Learn to Skate

Age 4 - Adult

Classes are geared to teach children/adults the fundamentals of skating and build a foundation in recreational and competitive skating. Classes are held at the Rogers Activity Center. 

• Registration deadline is the Monday prior to the start of the session. Classes may close early if they reach maximum or may be combined if minimum is not reached.

• Snowplow classes fill up quickly; your child will be added to waitlist and added if a spot opens up.   

• Pro-rating is not given for missed classes. 

• Pre-testing will occur on the first day to ensure your student is at the correct level. 

• Helmets are required for all Snowplow Sam, Basic 1-2 and all Hockey classes. Skaters should wear warm pants, jacket, and gloves.  

• Hockey 2-4 requires hockey gloves, shin pads, and a stick (other equipment is optional). 

• Rental skates and bike helmets are available for rental. Skate sharpening is available. Allow 10-15 minutes for sharpening time. No double-blade skates allowed. 

• Parents are not allowed on ice during lesson times. Arrive 20 minutes early first day of class to pick up name badge and general information. 

Designed for new skaters who have rarely or never been on skates. Develop preliminary coordination and strength necessary to move on ice. Classes are 30 minutes (includes on and off ice time). Helmets and gloves are required for all Snowplow Sam classes.

Snowplow Sam 1

• Sit & stand up with skates on: off ice (2 times in a row)

• Sit & stand up with skates on: on ice (2 times in a row)

• March in place

• March forward: 8-10 steps

• March, then glide on two feet (march forward 4 steps then glide for a count of 4)

• Dip in place (hold position for 5 seconds)

Snow Plow Sam 2

• March followed by a long glide (march fwd 4 steps & glide count of 10/body length)

• Dip while moving (glide on 2 feet & dip for count of 4)

• Backward Walking, 4-6 steps

• Backward Wiggles, 6 in a row

• Fwd two-foot swizzles, 2-3 in a row

• Beginning snowplow stop motion (in place or holding onto barrier)

• Two foot hop in place (perform without falling)

Snowplow Sam 3

• Fwd skating, 8-10 strides

• Fwd one foot glide, two times skater’s height (R & L)

• Fwd swizzles (4-6 in a row)

• Bkwd swizzles (2-3 in a row)

• Moving forward snowplow stop

Snowplow Sam 4

• Forward skating—continual/using good pushes & extensions

• Backward two-foot glide, length of skater’s height

• Backward swizzles (4-6 in a row without coming to a complete stop) - look for edges & pushing

• Rocking horse—1 forward, 1 backward swizzle, repeat twice—show of weight shift

• Two-foot turns from forward to backward, in place (both directions) - look for good boy position,

Teaches the basic skills for the foundation of skating. There are six levels; however, past level 3 is specific to figure skating. Classes are 30 minutes (includes on and off ice time). Helmets are required for Basic 1 & 2.

Basic Skills 1

• Sit on ice and stand up (able to do without help or support consistently when asked or fall)

• March forward across the ice without falling

• Forward two-foot glide (march forward 4 steps and glide for a count of 4)

• Dip (glide on 2 feet, dip and hold for count of 4)

• Forward swizzles, 6-8 in a row

• Backward wiggles, 6-8 in a row

• Beginning forward snowplow stop (one foot or both

• Two-foot hop in place

Basic Skills 2

• Scooter pushes—R & L

• Forward one-foot glides, right & left (glide for a count of 4 on each foot) or skater’s height)

• Backward two-foot glide (wiggle bkward with enough speed to hold glide for length of skater)

• Rocking Horse (one forward swizzle, one backward swizzle) - repeat twice

• Backward swizzles, 6-8 in a row

• Two-foot turn from fwd to bkwd in place (clockwise & counter-clockwise)

• Forward moving snowplow stop (1 or 2 foot)

• Curves (both directions)

Basic Skills 3|4

• Forward stroking showing correct use of blade [across width of ice without falling]

