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Learn to Skate

The Goggin Ice Center offers a complete recreational skating program with classes for all ages and abilities. Skaters earn level certification through a final skills test at the end of each session. Classes are offered weekly during multiple sessions in the year.

Program Registration

Group Descriptions

Classes for Ages 3-5

TOT 1

All Tots must wear helmets on the ice. Instruction for 3–5 years old. The focus is on learning to fall and recover correctly. Balance, self-confidence, and basic skating skills such as marching across the ice, dipping in place, and two-foot glides. A beginner who has never skated before belongs in TOT 1.

TOT 2

All Tots must wear helmets on the ice. Instruction for 3–5 years old. For the skater who has passed TOT 1 level. The focus is on learning to fall and recover correctly. Balance, self-confidence, and basic skating skills such as marching followed by a long glide, dip while moving, backward wiggles, forward swizzles, rocking horse, and hopping in place.

TOT 3

All Tots must wear helmets on the ice. Instruction for 3–5 years old. For the skater who has passed TOT 2 level. The focus is on learning to fall and recover correctly. Balance, self-confidence, and basic skating skills such as forward skating, forward one-foot glide, forward swizzles, backward swizzles, forward snowplow stops, and curves. After passing TOT 3, the skater will move up to Basic 1 or 2 at the discretion of the Skating Director depending on what is best for the skater’s progress.

Hockey 1

Open to 3–9 years old. For the skater who has completed TOT 2 or Basic 1 and wants to get involved with our hockey programs. Fall and recovery, proper forward and backward stance, march across the rink, rocking horse, forward swizzles, backward wiggles, snowplow stop, T-push, and 1-foot glides are all taught.

Please check with the Learn to Skate Director to see if your child’s skating skills are ready for the Hockey 1 class.

Classes for Ages 6 and Up (Including Adults)

Basic 1

For the skater who is 6 years old and older and has never skated before. Correct falling and recovery, skating posture and balance, forward swizzles, backward wiggles, dips, two-foot glide, snowplow stop, and basic skating fundamentals are all taught. Helmets are recommended for all beginner skaters (bike helmets work fine)

Basic 2

For the skater who has completed Tot 3 or the Basic 1 level. Scooter pushes, one-foot glides, backward two-foot glides, backward swizzles, backward wiggles, two-foot turns in place, and moving snowplow stops are all taught.

Basic 3

For the skater who has passed the Basic 2 level. Forward stroking, forward half pumps on the circle, moving two-foot turns, backward one-foot glides, backward snowplow stops, and forward slaloms are all taught.

Basic 4

For the skater who has passed the Basic 3 level. Forward outside and inside edges on a circle, forward crossovers, backward pumps on the circle, backward one-foot glides, and beginning two-foot spins are all taught.

Basic 5

For the skater who has passed the Basic 4 level. Backward inside and outside edges on a circle, backward crossovers, Forward outside 3-turn, and advanced two-foot spin are all taught.

Basic 6

For the skater who has passed the Basic 5 level. Forward inside 3 turns, moving backward, two-foot turn, backward stroking, beginning one-foot spin, T-stop, bunny hop, and forward spiral are all taught.

Passed Basic 6? What's Next? The Aspire Class!

Aspire

The Aspire class is for skaters who have passed basic 6 and are thinking about transitioning into private lessons and participating in competitions. New skills are taught including jumps and spins and foundation skills from previous levels are reinforced too. Please contact  David Goodman for further information.

Adults

We welcome adults into our group classes!

Adults of ALL ages are placed in the class level that is the most appropriate for their skating experience.

Whether you are a complete beginner or bring some experience with you to the ice, we have a place for you.

Hockey 1

Open to 3–9 years old. For the skater who has completed Tot 2 or Basic 1 and wants to get involved with our hockey programs. Fall and recovery, proper forward and backward stance, march across the rink, rocking horse, forward swizzles, backward wiggles, snowplow stop, and T-push and 1-foot glides are all taught.

Please check with the Learn to Skate Director to see if your child’s skating skills are ready for the Hockey 1 class.

Intro to Synchro

For skaters at the Basic 3 thru 6 levels as well as Aspire class skaters. Skaters will work on introductory synchronized skating skills and formations including, lines, wheels, circles, and intersections. Performance opportunities at Goggin Ice Center (TBD) with the team will come up throughout the season. Skaters in Intro to Synchro should also continue to improve their individual skating skills by participating in another Learn to Skate class and/or private lessons.

Contact David Goodman for more information.

Learn to Skate Schedule

All registrations include free skate rental.

