Skating Programs

• The format of a 60-minute Learn to Skate class* is as follows: 30 minutes of lesson time and 30 minutes of supervised practice. Practice time is vital to the progress of a skater. More time on the ice means more opportunities to refine skating skills, develop muscle memory, and confidence. *The KSU Ice Arena reserves the right to combine classes based on enrollment.
• Enrollment in the KSU Learn to Skate Program includes Learn to Skate USA (LTS USA) membership, which comes with a variety of benefits:
• Season memberships are valid from July 1 to June 30.
• Access to the Learn to Skate USA mobile app to track progress and earn badges.
• Instruction from certified, background-screened instructors.
• Lessons follow a standardized curriculum designed for enjoyable and effective skill progression.
• A welcome packet that includes Learn to Skate USA The Magazine and a record book to track progress in class.
• Access to online educational materials for both skaters and parents.
• Secondary sports accident insurance coverage.
• Eligibility to participate in Learn to Skate USA sanctioned classes, exhibitions, performances, and competitions (fees vary by program).

Snowplow Sam (Tots)

Designed for 4- and 5-year-old skaters, this class focuses on developing coordination, strength, and introductory skating skills in a fun and supportive environment. Participants must be at least four years old before the session begins. U.S. Figure Skating recommends a hockey or multi-sport helmet for all beginner skaters.

Basic 1

Prerequisite: Pass Snowplow Sam or be 6-8 years old. This beginner class emphasizes safety, confidence, and basic skating techniques, helping young skaters build a strong foundation for future progress. U.S. Figure Skating recommends a hockey or multi-sport helmet for all beginner skaters.

Basic 1 & 2

Prerequisite: Pass Basic 1 or be 9 years or older. Skaters will focus on building confidence and refining fundamental skating skills while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the ice. U.S. Figure Skating recommends a hockey or multi-sport helmet for all beginner skaters.

Basic 3

Prerequisite: Pass Basic 1 & 2. This level continues to reinforce safety, fun, and confidence while introducing more complex skating techniques, preparing skaters for advanced skills.

Basic 4

Prerequisite: Pass Basic 3. Skaters will deepen their understanding of forward edges and work on strengthening their backward skating abilities, laying the groundwork for more technical skills.

Basic 5

Prerequisite: Pass Basic 4. The focus at this level is on enhancing backward skating skills and introducing advanced stops and turns, refining control and precision on the ice.

Basic 6

Prerequisite: Pass Basic 5. This class builds upon previous techniques while introducing additional advanced stops and turns, as well as fundamental jumps, spins, and artistic elements.

Pre-Free Skate

Prerequisite: Pass Basic 6. Skaters will transition into free skating, combining previously learned skills into complex sequences and patterns. This level also introduces additional jumps, spins, and artistic movements, helping skaters prepare for advanced skating opportunities.

Adult 1 & 2

Designed for beginners, this class introduces fundamental skating skills with a focus on safety, balance, and proper technique. Skaters will develop confidence and coordination while learning forward skating, forward snowplow stops, forward one-foot glides, backward skating, and forward two-foot turns.

Adult 3 & 4

Building on foundational skills, this class emphasizes forward edges and strengthens backward skating techniques. Skaters will refine their ability to perform forward edges and crossovers, backward skating, backward one-foot glides, backward-to-forward turns, and backward snowplow stops.

Adult 5+

This advanced-level class further develops backward skating, intricate turns and stops, and spinning techniques. Skaters will work on backward edges and crossovers, forward three-turns, one-foot spins, and T-stops, integrating skills into more complex movements.

Basic Skills Bootcamp

Dates & Times: Saturday, Aug. 16 – Sept. 27  from 9 - 10 a.m.

