What is Learn to Skate?

Learn to Skate is just what the name implies, it is a beginning skating program that introduces skaters to the fundamentals of figure skating. In the course of the program, skaters will learn everything from walking and "falling" on the ice to beginning jumps and spins. Our program follows the guidelines set forth by the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) in their Skate With Us program.

What can I expect?

After registration, your child will be enrolled in a 20 minute group lesson. We schedule our lessons by SKILL LEVEL FIRST and then by age. We do our best to accommodate your requests, but our goal is to structure the classes to provide the best instruction for your skater. Please keep this in mind. We cannot always put friends together in the same classes, but we do our very best to accommodate the needs of your child and to provide a good learning environment for them to succeed in their skating. We try to have volunteers available on the Ice during practice ice to help the skaters that need some assistance.

What does the Oswego Figure Skating Club expect?

We expect that you have your child ready for their lesson at their appropriate time. This means on the ice, with their skates on, warming up. Lessons will start on time and your child will only disrupt things if they are late. Please be fair to everyone in the group. Skating is a wonderful sport, but, there is a chance for accidents to happen. YOU need to be available to your child. Please DO NOT drop off your child and leave. The ice can be canceled at any time due to mechanical problems. We expect you to be available to your child. In case of severe weather, check your local radio stations for any cancellations.

What about your fees?

Like everything else, we too must pass along the increases in fees for Learn to Skate ice, mailing and other expenses. We have also responded to the requests of many Learn to Skate parents and skaters for more ice time. The Oswego FSC runs a second session of ice on Tuesday evenings from 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. This means that your child can skate on both sessions to practice his/her skills.

For the Learn to Skate fee of $135 you get the following:

• Membership in the USFSA Learn to Skate Program
• Learn to Skate skills handbook
• 8 weeks of group lessons (1 - 20 minute lesson per week)
• Learn to Skate skills achievement patches for all levels passed
• 2 sessions of ice per week to practice skills

Is there anything else I have to pay?

Our season is divided into two sessions, Fall and Spring. At the beginning of the next session, you will be charged $ 125. If your child chooses to participate in the Oswego FSC end-of-year show, there may be a costume fee of not more than $15 - $25 to be decided upon by the parents and group coordinators.

What kind of skates should I buy?

Most skating professionals recommend leather figure skates. Many places offer a wide variety of both new and used skates. Remember fit is very important. You know how difficult it is to walk or run in shoes that do not fit properly, try jumping or spinning in skates that are too big!!! Please NO double runners, in the course of this program, your child will learn to stand, glide and stop on single runner skates. Remember, you can give them the best start on their way to learning to skate  by seeing that they have the right equipment and a proper fit.

How should I dress my child?

This is always a difficult question to answer. You are the best judge of your child's needs. Things to keep in mind, however are the fact that this is a winter sport and some days it is VERY cold out on the ice. You also must keep in mind that your child needs to have mobility (snowsuits are too restricting of movement). The best advice is to dress your child in layers that can be added or removed depending on their needs. Try and make sure that you have at least one extra pair of gloves (sometimes the ice is wetter than other times and gloves can get soggy). Many skaters like headbands and neck warmers, they can easily be put on or taken off as needed.

Who do I ask about.....?

PLEASE make sure that you have an Oswego FSC Skating Manual. It contains a wealth of information. If you do not find the answer to your question there, the officers and board of directors names and phone numbers are listed. You will also be introduced to our basic skills liason at the first day of lessons. Please remember that your child's instructor has a lesson schedule to keep and does not have the opportunity to discuss things with you during group times. Time will be made available after lessons or perhaps you can direct your questions to the Learn to Skate/OFSC Coordinators or any OFSC Board Member.  Remember, we are there to help you and your child get the most out of skating.

How fast will my child progress?

Like any sport, the more your child puts into it, the more they will get out of it. Any new skill requires practice. We encourage you to use all the time made available to you for practice. A child who arrives just in time for their lessons and leaves right after will not progress as fast as the child who skates before their lesson and then stays to practice the skills they just learned. You are the best source of encouragement for your skater, they work hard - remember to tell them how proud you are of them, we are. They are the future stars of tomorrow!!

What are Learn to Skate private lessons?

In order to help your skater meet his/her individual goals, the Oswego FSC has instituted a new program of private lessons available to your skater. This is in addition to the group lesson and is not instead of a group lesson. A skater must be enrolled in a group lesson to participate. This program is strictly optional. A skater may take a 10 minute private lesson for $5 - $ 7 paid to the instructor at the time of the lesson. If you are interested, more information and sign up details are available.

If you have questions about our Basic Skills program, please contact Christina Roddy or Kelli Covington.