• Forward 1/2 swizzle pumps on a circle, 6-8 consecutive clockwise & counter clockwise [proper head & arm position]

• Forward to backward two-foot turn, clockwise & counter clockwise [while moving, turn on 2 feet & continue moving backward]

• Backward one foot glides, R & L [each glide hold for a count of four]

• Backward snowplow stop, R & L

• Forward Slalom [perform 4-6 proper slalom pushes across width of the ice]

• Forward pivots, clockwise & counter-clockwise

• Fwd outside edge on a circle: R&L (hold for a count of 6 each foot—no wobble)

• Fwd inside edge on a circle: R&L (hold for a count of 6 each foot—no wobble)

• Fwd crossovers, clockwise & counter clockwise (skate 4-6 consecutive crossovers with minimal toe pick pushing, both directions)

• Fwd outside 3 turn from stand still position: R&L (hold the bkward inside edge for count of 3)

• Bkward 1/2 swizzle pumps on a circle, clockwise & counter clockwise (do 6-8 using proper arm & head position both directions)

• Bkward stroking (perform 4-6 bkward strokes across width of ice)

• Bkward snowplow stop: R&L (use a 1 foot stop)

Many elements are taught without a stick or puck; however, skaters are required to wear helmets, hockey gloves, shin pads, and have a stick (other equipment is optional, but recommended).  Classes are 30 minutes.

HOCKEY 1-2 (MUST HAVE PASSED SAM 2 OR BASIC 1 TO REGISTER FOR HOCKEY BEGINNER CLASSES) 

• Hockey 1:  Designed for beginner skaters who want to play hockey.  Must be able to stand, arch, and glide on skates.  Skills covered include hockey stance, fall/recover, glides and dips, double c-cuts, T-pushes, half turns, snowplow stop, and proper stick holding and movement. 
  

• Hockey 2:  Builds on strides using V-pushes, one-foot pushes, and glides, beginning forward c-cuts, beginning crossovers, beginning edge work, and quick stops. Skaters are taught the fundamentals of hockey skating but at different paces. Skaters will focus and learn proper skating techniques for the game of hockey.
  

HOCKEY 3-4 (MUST TAKE HOCKEY BEGINNER TO REGISTER FOR Hockey 3-4 OR HAVE DIRECTOR’S APPROVAL) 

• Hockey 3: Designed for skaters needing to work on advanced skating skills - lateral crossover march (both directions), Forward C-cuts (half-swizzle pumps) on a circle, both directions, Backward swizzles/double C-cuts (4-6 in a row), Two-foot moving snowplow stop. Skaters are also taught passing, shooting, and game scrimmage introduction.  
  

• Hockey 4: Designed for skaters needing to work on ADVANCED skating AND POWER SKATING skills: Backward crossover glides (clockwise and counterclockwise)-Hold feet in crossed position for 2 counts, Backward crossovers on circle-clockwise and counterclockwise (4-6 each, Forward to backward mohawk pivots (both directions, R and L) from powerful full strides, Backward alternating crossovers down the length of the ice, with wide step transitions (3 to left and 3 to right), Forward power hockey turns/tight glide turns, 180- and 360-degree turns, Lateral pivots: forward to backward and backward to forward.  

Starting Summer 2024

Introductory fundamental teaching for hockey players interested in improving edge skating to develop speed and strength.

Players who want to develop quick feet must learn how to use their edges, legs, balance and body weight as a combination in order for developing power and quickness.

Full equipment is required. Class is 30 minutes and may be broken up skill level.

Starting Summer 2024

The class will be available for ADULTS or TEENAGERS who are new to skating. You may want to learn how to skate just for fun or want to be more comfortable on the ice. Participation will help promote physical fitness, improve balance and coordination while teaching proper skating techniques. 

Some of the skills taught include: falling and recovery, marching, gliding, forward and backward swizzles, edges, crossovers and many more. Helmets are not required but please wear if you feel more comfortable.

