Category Archives: Learn to Skate

Learn to Skate at BGSU Ice Arena

Ice Arena, Learn to Skate

In a community that is home to Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton, and 2009 U.S. Champion Alissa Czisny, why not provide a program structured to develop even more ice skating extraordinaires?

Recreation and Wellness’ Learn to Skate Program is starting their next session on February 21, 2010. The program is designed to promote physical fitness while enjoying a fun, safe skating experience. From skating basics to advance techniques, ages three to adult, the Learn to Skate program has accomplished instructors providing a lesson accommodating to everyone’s personal skill level.

Learn to Skate focuses intensively on engaging with students. Classes are organized by age, skill level, and the type of skating preferred by the student.  Whether it is hockey, figure skating, or recreational skating the program offers a variety of classes.

“For our younger skaters (ages 3-5) we use buckets. Our goal by the end of the session is to have them skating without the support of a bucket,” said Ice Arena Staff Assistant Laura Dunn.

The buckets are not the only technique the Learn to Skate Program utilizes. Marching in place, balancing activities, and use of bars are just a few of the many skill development tools.

Dunn emphasized the importance of fun and active learning. “The entire first half of the session is dedicated to games that develop skills. The second half focuses on instruction and how to fix the skills students are struggling with,” said Dunn.

Stephanie Wilson, who participated in the program when she was younger, has been a skating coach for three years. She explained how the program has a “family feel” and how keeping the groups small provides more attention, helping the children feel more comfortable.

“We like to use age appropriate activities such as the game Red Light-Green Light, obstacle courses, and stuffed animals for our younger learners,” said Wilson. Learn to Skate receives a lot of positive feedback for its ability to engage students in new, exciting ways.

The program is a six week session, once per week (either Sunday or Wednesday).  Each session is only 30 minutes long, but a small student to instructor ratio ensures each student receives the attention the need to improve.

Total costs consist of an annual $10 United States Figure Skating Basic Skills membership (including a skills packet, Achievement Certificates, and Badges) and a flat rate of $60, which includes skate rentals and a practice pass to public skating. More information about the Learn to Skate Program and other programs being offered through the Department of Recreation and Wellness can be found on the Web Site.

It is strongly recommended to register prior to the first day of class. Registrations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis until full, so don’t delay.  You could be the next Hamilton or Czisny!

BGSU Helps Community Learn to Skate, Swim

Aquatics, Ice Arena, Learn to Skate, Learn to Swim

Recreation and Wellness’ Learn to Skate and Learn to Swim programs provide the Bowling Green community with the ability to learn valuable recreation and exercise skills. Group skating and swimming lessons at BGSU are available for individuals of varying ages and skill sets.

The Learn to Skate program offers eight different types of classes for individuals of various ages and experience levels. Participants’ age can range from three-year-olds to adults. Those enrolling in the classes can expect to learn the basic skills of skating from instructors with a highly proficient level of skating experience.

“A comprehensive base of figure skating or skating skills will be learned,” stated Ice Arena Staff Assistant Laura Dunn. “When someone signs up they receive practice time and a punch card to use during public skate.”

Dunn stressed the skills taught are done so in an engaging manner.

“We have fun,” Dunn noted. “We teach our skills through games and props. We try to not just teach skills, but make them fun.”

In addition to options based on age and experience, classes can vary depending on the style of skating the participant wants to learn. Classes focusing on recreational skating, figure skating, and hockey are available.

“Skating can be a lifelong sport,” said Dunn. “It’s a fun activity to do at all ages. We like to teach everyone the basic skills. Skating can help teach determination, time management, and practice skills.”

Classes are grouped into six week sessions with classes occurring once a week on either Sundays or Mondays and are held at the Ice Arena. Learn to Skate’s “Fall Session 2” starts Sunday, November 1 and Wednesday, November 4. After “Fall Session 2,” the next session will start up after the holidays on Sunday, January 10. Cost of the lessons is $60 plus a one-time per year (July 1 through June 30) $10 United States Figure Skating registration fee. Please visit the Learn to Skate Web site for more information.

In addition to the Learn to Skate program, BGSU also offers a Learn to Swim program. The swimming lessons are available to anyone ages six months through adult and are taught by certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors. Class size ranges from four to six participants. Classes are held at the Student Recreation Center (SRC) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The second Fall session begins on Tuesday, November 3. These small group lessons cost $75 for SRC members and $82.50 for non-members. Private and semi-private lessons are also available by appointment. Cost for private and semi-private lessons varies by lesson length. For more information, please visit the Learn to Swim Web site.