Learn to Skate

2024 Winter Sessions

The Rinks - Poway ICE has group classes for all ages and abilities. Even if you have never skated previously, there is an entry level class just perfect for you. These sessions are open to youth and adult participants of all skill levels, with classes tailored to general skating, figure skating, and hockey paths. Space is limited and spots fill quick. View more information below and secure your spot!

Winter Session 1:

  • Registration opens December 6
  • Registration closes January 13, 2024

Winter Session 2:

  • Registration opens January 24
  • Registration closes March 9

Join the Learn to Skate interest list to receive information on upcoming sessions.

Winter Session Information

Winter Session 1 Dates:

  • Wednesdays: January 3, 10, 17 & 24
  • Fridays: January 5, 12, 19 & 26
  • Saturdays: January 6, 13, 20 & 27

Cost: $90 for 4 Week Session - $22.50 per class includes 30 minutes ice time & group instruction, skate rental, and 2 FREE public session passes per week of classes. 

  • There are no credits, refunds or makeups permitted, outside of the makeup class, without express permission from Kristen Perdue, Skating School Lead

Winter Session 2 Dates:

  • Wednesdays: February 21 & 28; March 6, 13, 20 & 27; April 3 & 10
  • Fridays: February 23; March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; April 5 & 12
  • Saturdays: February 24; March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30; April 6 & 13

Cost: $180 for 8 Week Session - $22.50 per class includes 30 minutes ice time & group instruction, skate rental, and 2 FREE public session passes per week of classes. 

  • There are no credits, refunds or makeups permitted, outside of the makeup class, without express permission from Kristen Perdue, Skating School Lead

Learn to Skate (LTS) USA membership is required for all classes. 

  • Membership is from July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024. Cost is $18.50
  • Please save your LTS USA member number - it will be needed to register for each session of Learn to Skate
  • 1 additional public session passes will be added to your account as a means of reimbursement for purchasing the membership
REGISTER HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

The Rinks - Poway ICE has group classes for all ages and abilities. Even if you have never skated previously, there is an entry level class just perfect for you:

Ages 3-6

  • Tot (Snowplow Sam 1)
  • Parent & Me 

Note: Snowplow 1-4 for the Tots is equivalent to Basic 1 or Hockey 1 for youth.  After passing Snowplow 4, skaters advance to Basic 2 or Hockey 2.

Ages 7-17

  • Youth Basic 1 
  • Youth Hockey 1

Note: Basic 1 (figure skating) and Hockey 1 are comparable entry level classes.  Hockey 1 will be taught by a hockey instructor using hockey terminology.   Basic 1 

Ages 18 & up

  • Adult Beginner (Adult Low)

  • We recommend dressing in layers including pants that allow for movement.
  • BRING GLOVES or mittens - ski / waterproof gloves are recommended for extra protection
  • Wear thin socks that come above the ankle so skates can fit snug
  • Helmets are VERY STRONGLY recommended.  A snow cap rolled up in the back can also provide extra padding.
  • Snow pants are great for tots their first days to stay dry as they are finding their balance.

Skate rental is included with your class.  We recommend getting your own skates by the Basic 4 level so that you have a consistent fit and feel each week and equipment that will be suited for the more difficult skills at this level and higher.  

Skates should fit very snug. If skates are too big it will be very difficult to balance.

All skaters should start in figure skates as it is much easier to balance on the longer, flatter blades. When it is time to transition to hockey skates, we recommend doing so during practice to adjust before the next lesson.

Tot Classes (3-5 Years)

Note: Skaters are encouraged wear figure skates for the below classes. Figure skating blades are flatter and allow for more stability when learning how to skate

Snowplow 1:

  • Sit and stand up, on-ice 
  • March in place 
  • March forward (8 steps) 
  • March forward, then glide on two feet (2 seconds) 
  • Dip in place

Snowplow 2 (must pass Snowplow 1):

  • Dip while moving (2 seconds) 
  • Backward Wiggles 
  • Forward Swizzles (3 in a row, no two-foot glide in between) 
  • Beginning snowplow stop, in place (right and left) 
  • Two-foot hop, in place (3 times)

Snowplow 3 (must pass Snowplow 2):

