Basic Skills

Basic Skills forms a strong foundation for skaters to explore the world of skating. Each level introduces new skills and techniques, encouraging skaters to advance while having fun in a healthy and social environment.

Skaters 4-6 years old, develop preliminary coordination and strength to move around on the ice. The introductory classes are divided into four progressive levels for kids with no prior skating experience to build confidence in skating and themselves. Fun and games make this positive experience for your kids enjoyable and memorable.

Forward outside edge on a circle
Forward inside edge on a circle
Forward crossovers
Backward half swizzle pumps on a circle
Backward one-foot glides
Beginning two-foot spin
Bonus skill: Forward lunges

Sit on ice and stand up
March forward across the ice
Forward two-foot glide
Dip
Forward swizzles
Backward wiggles
Beginning snowplow stop on two feet or one foot
Bonus skill: Two-foot hop in place

Backward outside edge on a circle
Backward inside edge on a circle
Backward crossovers
Forward outside three-turn
Advanced two-foot spin
Hockey stop — both directions
Bonus skill: Side toe hop

Scooter pushes
Forward one-foot glides
Backward two-foot glide
Rocking Horse (one forward swizzle, one backward swizzle)
Backward swizzles
Two-foot turns from forward to backward in place
Moving snowplow stop
Bonus skill: Curves

Forward inside three-turn
Moving backward to forward two- foot turn on a circle
Backward stroking
Beginning one-foot spin
T-stops
Bunny hop
Forward spiral on a straight line
Bonus skill: Shoot the duck

Beginning forward stroking showing correct use of blade
Forward half swizzle pumps
Moving forward to backward two- foot turns on a circle
Beginning backward one-foot glides — focus on balance
Backward snowplow stop
Forward slalom
Bonus skill: Forward pivots

Pre-Free Skate starts the next level of figure skating. At this stage skaters can join the Aspire program and teams to become a well rounded figure skater. Click here to see the skills taught in Pre-Freeskate thru Freeskate 6.

2. I am a new skater. What do I need to bring? What should I expect on the first day of class?

New skaters should arrive 20 minutes before the class is scheduled to begin. Please bring the following items: gloves/mittens, warm clothing you can move around in, and a helmet is highly recommended (a bike helmet is fine). Skate rental is included in your tuition cost but if you have your own skates, you may wear them. When you arrive, please go to the Tidewater Skating Academy Shop which is to the right of the front desk. Someone in the shop will direct you to get your rental skates and get ready for class. All beginning-level skaters will start off the ice first. Coaches will ensure that skates are tied properly. Skaters will be asked to walk in the lobby with skates on and learn how to fall down and get up before going on the ice.

Tidewater Skating Academy - FAQs

I’d like to learn how to skate, where do I start? -

Whether you aspire to be a figure skater or a hockey player or you’d just like to learn how to skate around on a public session, the Tidewater Skating Academy is the place to begin. Skaters ages 4 and up can enroll in one of our beginner classes

I am a new skater. What do I need to bring? What should I expect on the first day of class?

Is there a place where I can purchase skates?

Yes! We have the Tidewater Skating Academy Shop which carries new and consigned skates along with consigned skating clothes and costumes. We also carry some skating equipment including skate bags, spinners, skating tights/socks, and other items. If we don’t have your size in stock, we can order a pair for you. We currently carry the following brands: Jackson, Riedell, and Risport. If you have skates, clothing, or equipment that you’d like to sell, the Shop can do that for you. You will receive 80% of the sale and the Tidewater Figure Skating Club will receive 20%.

I want to become a hockey player but I don’t know how to skate. Where do I begin?

Enroll in one of our Beginner Classes.. Skaters who want to get into hockey must complete Basic 2/Snow Plow Sam 3 at a minimum. If you want to be a really strong hockey player with good skating skills, you can begin in the Learn to Play hockey program (register for that at the Chilled Ponds Front Desk) and continue in our Learn to Skate Program through Basic 5.

Please explain the monthly tuition

Think of the monthly tuition like a gym membership. You join once and then you are charged or billed monthly. The same holds true for our Learn to Skate Program at the Tidewater Skating Academy. You join (register) a class and you will be billed monthly until you let us know you are taking a pause from our program. Your child can move up through the levels without you having to change a thing.

How often are skaters evaluated and when do I know my skater is moving up a level?

Skaters are evaluated weekly and will be moved on to the next level when they are ready. If you see a skating coach on their phone during class, they are not texting! They are evaluating your skater. Once a skater gets evaluated, you will receive an email or you can check your IClassPro App as evaluations are updated. You will also receive an email when your skater has passed a level.

My skater is interested in participating in competitions and exhibitions. What do I need to do to get them started on the competition track?

We love to hear your skater would like to compete and/or participate in exhibitions. Your skater will need to be working with a private lesson coach to help them achieve these goals. The private lesson coach will choreograph a program to music for your skater to use and make sure they are competing at the correct level. Private lesson time is held on our Freestyle sessions which are held Monday through Saturday. Please check the monthly calendar for our Freestyle session times.

What are skills practice sessions and what is the difference between a skills practice and a freestyle session?

Skills practice sessions are 30-minute non-instructional sessions where a skater can practice what they have learned in class. This is a practice session as opposed to a public session, so we want each skater to take this time to practice. If a skater wants to socialize with friends, the rink offers public sessions.

A freestyle session is for skaters getting ready to compete and test. Private lessons are offered on freestyle sessions and these are training sessions. Check out our freestyle page for requirements that must be met before skating on a freestyle session.

Depending on your level, you will receive punches for either skills practice or freestyle when you register for a class.

Is there a make-up policy?

Skaters in the Tidewater Skating Academy learn to skate program can ask for one make-up lesson per month. Please reach out to Jill Stewart, Skating Director, if there are any other circumstances that would require more than one make-up per month.