Learning ds to ice skate

[bobstersmum]

Took ds ice skating today for the first time he's 6 next week, he was given a penguin to steady him and he bombed straight off with it, he really loved it so much. He was given the normal skates but I noticed some other little kids had the ones that fit over the shoes? I saw a leaflet for the learn to skate penguin club but it was 18 months to 5 years old, is it best if he just goes regularly and finds his own style? I've been wanting him to find a hobby for ages so really pleased he loved it. Has anyone got any idea what's the best way to learn?

My dds first went when they were 6. They are 9 now and still go to weekly lessons then a couple of hours of public skating. They got themselves round on penguins and with dh the first couple of times then we signed them up for 1/2 hour lessons. They certainly weren't the youngest there my any means. Costs about £25 per month for lessons plus free use of the rink any time it's open to the public.

I learned to ice skate at 8 but basically did it by pulling myself round the rink using the barriers several sessions until I found my balance. I have started taking my daughter recently and it was probably about the 3rd time that she could manage on her own. I was with her skating to help her get up when she fell. If he’s going to do it regularly I would stick with boots as that is what is most commonly hired at rinks. I found figure skates easier to use than speed(hockey) skates.

If they have a club for 18months to 5 they probably have one for older children. If you want him to learn to skate properly or to maybe play ice hockey then ask the ice rink what they provide.

I don’t think you need lessons. We lived somewhere where we had outdoor rinks and all the kids skated. We never bothered with lessons and all my kids can skate well.
I’d get him to wear a helmet and wrist guards and leave him to it. You can see how it goes.

I have looked on the website and the next stage lessons are mixed with adults? I don't know if he'd be brave enough to go in a class like that without me and I can't afford to do the course with him. I think I'll take him again next weekend and ask, he was keen to have a go without the penguin today but it was very busy and I was worried about him being knocked over!

Are you in the UK? If you are, enrol him on Skate UK or Skate Excellence. The sessions should be a bit quieter. If not, look for a quieter session and encourage him to have a go without the penguin aid. Sunday mornings are often quiet.

Ring the ice rink and ask. They won't put kids in with adults in the individual groups, they probably just mean that they are taught at the same time. There will be hordes of kids between 6 and 13 doing the NISA Learn To Skate program that your rink is offering and I can't recommend it enough.

My kids are doing it and their progress is astonishing - "finding your own way" is no way to learn to skate. It will take 8 times as long to get any confidence and on the Learn To Skate course (it's a standardised program offered everywhere that does skating lessons) they're going backwards and doing little jumps and spins and going on one leg in a matter of weeks.

Getting my kids started on it is one of the best things I've ever done with them and we only started in September. Before the course they were clinging to the side and asking for penguins and now they're brilliant (to my fond eyes anyway) and finishing up Level 5.

Feel free to message me with any questions - happy to bore you with advice!

@ShadyLady53 Sunday mornings are MAYHEM at my local rink! Some of the weekday early evenings are a bit less terrifying.

OP - ring and ask the rink. These places often have slightly unhelpful websites, but the staff will know everything.

@astoundedgoat Oh right...no one wants to get up for an 8.30am public session here and most early week nights are patch ice AND public or comp simulation/show skate/ice dance/beat nights at my rink. Even 8pm-10pm on a weeknight are heaving especially during comp season and nearer testing. That's despite having 5am patch ice every day too!

@ShadyLady53 Oh that makes sense then - Early Sunday morning is all the lessons & everyone stays on - and is joined by half the people of England - for public skate mid morning.

@astoundedgoat It's only going to get worse with Dancing On Ice now as well . Luckily, I'm sometimes able to skate during the week in the day - I hate busy ice, can't work on anything difficult! I end up driving an hour away to go to an 8pm - 10.30pm session in a different town. Not an option for little ones though sadly!

Thank you for the advice everyone! Astounded, how old are your dc? I am going to ring to ask for the best course for ds to do, it sounds so exciting that they can get going so fast! My ds has some sensory issues and he's a bit of a hermit really, he likes being at home in his own surroundings, it was heartwarming to see him so exhilarated yesterday.

They're 7 and 10. Most are between 7 and 13 at the lessons.