle action • Two foot hop in place.
  • Snowplow Sam 3
    Forward skating: 8-10 steps • Forward one-foot glide: Right and Left • Forward swizzles: 4-6 in a row • Backward swizzles: 4-6 in a row • Forward snowplow stop with a skid • Curves

    • Basic Skills
    The Basic Skills program will teach the participants the basics of ice skating and is for people ages 6 to adult. This program will teach correct technique of the basic elements of skating. Basic Skills program will also help to strengthen coordination and balance.
    * Adult Only Classes are available, please look below.

     
  • Basic 1
    Skate forward & glide on two feet • Glide forward on two feet & dip • Forward two foot swizzles: 6 to 8 in a row • Snowplow stop • Backward wiggles: 6 to 8 in a row.
    		•
  • Basic 5
    Backward outside edge & backward inside edge on a circle: right & left • Backward crossovers in both directions: five consecutive crossovers • One-foot spin: three revolutions • T-stop with an outside edge: right & left.
  • Basic 2
    Forward one foot glide: right & left • Continuous forward slalom: 6 to 8 in a row • Backward two foot swizzles: 6 to 8 in a row • Continuous backward slalom: 4 to 6 in a row • Moving snowplow stop.
    		•
  • Basic 6
    Forward inside 3-turn from a T-position: right & left • Hockey stop: right or left • Bunny hop • Forward spiral on a straight line: right or left.
  • Basic 3
    Forward stroking showing correct use of blade • Forward & backward one foot swizzles on a circle in both directions: 6 to 8 consecutive • Moving forward to backward two foot turn in both directions • Two foot spin: two revolutions.
  • Basic 7
    Forward inside open mohawk from a T-position: right & left • Backward outside to forward outside transition on a circle: right & left • Backward crossovers to a backward outside edge (landing position), both directions • Beginning scratch spin.
  • Basic 4
    Forward outside edge & forward inside edge on a circle: right & left • Forward crossovers both directions: 5 consecutive crossovers • Forward outside 3-turn, from a T-position: right & left • Backward snowplow stop: right & left.
    		•
  • Basic 8
    Moving forward outside 3-turn & moving forward inside 3-turn on a circle: right & left • Stand still waltz jump • Combination move: Forward crossovers (2) into forward inside mohawk, cross behind, step into backward crossover (1) and step to a forward inside edge: 3 times in both directions.

    • Free Skate (Freestyle)*
    The Free Skate (better known as Freestyle) levels are designed to give skaters a strong foundation on which to build up their skills. This is the point where the skater can choose whether to pursue a recreational or competitive approach to the sport of figure skating.
    *Free Skate class lessons are held on Saturday Mornings Only.

     
  • Free Skate 1
    Advanced forward stroking • Scratch spin from back crossovers (minimum three revolutions) • Half flip
    		•
  • Free Skate 4
    Spiral sequence • Sit spin (three revolutions) • Loop Jump
    		•
  • Free Skate 2
    Basic back outside and back inside consecutive edges (4-6 edges) • Waltz threes • Beginning back spin (two turns)
    		•
  • Free Skate 5
    Camel spin (minimum three revolutions) • Flip jump • Forward upright spin to back scratch spin (three revolutions each foot)
    		•
  • Free Skate 3
    Waltz eight • Salchow • Back spin with free foot in crossed leg position (minimum three revolutions)
    		•
  • Free Skate 6
    Alternating back crossovers to back outside edges • Camel / sit spin combination (five revolutions) • Lutz jump
    		•
    2008 Summer Season Dates, Times and Fees
    Each class is held for 30 minutes, one a week for six weeks. On the first day of classes, please come at least
    30 minutes early on the first day to check in, receive your class assignment and get the correct rental skates.

    Wednesdays:
    5:00-6:00 PM

    Fridays:
    4:30-5:30 PM

    Saturdays:
    10:50-11:50 AM

    Sundays:
    2:10-3:10 PM

    Summer I: July 2, 2008*
    Summer II: August 13, 2008*
    *Summer I & II lessons held Wednesdays 5-6PM only.
    $94.00
    for 6 Weeks
    NEW! For a $5 per session charge, parents are welcome to skate with their children during the practice session only.
    For more information, please ask Julia or Marie in the Rink office.
    Program Benefits

    All registered members of the Basic Skills Program will receive the following:

    • Rental Skates Included!
    • 10 Student maximum per class
    • USFSA and OYR Membership Card
    • Basic Skills member patch
    • Basic Skills Record Book with Stickers
    • Each student will receive a card good for
      6 FREE Public Skating Sessions
    What Do I Wear?

    Our coaching staff has recommended that the students should come to all classes with the following:

    • Warm Jacket, pants and hat
    • One pair of knit gloves (REQUIRED)
    • Helmet for beginners (REQUIRED for all skaters 6 & younger, loaner helmets are available at rink)
    • Certified ice hockey helmet is REQUIRED for Hockey LTS only

    Downloadable Learn to Skate Brochures

    2008 Spring and Summer Learn to Skate Brochure

    2008 Summer Figure Skating Camps
    Held July 7-11, 2008 and
    August 18-22, 2008

    Click on the title for more information
     

    Adult Learn to Skate
    If you used to skate in childhood or have always wanted to give it a try, then this program is for you! The Rink at Old York Road will provide professional instruction for beginners and advanced skaters alike. This program is based on the US Figure Skating curriculum. Not only is it a fun activity to participate in, but it is also a wonderful way to get exercise! The class consists of a half hour of instruction and a half hour of practice weekly for 6 weeks - skate rental is included.

     
    Wednesdays
    11:00-11:30 AM or
    7:10-7:40 PM

    Session IV: February 27, 2008
    Session V: April 16, 2008

    Summer I: July 2, 2008*
    Summer II: August 13, 2008*
     *Summer I & II lessons held Wed. 7:10-7:40PM only.

    ONLY:
    $76.00
    for 6 Adult Only Sessions

    Click here to download the
    2007-08 Adult Lesson Flyer.

    The 2008 Summer Adult Lesson Flyer. (Coming Soon)

    Learn to Hockey Skate
    The Learn to Hockey Skate curriculum is designed to teach the fundamentals of hockey skating. The focus is on proper skating techniques and will be taught with hockey skates. all participants must have an ice hockey certified hockey helmet and hockey gloves. Elements are taught without a stick or puck.

     
  • Learn to Hockey Skate 1 & 2
    Proper stance • Dip or squat • Snowplow stop • Backward skating • Skating forward using full strides • Backward hustle • Glide turns, both directions • Moving snowplow stops
  • Learn to Hockey Skate 3 & 4
    Hockey turns, R and L, with speed and out of turn • Forward slalom • Backward V-stop • Forward crossovers - clockwise and counterclockwise • Alternating backward C-cuts in a line (1/2 swizzle pumps) • Hockey stop
    • Tuesdays
    5:15-5:45 PM

    Session III: January 15, 2008
    Session IV: February 26, 2008

    $79.00 for 6 Weeks

    All boys and girls who want to Learn to Play Hockey, must have prior skating experience
    before they enroll in the Rink’s LTPH and FREE Ice Hockey programs.

    Click here to download the 2007-08 Learn to Hockey Skate Flyer.

    Come and Rediscover The Tradition.........The Rink at Old York Road
    8116 Church Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027
    Rink Office: 215.635.0331, Fax: 215.635.1748
    All Content © 2003-2008 The Rink at Old York Road User Agreement