Get started in ice skating with class lessons

:Before the 6 a.m. practice time, before the thousands of dollars have been spent, virtually all competitive figure skaters begin with class lessons.

Group instruction gives skaters and parents a relatively inexpensive way of discovering whether the sport is for them. Skaters sign up for a block of class lessons averaging about 10 weeks in length depending on the time of year. Some sessions can be longer or shorter depending on the time of year and the rink's policies. Depending on the level and the age of the skater, time spent in individual classes ranges from 30 minutes to an hour. Lessons for tots, classified as 3 to 6 years old, are shorter, while instruction that concentrates on jumps and spins runs longer.

Rinks subscribe to standards designated by the Ice Skating Institute or the United States Figure Skating Association, depending on the preference of the rink's skating director. The systems are similar, but the USFSA's Basic Skills program has more levels through which skaters must progress before they reach the point where they learn to jump and spin.

“‘Basic Skills' groups things a little differently than ISI,” said Kim Johnson, skating director at Crystal Ice House in Crystal Lake. “To me, I think USFSA's program is more of a building block — the skills just build better to the next level.”

For years, ISI standards were the go-to learn-to-skate instructional standards used at most rinks. Within the past decade, however, USFSA's Basic Skills program has made inroads and has taken over in some areas.

Prices among rinks vary depending on what is included. At Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion in Buffalo Grove, which follows the ISI program, fees range from $211 to $342 for the fall session and include participation costs and a costume for a holiday ice show in December.

Crystal Lake's two fall sessions, which run for six weeks each, cost $80 to $132 and include a Sunday practice session where students can get some additional instruction. Skate rental is extra, averaging about $2 per session.

“I always tell them to use rentals first to see if they think figure skating is for them,” said Laura Kaplan, Twin Rinks skating director.

As skaters progress, they often want to get their own skates. Decent beginner skates, which come with the blades already attached to the boot cost, about $80 to $100.

While there is a similarity among rinks because of standardized instruction, each facility has its own flavor.

“Our rink is unique in that we use the ISI learn-to-skate program, but we also have five different Starlights synchronized skating teams, as well as some high level singles skaters who compete in USFSA competitions,” Kaplan said.

Exposure and participation in ice shows also gives skaters a sense of how far they would like to test their skating skills.

“You get a sense of learning a program without being judged,” Johnson said about ice show participation.

Adults can learn to skate, too, in classes specifically designed for them. Teens are usually grouped with the adults as class lessons normally only go up to age 12.

While group lessons suffice for some, other skaters want more. That's where private lessons come in.

“Generally, the way we work it is the parent approaches myself and we come up with a time and day that works for the child and find an instructor,” Kaplan said. “A lot of times I'll say, ‘Do you have someone in mind?' and they do, so we ask the instructor.”