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Learn to Skate Program
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The Blue Edge FSC of CT Learn to Skate USA program is ideal for beginners who wish to learn basic skating skills. This program follows the Learn to Skate USA curriculum and offers separate group lessons for children and adults. It is designed for both figure skaters and hockey players.
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Learn to Skate Sessions - Every year, we offer Learn to Skate lessons during the Fall (September-December) and Winter (January-April) terms. During the Winter 2024-25 term, we will offer TWO Learn to Skate sessions:
i) Sunday Session - begins Sunday, January 5, 1-2PM (program schedule). The 12-week program will cost $300.
ii) Tuesday Session - begins Tuesday, January 21, 5:15-6:15PM (program schedule). The 8-week program will cost $160.
The program fee is prorated for late sign-ups. Click HERE for details on the different levels of classes. ​​
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Register for Learn to Skate Lessons - visit the Register for Learn to Skate page for detailed instructions. ​
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That’s it! Then just show up. You will need skates (click HERE for skate shop recommendation and discount offer), gloves, and a helmet if you are a beginner (Snowplow Sam,Basic Level 1 and 2 and Adult 1 skaters).
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Covid Policy - Quinnipiac University and Blue Edge FSC of CT continue to follow CDC Covid guidelines. ​
Snowplow Sam
This program is designed for our youngest beginners. Stories and games are used to teach basic coordination and skills. See our equipment guide. Download the LTSUSA Snowplow Sam Levels PDF.
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Qualifications: Skater must be willing and able to remain with the group and follow instructions. Must be at least four years old.
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Safety note: All Snowplow Sam skaters must wear helmets.
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Basic Skills 1-6 and Freeskate
Children and youth work through levels 1-6 of the Learn to Skate FUNdamentals curriculum. These six progressive levels teach skaters basic skating skills like forward and backward skating, stops, edges, cross overs and turns with agility, balance, coordination and speed. Our Learn To Skate classes provide 40 minutes of professional group instruction followed by 20 minutes of supervised practice.
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Skaters may arrange for private lessons with our coaches during the last 20 minutes of learn to skate classes or practice ice. Please email skate@blueedgefsc.org if you need help finding a private coach.
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Pre-Freeskate and Freeskate levels are also available.
Our goal for your skater is to have a fun learning experience, and to enjoy the challenge of the sport and the company of other club members.
Download the Learn To Skate USA Basic 1-6 Levels PDF
Download the Learn to Skate USA Freeskate Levels PDF
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Qualifications: Skater must be able to stand on two skates, unaided. Must be at least five years old or have passed Snowplow Sam level 2.
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Safety note: All Basic 1 and Basic 2 skaters must wear helmets.
Adult Learn To Skate
This program is for teenagers and adults who want to begin figure skating. This is an exciting new program for people who look to skating as an enjoyable part of a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Download our Adult Learn To Skate Levels PDF.
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Qualifications: Skater must be able to stand on two skates, unaided.
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Safety note: All Adult 1 skaters must wear helmets.
LTS Equipment Guide
Good equipment supports good skating and good fun. Here's your guide to the equipment you will need for this skating season at Blue Edge FSC of CT
Skates and Blades
Good skates that fit. Large/floppy skates without laces do not provide proper foot support and hinder your skating experience. Rather than buying skates online, we highly encourage buying skates from an ice skating store where a professional can fit you with the right skates. Importantly, shoe size does not always match skate size. Skating stores also offer gently used good quality skates at reasonable prices. Please feel free to contact us to discuss figure skates vs ice hockey skates for beginner skaters.
Blades should be well cared for and sharpened at the beginning of each season.
A protective helmet. Hockey, skateboarding, inline skating, or ski helmets work better than bicycle helmets. The helmet should stay firmly in place and cover the back and sides of the head. Learn to Skate USA recommended ice skating helmet are ASTM F1447 and Snell B-90A, B-95. N94. Helmets are required for Snowplow Sam, Basic 1 & 2, & Adult 1 basic Skills levels.
Helmet
Blade Cloth
A clean cotton blade cloth or chamois. Blades must be wiped dry after each use. Do not store them with hard guards on.
Soft and Hard Guards
Soft blade guards keep the blades protected and dry when they are not being used.
Hard rubber guards are needed to protect the blades when walking off-ice (on surfaces other than rubber mats) with skates on.
Skating Bag
A skating bag to contain (and protect) all of the skating equipment.
Gloves
Gloves and spare gloves: simple, well-fitting synthetic knit gloves. No mittens, no plastic, no fur.
Sweater or Jacket
A warm sweater or light well fitting jacket and warm pants. We want you to stay warm, but also be able to move.
Socks
Socks that are higher than the skates and made of thin breathable material work best. You don't need thick bulky socks.
Knee pads are optional. If your skater wants such protection, buy soft pads, not hard plastic shells. Slippery gloves or knee protectors make it difficult for a skater to get up off the ice properly.
Knee Pads
First Time Lacing Up A Pair Of Skates?
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Loosen most of the laces to insert foot.
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Make sure the heel is all the way back in the skate.
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Tighten the laces across the instep up to the ankle. (this supports the ankle)
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Tie a single knot, then lace the top of the boot more loosely, with the knee and ankle slightly flexed. (this allows the knee to bend properly)
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Make sure there are no floppy lace ends or loops. (tuck them in or cut them off)
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Enjoy skating with a perfectly laced pair of skates!
Skate Shop Recommendation
High quality new and used beginner skates and other skating equipment can be purchased from Bensen-Ferguson Hockey and Lacrosse Club. They offer a 10% discount on skates to Blue Edge members.
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Bensen-Ferguson Hockey and Lacross Club
326 Boston Post Road, Orange, CT
Phone: 203-799-7200
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