FALL 2024 Sessions

Fall I Session
Saturdays Sep 7-Oct 19* | 6 sessions

*Not meeting Sep 21

Fall II Session
Saturdays Oct 26-Dec 14* | 6 sessions

*Not meeting Nov 9, Nov 30

Class Times for both Fall I and Fall II Sessions 

Snowplow Sam 1 | 8:45-9:15am 
Snowplow Sam 2 | 9:45-10:15am 
Snowplow Sam 3 | 8:45-9:15am 
Snowplow Sam 4 | 8:45-9:15am 
Basic Skills 1 | 9:15-9:45am 
Basic Skills 2 | 9:45-10:15am 
Basic Skills 3 | 9:15-9:45am 
Basic Skills 4 | 9:15-9:45am 
Hockey 1 | 9:15-9:45am 
Hockey 2 | 9:15-9:45am 
Hockey 3 | 9:15-9:45am 
Hockey 4 | 9:15-9:45am 
Hockey Edge | 9:45-10:15am 
Adult/Teen Class | 9:45-10:15am 

WINTER and SPRING 2025 Sessions

Winter Session
Saturdays Jan 25-March 1 | 6 sessions

Spring Session
Saturdays March 8-May 3* | 6 sessions

*Not meeting March 15, April 12, April 19

Class Times and prices for both Winter and Spring Sessions

Snowplow Sam 1 | 8:45-9:15am 
Snowplow Sam 2 | 8:45-9:15am
Snowplow Sam 3 | 9:15-9:45am 
Snowplow Sam 4 | 9:15-9:45am 
Basic Skills 1 | 9:15-10:15am 
Basic Skills 2 | 9:45-10:15am 
Basic Skills 3 | 9:15-9:45am 
Basic Skills 4 | 9:15-9:45am 
Hockey 1 | 9:15-9:45am 
Hockey 2 | 9:15-9:45am 
Hockey 3 | 9:15-9:45am 
Hockey 4 | 9:15-9:45am 
Hockey Edge | 9:45-10:15am 
Adult/Teen Class | 9:45-10:15am 

Fees

All classes: $69/each

Have Questions?

Learn to Skate Director Heather Palumbo
hpalumbo@rogersmn.gov
What class to register for, prerequisites, on-ice questions

Havana Hanson
763-428-0975 or hhanson@rogersmn.gov
How to register, assistance navigating website/registration page

FALL BREAKAWAY LEAGUE

REGISTRATION OPEN through Monday, July 22.

Whether your child is new to playing hockey or looking to work on skills, the recreational focus of this league will provide the fun and ice!

The purpose of this league is to provide a recreational opportunity for all ages, abilities, and skill levels to enjoy and learn the game of hockey. Whether your child is new to playing hockey or looking to work on skills, the recreational focus of this league will provide the fun and ice!

Schedules will be released approximately 7-10 days prior to the start of the program.
Spring league: 1 practice, 10 games. Fall League: 1 practice, 8 games.

This is a traveling league and game locations will vary between Elk River, Anoka, Princeton, Monticello, and Rogers. Transportation is not provided.

Register for your home arena and appropriate age level. Traveling league jerseys included.

New This Year!

Kickoff Jamboree Bash

August 16 - 18

• Note: some arenas may be combined into one team, pending registration amount. Parks and Recreation staff create the teams.

• Jerseys will be provided, but we do not provide any equipment.
  USA Hockey and MN Hockey rules apply.
  Players are not allowed to play down a level.

• All correspondences are by email through a bulk/City Elk River email account, so please check your junk/spam mail folders!

Arena Walking

We offer free indoor walking at the Rogers Activity Center/ice arena. Eight times around equals a mile. The arena is open Mon-Fri at 9:00 am. Visit www.rogersmn.gov/racschedules to review daily closings and weekend hours. The arena is not available for walking during paid events such as tournaments or high school hockey games. The route around the rink and past the locker rooms is ramped. Pre-registration is no longer required.