Every champion
started with a wobble.
Glide Academy welcomes first-timers, fearless four-year-olds, and future competitors — all on the same ice.
First steps on the ice
Resources for nervous first-timers, tiny skaters, and the parents clutching coffee behind the glass.
What to Wear for Your First Skate
Thick socks, warm layers, and no scarves around the neck. Here's exactly what fits under a rental boot.
Browse Class Schedule →Years old welcome
Our youngest skaters are three. Our most nervous are twelve. All are brave.
The Rink-Bag Checklist
- Wool socks (not cotton)
- Gloves or mittens
- Helmet for under-7s
- Water bottle
- Change of dry socks
- Snack for after
Skate Sizing for Growing Feet
Rental skates that fit well make all the difference. Download our sizing chart — it accounts for thick socks and half-sizes.
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Learn to Glide — Ages 3–5
Forty-five minutes of snowplow stops, falling safely, and getting back up with a smile.
Browse Class Schedule →How to Help Without Hovering
The best thing you can do is stay behind the glass and cheer. Here's why — and how.
of beginners fall. That's the plan.
Building real skills
Spins, jumps, competition levels, and the vocabulary that makes a skater feel like a skater.
Your First Waltz Jump, Step by Step
Edge, pick, rotation, landing. We break it into four checkpoints so nothing feels impossible.
Browse Class Schedule →Competition Level Glossary
Pre-Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Gamma — and how ISI differs from USFSA. One page, plain language.
- Pre-Alpha through Delta levels
- ISI vs USFSA pathways explained
- When to enter your first competition
from first snowplow to first spin
Two-Foot Spin Breakdown
Coach Renata shows the entry edge, the center of gravity, and the common mistake that kills the rotation.
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Hockey Kids Who Want to Try Figures
Edges carry over. Your child already has a head start.
Browse Class Schedule →Structured Weekday Ice Time
Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 9–11am. Small groups, coach-supervised, curriculum-aligned movement goals.
Browse Class Schedule →Stories of confidence
Recital highlights, parent testimonials, and a progress journal for every young champion.
"Nadia cried in the parking lot before her first lesson. By week three she was dragging me to the rink early. Glide gave her something I couldn't — a place where wobbling is just the beginning."
The Year-End Ice Show
Forty-three skaters. Sequins, fog machines, and parents crying behind their phones.
My Skating Journey Progress Journal
A printable journal for kids to track skills, set goals, and celebrate each milestone with stickers.
"Marcus started in the rental skates. He's on his third pair of his own now. The coaches here actually remember his name."
kids performed in our spring recital
First Competitions, First Ribbons
We don't push competitions. When a skater is ready, we enter them. Every ribbon goes on the wall.
"Our homeschool co-op has used Glide for Tuesday ice time for two years. The coaches are patient, the ice is well-maintained, and our kids actually look forward to Tuesdays now."
Ready to step onto the ice?
The Starter Kit has everything a first-timer needs — skate sizing chart, rink-bag checklist, and a welcome video from Coach Renata.
Free forever · No credit card needed
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