  • Rocking Horse (Forward, Backward, Forward) 
  • Forward Swizzles (6 in a row, with a two-foot glide in between) 
  • Backward Swizzles (3 in a row, no two-foot glide in between) 
  • Standstill T-Push (right and left) 
  • Moving forward snowplow stop (2 feet)

Snowplow Sam 4 (must pass Snowplow Sam 3)

  • Forward skating
  • Backward two-foot glide, length of skater's height
  • Backward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
  • Rocking horse - one forward, one backward swizzle, repeat twice
  • Two-foot turns from forward to backward, in place (both directions)
  • Two-foot hop, in place
Wednesday, 3:40 - 4:10 p.m.
  • Snowplow 1
Wednesday 4:25 - 4:55 p.m.
  • Snowplow 1
  • Snowplow 2
  • Snowplow 3
  • Snowplow 4
Friday, 3:25 - 3:55 p.m.
  • Snowplow 1
  • Snowplow 2
Saturday, 8:40 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.
  • Snowplow 3
  • Snowplow 4
Saturday, 9:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
  • Snowplow 1
  • Snowplow 2

Youth Skating Classes (6-15 Years)

Note: Skaters are encouraged wear figure skates for the below classes. Figure skating blades are flatter and allow for more stability when learning how to skate

Basic 1:

  • Sit and stand up, on-ice 
  • March forward, then glide on two feet (3 seconds) 
  • Dip while moving (2 seconds) 
  • Forward Swizzles (6 in a row, with a two-foot glide in between) 
  • Backward Wiggles 
  • Beginning snowplow stop, in place (right and left)

Basic 2 (must pass Basic 1 or Snowplow 3):

  • Scooter pushes (right and left)
  • Forward one-foot glides (right and left, 2 seconds) 
  • Rocking Horse 
  • Backward Swizzles (6 in a row, with a two-foot glide in between) 
  • Two foot turns in place (both directions) 
  • Moving forward snowplow stop (right and left)

Basic 3 (must pass Basic 2):

  • Beginning forward stroking 
  • Forward half Swizzle pumps on a circle (clockwise and counterclockwise, 6 in a row) 
  • Moving forward to backward two-foot turns on a circle (clockwise and counterclockwise) 
  • Forward Slalom (both feet in the same direction at the same time) 
  • Forward pivots (clockwise and counterclockwise)

Basic 4 (must pass Basic 3):

  • Forward outside edge on a circle from pumps (right and left, 3 seconds) 
  • Beginning two-foot upright spin from pivot (1 revolution) 
  • Forward crossovers (clockwise and counterclockwise) 
  • Backward half Swizzle pumps on a circle (clockwise and counterclockwise) 
  • Backward one-foot glides (right and left, 2 seconds)

Basic 5 (must pass Basic 4):

  • Backward outside edge on a circle from pumps (right and left, 3 seconds) 
  • Backward crossovers (clockwise and counterclockwise) 
  • Forward outside three-turn (right and left, 2 seconds before and after the turn) 
  • Advanced two-foot upright spin from pivot (3 revolutions) 
  • Side toe hop (right and left)

Basic 6 (must pass basic 5):

  • Forward inside three-turn (right and left, 2 seconds before and after the turn) 
  • One-foot upright spin from pivot (2 revolutions) 
  • Bunny hop (right and left) 
  • Forward spiral on a straight line (free leg knee above the hip, 2 seconds) 
  • Forward lunge on a straight line (skating leg parallel, 2 seconds)

Academy Prep (must pass Basic 6):

  • Outside edge (serpentine pattern)
  • Inside edge (serpentine pattern)
  • Power Stroking
  • Crossover-mohawk-back crossover
  • Waltz Jump
  • Identify Salchow, Toe Loop, Loop jumps
  • 1-foot spin (5 revolutions)
  • Backward 3-turns

Specialty: Power Skating & Synchro (must have passed Basic 3)

  • Power Skating utilizes skating skills to help produce stamina and endurance. Synchronized Skating is a form of skating that introduces different ways to move as a group across the ice. In this combined class, skaters will increase their upper body and lower body strength, allowing them to advance their skating ability in a FUN and UNIQUE way!
    • For skaters in levels Basic 4 & above
    • Example Skills:
      • Block - Forward stroking then a snowplow stop in a shoulder hold
      • Circle - Forward pumps into a two-foot glide
      • Wheel - Forward 3-spoke or 4-spoke wheel using forward or backward pumps to rotate in either direction using a shoulder hold
      • Intersection - Two lines of skaters in a shoulder hold using forward stroking into two-foot glide to pass between each other
      • Forward & Backward power stroking & crossovers
      • Two-foot forward & backward power pulls
      • Consecutive swizzle hops