Levels:

• Snowplow Sam
• Basic 1
• Basic 1 & 2
• Basic 3
• Basic 4
• Basic 5
• Basic 6
• Pre-Free Skate
• Adult 1 & 2
• Adult 3 & 4

Cost: $155

Fall Session

Dates & Times: Saturdays, Oct. 4 - Nov. 22

• 9 - 10 a.m.
  • Snowplow Sam
  • Basic 1
  • Basic 1 & 2
  • Basic 3
  • Basic 4
  • Basic 5
  • Basic 6
  • Pre-Free Skate
• 10:10 - 11:10 a.m.
  • Snowplow Sam
  • Basic 1
  • Basic 1 & 2
  • Basic 3
  • Adult 1 & 2
  • Adult 3 & 4

Cost: $200

Printable Version (PDF)

Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early for your skater’s first day of Learn to Skate. This will provide you with enough time to check-in, pick up their nametag, put on skates, and familiarize yourself with the building.

What to Wear:

• Warm layers with a jacket and sweatpants or warm-up pants that allow for unrestricted movement. Avoid wearing restrictive or bulky clothing, such as heavy winter coats and snow pants
• Gloves or mittens are essential as students will begin by learning how to fall and get back up on the ice
• Tall, lightweight socks or tights that cover the ankles and above the top of the skates
• U.S. Figure Skating strongly recommends the use of a hockey or multi-sport helmet for all beginner skaters and children 6 years of age and younger
• Rental skates are available and included with your Learn to Skate registration
• Double runner skates are not permitted in a Learn to Skate class

Where to Go:

• Check-in and receive your nametag at the Welcome Table
• Rental skates are included and located at the Skate Rental Counter
• Snowplow Sam, Basic 1, and Basic 1&2 skaters meet their instructors in the designated areas of the lobby. We begin with off-ice exercises such as falling and recovery, marching forward and backward
• All other skaters will meet their instructors rink side.
• As skaters take the ice with their instructors, parents are asked to take their seat in the bleachers. We ask for safety purposes that you not leave the building.

Everyone progresses at their own pace. Stay focused on your accomplishments knowing that determination and practice are the keys to success on the ice.

What if I don’t have my own skates?

Free skate rental is included with your Learn to Skate class registration. Skates are available at the Skate Rental Counter. Sizes available: Youth 5 – 13, Junior 1 – Adult 14. **Use of double runner blades is not permitted in a Learn to Skate class.

What size skate do I ask for at the Skate Rental Counter?

Let the Ice Arena staff know your shoe size, and they will find you the correct skate size. Rental skates are designed to fit everyone. Shoe size does not necessarily match skate size.

What type of skate should I ask for at the Skate Rental Counter?

Standard ice skates (with a figure skate blade) are recommended for all first-time skaters, as they make it easier for the skater to balance.

Should I wear a helmet to skate?

U.S. Figure Skating strongly recommends the use of a hockey or multi-sport helmet for all beginner skaters and children 6 years of age and younger. Participants supply their own helmet.

What should I wear to skate?

Skaters need to wear long pants and long sleeves when they are skating. Gloves are necessary for warmth and to protect hands as skaters learn to fall and get back up. Wear one pair of lightweight socks that are tall enough to cover the ankle and above the skate to prevent the skate from rubbing your skin. Thick, bulky socks can bunch up and create uncomfortable bumps in the skating boots.

Is there a class specifically for teenagers who are beginner skaters?

We understand that some teenaged skaters may not want to skate in the youth classes. Teens (13 years and older) are welcome in the Adult classes*.  The Basic 1-4 youth levels are very similar to the Adult 1-4 levels. *The KSU Ice Arena reserves the right to combine classes based on enrollment.

Where do I park?

The Ice Arena parking lot is located on the corner of Loop Road and Johnston Drive right beside the Ice Arena. Parking is free at the Ice Arena after 6 PM on Friday and all-day Saturday and Sunday. 

Can I make up a missed class?

Due to class limitations, make-up classes are typically not permitted. Any exception will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Are refunds or prorated fees available?

Refunds and prorated fees are not permitted. Any exception will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Can parents watch skating class?

Parents may watch the skating class from the bleachers on either side of the arena. The scorer’s box, penalty boxes, and player boxes are for skaters and instructors use only.

