If you’re thinking about trying skating for the first time, our Free Introduction Class is the perfect place to start. The Free Introduction experience begins even before you step onto the ice, starting with registration. You can easily register online here on our website, or you can give your local AZ Ice rink a call to sign up over the phone. Before registering, the only thing you’ll need to have ready is a DASH account, which helps streamline your check-in and class experience.

Once your account is set up and you’ve completed registration, you’ll come to the rink on your designated day and time. Your first stop will be the Skate Rental desk to check in. Just let the staff know that you’re attending the Free Introduction Class, and they will provide you with a sticker with your name on it. Be sure to wear this sticker somewhere visible so that the coach can easily identify you during the class. Skates are included in this session, just like our regular Learn to Skate classes. Be prepared to know your shoe size ahead of time, and make sure to inform the front desk so they can provide the correct skates for you.

After you’ve checked in, received your sticker, and put on your skates, you’ll wait in the designated area indicated by the rental staff. This is where the coach will meet you and give you a brief on-land explanation about how to fall safely and get back up. These instructions are essential to ensure a safe and confident experience for all new skaters.

During the class, you will be evaluated on several key skills that every skater needs to master. The coach will guide you through safely falling and getting back up, marching forward to build balance, performing two-foot glides and dips, and learning forward swizzles. You’ll also be introduced to basic backward skating and stopping techniques. Depending on the pace of the class and time available, the instructor may even introduce forward one-foot glides to give you a glimpse of more advanced skills.

At the end of the class, the coach will recommend a level that matches your skill and comfort on the ice. From there, you can choose to sign up for the recommended class at the front desk or explore private coaching sessions. The choice is yours!