Off-Ice Conditioning (must be at level Basic 4 or above)

  • Example class topics:
    • Strength exercises
    • Cardio & Stamina training
    • Land Jumps
    • Spin Positions

Stretch & Flexibility Class (Off Ice) (must be at level Basic 4 or above)

  • Class Focus:
    • Increasing flexibility in hips & back
    • Learn stretches for typical areas of tightness to relieve strain
    • Practice healthy stretching practices to limit or negate injury from occurring 
Wednesday, 3:40 - 4:10 p.m.
  • Basic 1
Wednesday, 4:15 - 4:45 p.m.
  • Off-Ice Conditioning (Basic 4 & Above)
Wednesday, 4:25 - 4:55 p.m.
  • Basic 1
  • Basic 2
  • Basic 3
Wednesday, 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.
  • Basic 4
  • Basic 5
  • Basic 6
  • Academy Prep
Wednesday, 5:50 - 6:20 p.m.
  • Stretch & Flexibility Class (Off Ice)
Friday, 3:25 - 3:55 p.m.
  • Basic 1
  • Basic 2
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
  • Off-Ice Conditioning (Basic 4 & Above)
Saturday, 8:40 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.
  • Basic 3
  • Basic 4
  • Basic 5
  • Basic 6
  • Academy Prep
Saturday, 9:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
  • Basic 1
  • Basic 2
  • Specialty: Power & Edge

Youth Hockey Classes (6-15 Years)

Note: Skaters must wear hockey skates for the below classes. No figure skates are allowed.

Hockey 1:

  • March forward, then glide on two feet 
  • Forward swizzles (6 in a row) 
  • V-Start 
  • Forward one-foot pushes 
  • Beginning snowplow stop, in place (right and left)

Hockey 2 (Must pass Hockey 1 or Snowplow 3):

  • Forward crossovers (clockwise and counterclockwise) 
  • Forward strides using 45 degree V-Push, focus on good recovery and alternating arm drive 
  • Crossover starts 
  • Backward skating 
  • Moving forward snowplow stop (right and left)

Hockey 3 (Must pass Hockey 2):

  • Backward one-foot glides (right and left, 2 seconds) 
  • Backward crossovers (clockwise and counterclockwise) 
  • One-foot edge turning 
  • Pivot turns 
  • Hockey stops

Hockey 4 (Must pass Hockey 3):

  • Quick starts using forward V-start
  • Backward one-foot glide, right and left
  • Forward crossover glides (clockwise and counter-clockwise). Hold feet in crossed position for 2 counts
  • Backward crossover glides (clockwise and counter-clockwise). Hold feet in crossed position for 2 counts
  • Forward crossovers on circle, clockwise and counterclockwise (4-6 each)
  • Backward crossovers on circle, clockwise and counterclockwise (4-6 each)
  • Hockey stops (stopping to the left and to the right, with speed)

Hockey Power Skills (Must pass Hockey 4 or Basic 5):

  • Focus on building speed, stamina, endurance, and explosive power needed for competitive hockey while keeping attention on technical form, edge work, and proper body alignment.
  • Example Exercises:
    • Powerful backward C-cuts
    • Forward alternating power crossovers with wide step transitions
    • Backward alternating power crossovers with wide step transitions
    • Forward power hockey turns/tight turns, 180-degree & 360-degree turns
    • Lateral pivots: forward to backward and backward to forward
    • Fast stops and starts using powerful, full strides and quick hockey stops
    • Fast backward skating with quick backward V-stops (2-feet and 1-foot stops)
Wednesday, 3:40 - 4:10 p.m.
  • Hockey 1
  • Hockey 2
  • Hockey 3
  • Hockey 4
Saturday, 8:40 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.
  • Hockey Power Skills
    • Must have passed Basic 4, Hockey 4 or Little Ducks

Adult Classes (16+ Years)

Note: Skaters are encouraged wear figure skates for the below classes. Figure skating blades are flatter and allow for more stability when learning how to skate

Adult Low

Adult 1:

