USFSA Learn to Skate Program

The U.S. Figure Skating Learn to Skate program was created to be the best beginning ice-skating program in the world. It is designed to serve the needs of both recreational and competitive skaters. The curriculum keeps skaters enthusiastic about learning from the time they begin lessons until the time they reach their goals. Whether they want Olympic fame or to simply enjoy the recreational benefits of skating, the Learn to Skate Program is the place to start!

SnoKing Renton offers Learn to Skate classes as well as private coaching opportunities at the Basic Skill levels, from Snow Plow Sam through Freestyle 6. 

USFSA Learn to Skate Mission

The mission of the Learn to Skate Program is to provide a goal-oriented program that encourages ice skating at all levels and to enhance the quality of skating skills at these levels.The objectives of the program are:
  • To provide a fun and safe skating experience for the beginner as well as the more advanced skater
  • To teach correct technique of the simple basic elements
  • To promote health and physical fitness
  • To enable all participants to achieve the skills necessary to either skate for fun the rest of their lives or to move competently into the U.S. Figure Skating advanced test and/or competitive structure

WHO: Developed by U.S. Figure Skating and approved by the Professional Skaters Association (PSA), the Learn to Skate Program is available to any member figure skating club, ice facility, recreation department, individual skating instructor, college, university or other organization. Club affiliation is not a requirement to use the program.​

WHAT: This exciting program consists of Snowplow Sam, Basic Skills, Free Skate, Hockey, Adult, Dance, Synchronized, Pairs, Theatre On Ice, Artistry in Motion, Speed Skating and Special Olympics/Therapeutic group class curricula. Upon completion of each level, the skater should be equipped with the necessary knowledge and technique to advance to the next level.

Learn to Skate Parents

Figure skating is a sport one can participate in individually or as a member of a team, recreationally or competitively, throughout one's life. It is fun, creative and challenging. It involves the development, practice and execution of skills that one progressively learns and builds on over time.Learning skills and mastering those skills is an important part of child development. Over the years, U.S. Figure Skating, through the expertise of its skaters, professionals and judges, and in collaboration with figure skaters throughout the world, has developed practices designed to assist individuals of all ages in learning and mastering skating skills.
Figure skating provides a wonderful opportunity for children of all ages to learn physical and mental skills to engage in a sport that is creative, challenging and fun. As parents supporting our children in their development, we look for information that will help us make informed decisions as we support our children in their activities. We hope the information we make available will provide a useful and helpful resource about figure skating and the basic skills of the sport.

Skating Parent Responsibilities


As a parent of a skater or skaters, you want the best for your child. This information should help you do much more than survive your child's skating experience. It should equip you to enjoy it to the fullest and help you make it fun and valuable for your child. To do that, you first need to understand your responsibilities as a skating parent:

1. Encourage your child to skate but don't pressure. Let your child choose to skate if he or she wants to.

2. Understand what your child wants from skating and provide a supportive atmosphere for achieving these goals.

3. Put your child's participation in perspective. Don't make skating everything in your child's life; make it a part of life.

4. Make sure the coach is qualified to guide your child through the skating experience.

5. Keep winning in perspective and help your child do the same.

6. Help your child set challenging but realistic performance goals rather than focusing only on "winning."

7. Help your child understand the valuable lessons skating can teach.

8. Help your child meet responsibilities to the coach.

9. Discipline your child's behavior when necessary, not their skating.

10. Turn your child over to the coach at practices and competitions - don't meddle or coach from the sidelines.

​Teach your child to care for their equipment and to independently prepare to be on the ice. This includes lacing skates, having the appropriate apparel and a learning attitude!

Let's Learn to Skate!