
COST
Ice skating is
usually associated with being a Winter sport but there are now
many indoor ice rinks that are open year-round for your skating
pleasure.
It
is possible to learn to ice skate without formal instruction,
but new skaters should take ice skating lessons when possible.
Like any other sport training, lessons will teach your child the correct ice skating techniques.
In addition, they will have an expert observe their movements to make sure they are
skating correctly. They will most likely learn to ice
skate much quicker and it will be easier on you. Lastly,
they
will avoid forming bad habits that could hinder them in the
future.
Cost of Lessons...
The types
of lessons available and the cost will vary based on location,
so it is imperative that you check the ice rinks near you for
specific details.
The
type of lessons available: Private which is one participant to
one instructor; Semi-private which is 2-5 participants to one
instructor; Group lessons which are a large number of
participants to one instructor.
Private lessons could run
about $40 - $45 per lesson while semi-private will run around
$25 - $30 per lesson.
Group lessons
for beginning skaters is relatively reasonable. The cost
is approximately $10 - $20 per lesson and this will normally
include the cost of rental skates.
If
you are not a total beginner, and/or would like to learn how to
perform various figure skating moves, private ice skating
lessons may work best for you.
With private lessons, you will get the one-on-one
attention that can help you rapidly improve your ice skating
skills. In addition private lesson times are more
flexible.
With semi-private ice skating lessons you will have more
individual instruction time then with group lessons. The
additional attention will help your child to learn skating
techniques quicker.
If your child is a beginner, you should consider starting by
taking group ice skating lessons to determine if they enjoy the
sport.
Rinks that offer group lessons often offer discounts or include
in the lesson price skate rental, future lessons, and public skate sessions.
Public skate time is important for practice.
However you must consider that with group ice skating lessons you child will receive
very little individual skating instructions and schedules are
not flexible since lesson times are set by the ice rink.
Most rinks will
do all types of lessons in a 5 - 8 week sessions with each
lesson lasting approximately 30 minutes. Discounts are normally offered
if you sign up for multiple sessions.
Each skater taking private lessons is responsible for
paying the rink for the ice time the lesson will take place on.
This cost, as well as the cost of skate rental if needed, are
not included in the cost for private lessons.
The cost of ice time at
each ice arena will range from $5 to $15. The skater will
pay the instructor/coach directly, since they are not employees of the
ice arena, for the private lesson.
Competitive
skating can be very expensive, when you add up costs for
coaching, gear, rink time, competitive events, and travel.
What is open skate time?
Open skate time
is designated times throughout the day and evening, usually a 1
1/2 time slot, that the skating rinks are open to the public.
The fee for open skate is around $7 and Rental skates cost a few
dollars per session.
What is
the Time Commitment for Ice Skating?
For beginning
skaters time commitment is minimal. It will include weekly
lessons and some practice time. As skaters progress, they
will spend significantly more time on the ice. Serious skaters
practice or take lessons at least four to five days a week, plus
train off the ice. Competitive skaters also travel for testing
and competitions. Top figure skaters may turn to home schooling
or online learning to balance skating and school commitments.
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