First Timer FAQ

1. Our beginner classes are held at Belleuve Skate King Roller Rink. See 'locations/classes' page on the web for driving instructions. All Sat/Sun morning classes are held at this location as well.
2. Our classes are held in the morning because that is the only time slot Skate King can offer us the rink. We would love to find a location for afternoon indoor classes. Please send us your suggestions!
3. All protective gear must be worn at our classes. This includes: Helmet, knee pads, wrist pads, and elbow pads.  Skating means falling from time to time and we want you recreating not recuperating...so grab your gear and let's go. 
4. All students are required to sign an annual waiver which covers all our classes per year.  (download and print it!) You may also obtain one at the front desk.
5. The average age of our students is 40 years young. Our students range from 5 to 72, about 50% are adults.
6. We only take kids five years and older for a variety of reasons: One is that usually their muscle development is not sufficient to stand up on skates and thus require more one-on-one attention. Given that these are group lessons this is a challenge for the staff. Secondly, their attention span is not similar enough to the older kids and thus they do not seem to fit into the group lessons. We suggest that you try the Tiny Tots session from 10:30-12:30 on Saturdays at Skate King (not a lesson but a public session for kids 10 and under. Secondly, Skate King offers lessons on Sunday at 10:45am and includes kids and adults of all ages. If we had more rink room we would offer this level.
7. How many classes do you need? We cannot tell you the answer until we see you skate at least once. Also, it depends on your goal. If you want to get out on the trails then you need to master scissoring and stopping. Consider comparing us to skiing in terms of hours on the slopes and lessons/practice you need to get good enough to enjoy skating/skiing in an efficient and fluid motion.
8. The average adult student who continues to skate after our classes takes about 16 lessons.
9. It will take you 82 practices to master how to stop properly. (Scientifically that is). Practice your skating more and learn faster! This scientific fact might give you a better idea on how many lessons you will need.
10. Because we offer 9 levels of classes, some of our students have continued to attend classes for several years. For many of them they enjoy the artisic aspects we teach (like ice skating) while others do indoor and outdoor racing/trail skating. For the basics we recommend at least ten classes to really learn. 
11. Kids start in the Basic B1 class with adults but are moved to the Kids B2 class once they can 'duck walk' (the basic step). This usually occurs about 20+ minutes into the first class.
12. You MUST register for the first class. After that you simply show up to play and learn on skates.
13. Returning students please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled class in order to get checked in and get your questions answered.
14. We loan your skates and gear for your first four classes so you can see if you enjoy skating enough to buy the gear and also to insure you know what skates to look for. See our 'buying skates' web page.
15. Your first class you will learn: basic duck walk/stride I, stopping, how to fall properly, how to avoid falling using proper stance, getting in and out of the rink (think of them as curbs), Safe-T and turning if ready.
16. You only take the B1 class once. After that you can go to B2 where they practice all the skills from B1 (Duck walk/stride I, stopping and turning). Otherwise some students go straight up to B3.
17. Because we offer 9 levels of classes, you progress up to the next class when you are ready (or when your instructor suggests you are ready.) This is your journey designed to help YOU go where you want to go.
18. There is a 15 minute warm up before each class and a 15 minute unwind/playtime after each class. Make sure you come early enough to enjoy the full 90 minutes of classes and rink time.
19. Our front desk closes 15 minutes prior to classes (8:50am on Saturday, 9:25am on Sunday.  Students who are late will not be accommodated in their class. It is unfair to the other students and instructors to have students show up late in the class. Further, our front desk staff and gear staff need 15 minutes prior to class to close down and get ready for their own classes. Our staff works for free in exchange for classes. Honoring their attendance in class is greatly appreciated.
20. When you reach the front desk you will need to legibly write your name on the Roll Sheets (orange for kids, yellow for adults) and then check in with the staff who will write your name down on the Green Sheets. The green sheets insure your account will be kept up to day.
21. For hygiene reasons, please bring your own helmet. We do have extras should you forget.
22. We provide coffee and goodies (usually home baked pastries) in the snack bar. Please enjoy them. They do contain the usual rash of common allergy foods. Sorry about that.
23. We are grateful you are considering taking classes with us. We offer you a supportive atmosphere with top notch instruction. Since most students stay for a fairly long time, we must be doing something right. Come see for yourself what we are all about.