Learn to Skate at the Oval - for FREE
The Oval Learn to Skate Program is designed to teach recreational ice skating in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. Friendly, enthusiastic staff will create a fun
environment for participants to learn to skate.
Our skating program is designed to help participants become confident skaters and prepare them for future skating endeavours.
Here is what you will find on this page:
Cost & Schedule
Taking your lesson
Helmet Lending Program
Skates
Skating Lesson Checklist
Skating Levels
Cost & Schedule
Learn to Skate beginner lessons at the Oval are FREE. You must pre-register by calling 490-6666 or using RecConnect on the HRM website. Registration begins on December 23, 2011 at 10:00am.
Lessons will be held on Saturday mornings from 8:30am-9:15 and 9:15-10:00am.
January 7, 14, 21 & 28
Group |
Time |
# of Spaces |
Barcode |
Toddler |
8:30am-9:15am |
16 |
267725 |
Preschool |
8:30am-9:15am |
16 |
267729 |
Child |
8:30am-9:15am |
16 |
267733 |
Youth |
8:30am-9:15am |
16 |
267741 |
Adult |
8:30am-9:15am |
16 |
267745 |
|
|
|
|
Toddler |
9:15am-10:00am |
16 |
267726 |
Preschool |
9:15am-10:00am |
16 |
267730 |
Child |
9:15am-10:00am |
16 |
267734 |
Youth |
9:15am-10:00am |
16 |
267742 |
Adult |
9:15am-10:00am |
16 |
267746 |
February 4, 11, 18 & 25
Group |
Time |
# of Spaces |
Barcode |
Toddler |
8:30am-9:15am |
16 |
267727 |
Preschool |
8:30am-9:15am |
16 |
267731 |
Child |
8:30am-9:15am |
16 |
267735 |
Youth |
8:30am-9:15am |
16 |
267743 |
Adult |
8:30am-9:15am |
16 |
267747 |
|
|
|
|
Toddler |
9:15am-10:00am |
16 |
267728 |
Preschool |
9:15am-10:00am |
16 |
267732 |
Child |
9:15am-10:00am |
16 |
267736 |
Youth |
9:15am-10:00am |
16 |
267744 |
Adult |
9:15am-10:00am |
16 |
267748 |
Taking your lesson
Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before your registered session and check-in with staff at the ice entrance. All skaters participating in lessons must wear a helmet. If you plan to borrow skates or a helmet from the onsite service please ensure you leave yourself enough time to collect those items before your lesson.
Parents and guardians need to stay onsite when children are participating in lessons. If you are signing up for the Toddler session, a parent/guardian must be on the ice wearing skates and a helmet at all times with the child.
Helmet Lending Program
We have a very strict helmet policy at the Oval.
All skaters participating in lessons must wear a helmet. Helmets must be CSA approved multi-impact. Hockey helmets with a face mask offer the best protection against injury.
Bicycle helmets are not permitted.
We do have helmet lending onsite.Please remember that a Government issued ID is required in order to borrow a helmet.
Skates
It is important that skates fit properly to ensure comfort and to aid your child’s skill development. We recommend the following:
- Wear any type of skates you feel most comfortable. Just to be sure they fit well and are laced up snugly around your ankles.
- Do not double up on socks in your skates. Too many layers between your feet and skates can weaken the support your skates offer you.
- To make sure your skates fit well, wiggle your toes to the front of your boot. When your toes touch the front of your skate you should only have about a pencil width of space at the back of your skate.
- Sharpening skates is important. Dull blades may not provide enough grip on the ice which may prevent you getting good friction between the blade and the ice surface causing your blades to skip when you push.
- Protect your blades from anything that could cause them to get dull.
- Using skate guards helps to protect your skate blades.
- Remember to dry off your skate blades after skating to ensure they don’t get rusty. Rusty skates will need to be sharpened more often.
- If you are purchasing new skates remember to get them sharpened as they normally do not come sharpened.
Skating Lesson Checklist
We recommend the following equipment and clothing:
- Helmet
- Sharpened skates that fit properly
- Mittens or Gloves
- Socks
- Pants that repel water
- Warm Jacket
Skate Levels
Toddler
Parent & Tot Skate
Ages 2-3
Instruction through movement and games adapted to enhance skating skills. This level is for children with no previous skating experience. Parent must accompany child on the ice and must wear skates and helmet.Components include skills sessions, creative movement and free skate.
Pre-School
Ages 4 -5
Your preschooler will be delighted in the opportunity to glide on their own. Components include skills session, creative movement and free skate. This course is designed for children who can stand up and shuffle on the ice unaided. Parents do not accompany the child on the ice.
Child
Ages 5-12
Children are introduced to skating in a fun-filled atmosphere. Skaters will work on skills such as forward skating, gliding on two feet and two foot jumping on the spot. Skaters must be able to walk on their skates unaided.
Youth
Beginner
Ages 13-17
For youth with little skating experience. Learn how to stop, glide and skate forwards and backwards. Helmets are mandatory. Wrist guards are highly recommended.
Adult
Beginner
Ages 18 & up
For adults with little skating experience. Learn how to stop, glide and skate forwards and backwards. Helmets are mandatory. Wrist guards are highly recommended.
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