SESSION 1: FALL 2024 (Aug. 20 - Sep. 24)

SESSION 1: FALL 2024
Day(s) Dates Time Classes Offered Duration No Class Registration Cost
Tuesdays Aug. 20 - Sep. 24 6:15 - 6:45 pm Tot 1,2,& 3; Basic 1,2; Hockey 1 & Aspire 6 Week Session N/A $90
Tuesdays Aug. 20 - Sep. 24 6:50 - 7:20 pm Basic 3,4,5,6 & Intro to Synchro 6 Week Session N/A $90

Register

SESSION 2: FALL 2024 (Oct. 8 - Dec. 6)

SESSION 2: FALL 2024
Day(s) Dates Time Classes Offered Duration No Class Registration Cost
Tuesdays Oct. 8 - Dec. 3 6:15 - 6:45 p.m. Tot 1,2,& 3; Basic 1,2; Hockey 1 & Aspire 8 Week Session Nov. 26 $120
Tuesdays Oct. 8 - Dec. 3 6:50 - 7:20 p.m. Basic 3,4,5,6 & Intro to Synchro 8 Week Session Nov. 26 $120
Fridays Oct. 11 - Dec. 6 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Tot 1,2,3 & Basic 1,2 8 Week Session Nov. 29 $60
Saturdays Oct. 12 - Nov. 23 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. Tot 1,2,& 3; Basic 1 thru 6 & Hockey 1 7 Week Session N/A $105

Register

SESSION 3: WINTER 2025 (Jan. 7 - Feb. 15)

SESSION 3: WINTER 2025
Day(s) Dates Time Classes Offered Duration No Class Registration Cost
Tuesdays Jan. 7 - Feb. 11 6:15 - 6:45 p.m. Tot 1,2,& 3; Basic 1,2; Hockey 1 & Aspire 6 Week Session NA $90
Tuesdays Jan. 7 - Feb. 11 6:50 - 7:20 p.m. Basic 3,4,5,6 & Intro to Synchro 6 Week Session N/A $90
Fridays Jan. 10 - Feb. 14 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Tot 1,2,3 & Basic 1,2 6 Week Session N/A $45
Saturdays Feb. 11 - Feb. 15 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. Tot 1,2,& 3; Basic 1 thru 6 & Hockey 1 6 Week Session N/A $90

Register

SESSION 4: SPRING 2025 (Feb. 18 - Apr. 5)

SESSION 4: SPRING 2025
Day(s) Dates Time Classes Offered Duration No Class Registration Cost
Tuesdays Feb. 18 - Apr. 1 6:15 - 6:45 p.m. Tot 1,2,& 3; Basic 1,2; Hockey 1 & Aspire 6 Week Session Mar. 25 $90
Tuesdays Feb. 18 - Apr. 1 6:50 - 7:20 p.m. Basic 3,4,5,6 & Intro to Synchro 6 Week Session Mar. 25 $90
Fridays Feb. 21 - Apr. 4 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Tot 1,2,3 & Basic 1,2 6 Week Session Mar. 28 $45
Saturdays Feb. 22 - Apr. 5 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. Tot 1,2,& 3; Basic 1 thru 6 & Hockey 1 6 Week Session Mar. 29 $90

Register

SESSION 5: SUMMER 2025 (TBD)

SESSION 5: SUMMER 2025
Day(s) Dates Time Classes Offered Duration No Class Registration Cost
TBD TBD TBD Tot 1,2 & 3; Basic 1 thru 6; Aspire 4 Week Session N/A $60

Register

Learn to Skate FAQ's

Please arrive early on the first day of class to check in and put your skates on. All skaters need to stop at the check-in table first.

What if I don’t have my own skates?

Free skate rental is included with your Learn to Skate class registration. You will go to the pro shop before each class to pick up skates.

What size skate do I ask for at the pro shop?

Let the pro shop staff know your shoe size and they will find you the correct skate size.

What type of skate should I ask for at the pro shop?

Figure skates (the brown skates at the pro-shop) are recommended for all first time skaters, as they make it easier for the skater to balance. No one particular type of skate is required for any class.

Where do I go for my skating class?

All skaters meet in the main lobby in front of the pro shop with their instructors before they head to the ice surface together.

Can parents watch skating class?

All skaters meet in the main lobby in front of the pro shop with their instructors before they head to the ice surface together.

Should I wear a helmet to skate?

Helmets are MANDATORY for ALL TOT 1, 2, and 3 skaters and strongly encouraged for all beginners in Basic 1 and 2. Bike helmets are great for these classes! Goggin has limited spare helmets in small sizes only, so be sure to bring yours!

What should I wear to skate?

Skaters need to wear long pants and long sleeves when they are skating. Gloves are necessary for all Tot classes as they will be sitting on the ice frequently throughout the lesson. Wear socks that are tall enough to cover the ankle and top of the skate to prevent the skate from rubbing your skin.

Where do I park?

We encourage you to use the Campus Avenue parking garage or metered parking on Campus Avenue located directly across the Goggin Ice Center’s Lobby entrance.

More Questions?

Please contact David Goodman.

Contact Us

Our Services

Goggin Ice Center, located on the campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, is a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a hub for ice sports and recreational activities. With two NHL-sized ice rinks, the Goggin Ice Center offers space for figure skating, hockey games, and public skating sessions. Goggin Ice Center hosts various events throughout the year, including youth hockey tournaments and learn-to-skate programs. Whether you are looking to improve your skills or simply enjoy a leisurely skate with loved ones, Goggin Ice Center is the perfect destination for an unforgettable skating experience near you.