  • Falling and recovery on ice
  • Forward marching
  • Forward two-foot glides
  • Forward Swizzles (4-6 in a row) 
  • One forward swizzle + one backward swizzle (rocking horse)
  • Dip
  • Forward snowplow stop, two feet or one foot

Adult 2 (must pass Adult 1):

  • Forward skating across the width of the ice
  • Forward one-foot glides (right and left)
  • Forward slalom
  • Backward skating
  • Backward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
  • Two-foot turns in place

Adult 3 (must pass Adult 2):

  • Forward stroking using blade properly
  • Forward half Swizzle pumps on a circle (6-8 in a row, clockwise and counterclockwise) 
  • Moving forward to backward + backward to forward two-foot turns on a circle (clockwise and counterclockwise) 
  • Backward skating into a long two-foot glide
  • Forward chasses on a circle (clockwise & counterclockwise)
  • Backward snowplow stop (right and left)

Adult High

Adult 4 (must pass Adult 3):

  • Forward outside edge on a circle from pumps (right and left) 
  • Forward inside edge on a circle (right and left)
  • Forward crossovers (clockwise and counterclockwise) 
  • Backward one-foot glides (right and left)
  • Backward half Swizzle pumps on a circle (clockwise and counterclockwise) 
  • Hockey stop, both directions

Adult 5 (must pass Adult 4):

  • Backward outside edge on a circle from pumps (right and left) 
  • Backward inside edge on a circle (right and left)
  • Backward crossovers (clockwise and counterclockwise) 
  • Forward outside three-turn (right and left) 
  • Forward swing rolls
  • Beginning two-foot spin

Adult 6 (must pass Adult 5):

  • Forward stroking with crossover end patterns
  • Backward stroking with crossover end patterns
  • Forward inside 3-turns (right and left)
  • Forward outside to inside change of edge on an axis (right and left)
  • T-stop (right OR left)
  • Lunge
  • Two-foot spin into a one-foot spin

Adult Hockey Power Skills (must pass Adult 4 or play in Rookie League):

  • Focus on building speed, stamina, endurance, and explosive power needed for competitive hockey while keeping attention on technical form, edge work, and proper body alignment.
  • Example Exercises:
    • Powerful backward C-cuts
    • Forward alternating power crossovers with wide step transitions
    • Backward alternating power crossovers with wide step transitions
    • Forward power hockey turns/tight turns, 180-degree & 360-degree turns
    • Lateral pivots: forward to backward and backward to forward
    • Fast stops and starts using powerful, full strides and quick hockey stops
    • Fast backward skating with quick backward V-stops (2-feet and 1-foot stops)
Friday, 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.
  • Adult Low
  • Adult Hockey Power
Saturday, 9:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
  • Adult Low
  • Adult High

More Info

Learn to Skate USA Membership
Make-up Class/Missed Class Policy
  • Make-up class for all levels:
    • Winter Session 1 - Wednesday, January 31
    • Winter Session 2 - Wednesday, April 17 
      • There is no makeup class for Off-Ice Conditioning & Stretch & Flexibility classes
      • Make-up day time breakdown and details to be emailed with registration link from Kristen Perdue during the session
      • The make-up session is available for skaters who miss one class and have not pro-rated their class enrollment
      • There are no credits, refunds or makeups permitted, outside of the makeup class, without express permission from Kristen Perdue, Skating School Lead
Practice Pass/Public Session Policy
  • Included in your Session Fee is 16 public session passes that can be used for the participant and/or family/friend. To redeem these passes, check-in at the Front Desk on the day/time of the Public Session and ask to use a "Learn to Skate Practice Pass." These practice/public session passes EXPIRE at the end of the current Learn to Skate session
How to apply an account credit
  • Login to customer account
  • Proceed with registration for desired program(s)
  • When finished registering for your programs, checkout of the shopping cart
  • If there is a credit on your account, it will appear as an option to use for payment
  • Click FAMILY CREDIT 
  • Confirm the amount that you want to apply
  • Click USE CREDIT and complete the transaction 

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More Information

For more information, contact:

Poway ICE Program Office
piprogramoffice@therinks.com

Poway ICE Skating School Lead – Kristen Perdue
kperdue@therinks.com

The Rinks Figure Skating Director – Alex Chang
achang@therinks.com