FAQ's

Now that your child has completed most or all of the Learn to Skate basic skills curriculum and demonstrates a real love of the sport, you've probably got a lot of questions about what's next for your child. We've tried to answer the most common questions here. If we haven't answered your questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

Does Skate Great offer more advanced skating classes?

Skate Great offers a variety of skating classes for students who have passed most of the learn to skate basic skills curriculum. What's right for your child depends on his/her interests.

If she is interested in hockey we have a Powerskating course that helps your budding hockey player improve his speed and endurance skills.

We offer a variety of advanced figure skating classes. Jump, Spin, and Spiral is perfect for the budding competitive figure skater. This class will teach her spirals, jumps and spins. Intro to Dance is for the student who is interested in ice dancing or in improving her posture, edge work, and presentation. Intro to Synchro is perfect for the child who would like to skate as part of a group. The Intro to Powerskating class is for any skater who wants to improve their speed and control.

We also offer a spring and summer Skate Camp for all levels of skaters as well as daily practice ice.

Now that my child is taking more advanced classes, she needs her own skates. Help!

We gave some guidance on how skates should fit as well as how to take care of them in the Learn to Skate FAQs. Click here to be connected to that page.

When is the right time to join a figure skating club?

Once a skater is ready to take official U.S. Figure Skating tests or compete in competitions beyond Basic Skills, joining a club becomes necessary. Skate Great is affiliated with the Skating Club of Western New York. They offer seasonal practice ice, test sesions, an annual competition, an annual awards banquet, and various fundraisers and social events. Plus Skate Great partners with them for the annual Rising Stars on Ice show. For more information, check their bulletin board at Leisure Rinks or visit them online at www.skatingclubofwesternnewyork.org.

Why does my child need private lessons?

There are many reasons for hiring a coach to give your child private lessons.

  • To excel at a faster pace than in group lessons
  • Supplement group lessons with an occasional private lesson
  • Assistance on a difficult skill taught in a class
  • Figure skaters who want to compete at a more serious level
  • Hockey players who want to improve their skating skills and increase their power

How do private lessons work?

For beginners, lessons usually last 15 minutes. For more advanced students they can last longer. Rates are determined by each individual coach and are usually based on experience, qualfiications, and education. Rates for Skate Great coaches vary from $16 to $64 an hour -- which translates to $3.75 - $16 per 15-minute lesson.

How do I hire a coach?

There are many ways of going about hiring a coach. You can contact the Skate Great office and we can discuss your coaching needs and help you select a coach. To do that you can pick up our Private Lessons brochure at the Learn to Skate registration desk, fill out the request form and return it to the ice manager or Learn to Skate registration desk. You can also email or call the Skate Great office directly.

You can also approach any of our coaches directly for private lessons. Any of the Skate Great coaches would be happy to discuss their rates, billing system, and availability. Our website has a listing of many of our coaches along with their qualifications. Click here to be connected to that page.

What makes a good coach?

A good coach

  • Knows the sport -- and kids. He or she must understand the physical development and different personalities of boys and girls -- what is right for one child is not necessarily right for another.
  • Is skilled at teaching skating fundamentals. Skill development is the major reason kids participate in sports. Improvement is the primary source of enjoyment for athletes.
  • Understand each child's motivation for skating. Some kids are serious about competing; others are there because a good friend is skating.
  • Emphasizes improvement, competence and striving for excellence.
  • Teaches and models ethical behaviour that reflects desirable basic values.