For details about our ice skating classes and how to sign up, be sure to visit the main Learn to Skate page.
FIRST DAY OF CLASS INSTRUCTIONS
UPDATED 5/23/20. Be sure to read the new rink rules and protocols put in place for our reopening May 18th after the COVID-19 shut down. Customers must adhere to these rules in order to enter the building and attend our programs.
Go to this link and register for the time/day you want to take class.
rmd.me/rUCsCcmDOc6
Beginners will either be in Snow Plow Sam 1, Basic 1, or Adult Beginner depending on their age. Anyone else that has formal instruction and/or skating experience and would like to be evaluated to determine appropriate class level, please contact skating@sugarlandice.com. Check the schedule to see when classes are offered. Parents/Skaters are not to self promote to higher level classes. Parents will receive an email when the skaters are promoted by the instructor with information on what level to attend. Note whether the classes are Rink A or Rink B.
Explain to instructors at the door that it is the skater's first day of class. Instructors will instruct first time skaters how to fall down and get up, march, and other safety precautions before they get on the ice.
Proper Attire
Skaters should dress appropriately for ice skating. The ice rink is COLD, so skaters should wear long pants, a jacket, gloves, and layers that they can add or remove. Sometimes skaters get warm when get moving, where removable layers will be useful. Flexible and sweat-wicking fabrics are recommended so the skaters can move with ease. During the winter, it becomes colder inside the rink, so extra layers, scarves and hats are recommended.
Protective Gear
Falling down is part of learning. The first thing skaters will learn is how to fall down. Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and hip/rear pads are recommended, especially for beginners. Any kind is fine, as long as it fits the skater. Stores like Walmart and Target have plenty to choose from. Padded shorts are harder to find - try searching online for these or put extra cloth or padding under the skater's bottom to ease the brunt of falls.
Tips on lacing skates
Properly laced skates are essential for skater safety and success. Be sure to take the time to make sure this is done correctly and to maximize time on the ice and avoid having to leave class to retie skates. It is the skaters’ and/or parents’ responsibility to properly tie skates before class begins. Assistance can be provided for beginners, but parents/skaters should learn how to complete this task independently as soon as possible.
Time Required: The time for this task can take anywhere from two to ten minutes, depending on experience. Skates must fit. If the boot is too big, lacing the skates tightly will not improve the ice skating experience.
1. Loosen up the laces first so the foot can be put inside easily. Make sure the tongue of the skate is straight and does not slip under the laces.
2. Make sure the socks are straight and the foot is placed inside the boot all the way. Wear a sock that fits and make sure that no wrinkles are in the sock as the foot is placed inside the ice skating boot.
3. Tighten up the laces in the first half of the boot. Work up from the toe to the ankle. Don't pull the laces too tight in this area. Just make sure that each pull is somewhat secure.
4. Tighten the laces the most where the foot and the ankle bends.
5. Next lace around the hooks, criss crossing between each set of hooks. Leave some room for the ankle to bend. Figure skates should not be too tight. If a skater can't bend his or her knees and ankles, the skates are too tight.
6. Finish with a secure bow.
7. Tuck the bow's loops inside the tops of the boots, or fold long socks over the top of the skates to secure laces. This will prevent the blade from catching the bow's loops and also keeps the top hooks from coming loose.
If the skates don't feel secure after being laced up, the laces are too loose, and lacing should be done over again. Have skaters walk around in the skates to feel if they fit and are secure.
Visit our page on purchasing and care of ice skates for valuable information once you decide to purchase your own skates. Skaters should do this at Snow Plow Sam 3 or Basic 2 level in order to have the best opportunity for success in the sport.
See informative video below on how to lace a rental skate.
Go to this link and register for the time/day you want to take class.
rmd.me/rUCsCcmDOc6
Beginners will either be in Snow Plow Sam 1, Basic 1, or Adult Beginner depending on their age. Anyone else that has formal instruction and/or skating experience and would like to be evaluated to determine appropriate class level, please contact skating@sugarlandice.com. Check the schedule to see when classes are offered. Parents/Skaters are not to self promote to higher level classes. Parents will receive an email when the skaters are promoted by the instructor with information on what level to attend. Note whether the classes are Rink A or Rink B.
Explain to instructors at the door that it is the skater's first day of class. Instructors will instruct first time skaters how to fall down and get up, march, and other safety precautions before they get on the ice.
Proper Attire
Skaters should dress appropriately for ice skating. The ice rink is COLD, so skaters should wear long pants, a jacket, gloves, and layers that they can add or remove. Sometimes skaters get warm when get moving, where removable layers will be useful. Flexible and sweat-wicking fabrics are recommended so the skaters can move with ease. During the winter, it becomes colder inside the rink, so extra layers, scarves and hats are recommended.
Protective Gear
Falling down is part of learning. The first thing skaters will learn is how to fall down. Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and hip/rear pads are recommended, especially for beginners. Any kind is fine, as long as it fits the skater. Stores like Walmart and Target have plenty to choose from. Padded shorts are harder to find - try searching online for these or put extra cloth or padding under the skater's bottom to ease the brunt of falls.
Tips on lacing skates
Properly laced skates are essential for skater safety and success. Be sure to take the time to make sure this is done correctly and to maximize time on the ice and avoid having to leave class to retie skates. It is the skaters’ and/or parents’ responsibility to properly tie skates before class begins. Assistance can be provided for beginners, but parents/skaters should learn how to complete this task independently as soon as possible.
Time Required: The time for this task can take anywhere from two to ten minutes, depending on experience. Skates must fit. If the boot is too big, lacing the skates tightly will not improve the ice skating experience.
1. Loosen up the laces first so the foot can be put inside easily. Make sure the tongue of the skate is straight and does not slip under the laces.
2. Make sure the socks are straight and the foot is placed inside the boot all the way. Wear a sock that fits and make sure that no wrinkles are in the sock as the foot is placed inside the ice skating boot.
3. Tighten up the laces in the first half of the boot. Work up from the toe to the ankle. Don't pull the laces too tight in this area. Just make sure that each pull is somewhat secure.
4. Tighten the laces the most where the foot and the ankle bends.
5. Next lace around the hooks, criss crossing between each set of hooks. Leave some room for the ankle to bend. Figure skates should not be too tight. If a skater can't bend his or her knees and ankles, the skates are too tight.
6. Finish with a secure bow.
7. Tuck the bow's loops inside the tops of the boots, or fold long socks over the top of the skates to secure laces. This will prevent the blade from catching the bow's loops and also keeps the top hooks from coming loose.
If the skates don't feel secure after being laced up, the laces are too loose, and lacing should be done over again. Have skaters walk around in the skates to feel if they fit and are secure.
Visit our page on purchasing and care of ice skates for valuable information once you decide to purchase your own skates. Skaters should do this at Snow Plow Sam 3 or Basic 2 level in order to have the best opportunity for success in the sport.
See informative video below on how to lace a rental skate.
The GREATEST factor in a skater’s progress is the amount of practice! Skaters should practice at minimum, one hour per week that does not include their lesson time. The more time the skater spends on the ice, the faster the progress (with the assumption that the skater is practicing skills learned in class). There is available ice time at Sugar Land Ice and Sports Center DAILY, with special discounts on public sessions for skaters enrolled in Learn to Skate classes.