Where do I go for my skating class?

Snowplow Sam, Basic 1, and Basic 1&2 skaters will meet their instructors in the designated areas of the lobby. All other classes will meet their instructor rink side. Please do not enter the ice until directed by the instructors. 

Jumpstart Classes are offered as small group sessions (2-4 skaters), designed to serve two key purposes:

1. To provide supplemental training, allowing skaters to concentrate on mastering their most challenging skills.
2. To help skaters prepare for seamless entry into our Learn to Skate Program.

Jumpstart Class Guidelines

• Classes take place during the LTS practice time or on a public session.
• There is a minimum of 2 skaters and a maximum of 4 skaters in each class.
• Participants register for a minimum of 4-30-minute classes.
• Participants must be members of the current LTS session to participate in a Jumpstart Class on LTS practice time.
• Participants whose Jumpstart Class is on a public session are responsible for the cost of their public session admission.
• A minimum of one-week advance notice is required to arrange your class.
• Classes canceled by the skater 24 hours in advance will be rescheduled if time is available
• Late arrivals and no-shows will be forfeited.
• The KSU Ice Arena reserves the right to combine skaters of similar ability.

Cost: 

• Four (4) , 30-minute classes: $60 plus cost of skating sessions.
• Participants are responsible for paying for the public sessions and/or LTS sessions during which there are receiving their Jumpstart lessons.

For more information or to register, please email Juliann Montemayor.

The Frozen Flashes Learn to Skate Program is specially designed for KSU student skaters, offering a structured progression through five skill levels. Modeled after the Learn to Skate USA curriculum, each level introduces 10–11 foundational skills that build upon one another.

Achieving proficiency at each level is essential for ensuring skater safety, success, and confidence on the ice. This program provides a supportive environment where skaters can refine their abilities while developing strong fundamentals for long-term improvement.

Level 1: Designed for beginners with little to no skating experience, this level focuses on building balance, forward movement, and stopping skills to help skaters gain confidence on the ice.

Level 2: Skaters enrolling in this level are comfortable skating forward and are beginning to explore backward skating. Instruction includes a variety of forward and backward skating techniques to develop control and stability.

Level 3: Skaters entering this level should be able to stop, glide forward and backward, and perform controlled one-foot glides. This level strengthens backward skating, edges, crossovers, and introduces basic spinning skills.

Level 4: Proficiency in forward edges, crossovers, and one-foot glides is expected at this stage. Skaters will refine their technique with backward edges, backward crossovers, forward three-turns, and beginner artistic elements.

Level 5: Skaters entering this level should have a strong foundation in skills from Levels 1-4. This class focuses on integrating learned techniques into complex sequences and patterns, while introducing jumps, spins, and artistic movements for advanced skill development.

Dates & Times: Wednesdays from 9:35 - 10:05 p.m.

• Fall I: Sept. 3 - Sept. 24
• Fall II: Oct. 4 - 22

Cost: $30/session

The KSU Ice Arena is home to the Kent State Club Figure Skating team.  Check out their website and social media pages for more information about the program and prospective recruits.

• Website
• KSU Engage Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

Arena Ice sessions are designed for skaters actively participating in group or private lessons and those working to develop and refine advanced skating skills. These sessions provide valuable ice time for skaters to practice skills and programs in a focused environment.

Skaters may receive instruction from an approved coach during Arena Ice sessions at an additional cost. Coaches must obtain prior approval from the KSU Ice Arena Program Coordinator before coaching on the ice.

To request coaching privileges, coaches must email Jmontem1@kent.edu by Thursday at 5 PM, the week before their intended coaching date. The email must include:

• Proof of active coach compliance
• Name(s) of the student(s)
• Arena Ice session you plan to attend

Dates & Times: 

• Saturdays, Sept. 6 – Nov. 22 from 7:50 - 8:50 a.m.

Cost:

• General Admission: $18/hour      
• KSU Student: $12/hour