Skating school

Do you want to learn the basics of skating and tricks just like competitive skaters?

With us, you can start your skating journey without any prior skills!

In the skating school, we joyfully practice the fundamental skills of skating under professional coaching. Skaters are divided into small groups based on age and skill level, ensuring that everyone finds a group that suits them.

GROUPS:

• Tenavat (3-6 year olds)
• Koululaiset / School age (7-13 year olds)
• Adult+child (3-5 year olds)

If your child is not yet confident enough to attend skating school alone, there will be an opportunity to register for an adult + child group (for ages 3-5) in the fall of 2024, where the child can explore the world of skating with a familiar and trusted adult. This group is specifically designed for children who have no experience being on the ice. The adult accompanying the child must be capable of assisting them and maintaining their own balance.

The price for our skating school and the adult + child group for the semester (autumn/spring term) is €150. This fee includes ice time, coaching, membership fee, and insurance for the skating school. If you hop in mid season, you are entitled to a discounted price!

The autumn term starts on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, and we practice every Tuesday from 17:15 to 18:00 (the adult + child group from 17:15 to 17:45 ) at the Porin training ice rink (Porin harjoitusjäähalli, Urheilutie 9) 

The schedules are always available on the website www.porita.net under the schedules (aikataulut) section.

Information about figure skating and PoriTa's skating school

If your dream is to become a competitive figure skater, it is recommended to start skating at an early age, around 4-6 years old. However, even those starting later can develop into recreational competitors, as there are plenty of competition levels available in Finland. Skating can also be pursued purely for the joy of movement!

Starting early is beneficial for other reasons, even if competition is not on the agenda. A child's motor skills create the foundation for movement, and the best time to learn these skills is during preschool age. At this stage, learning happens more quickly. It's also nice to know how to skate before participating in school physical education classes!

As a sport, figure skating particularly develops balance, muscle strength, coordination, flexibility, speed, and endurance. Therefore, it is a diverse and developmental form of exercise!

In the skating school, we teach the basics of figure skating through games and activities, such as forward and backward skating, gliding, stopping, turns, and the first jumps and spins. The goal is to inspire skaters to engage with the sport and support the child’s personal development.

The exercises during practice sessions are based on the Star Diploma levels created by the Finnish Figure Skating Association, which are completed in the autumn and spring. Skaters progress through the levels according to their skills and receive a Star Diploma as a keepsake at the end of each season.

The autumn term lasts from the beginning of September until Christmas. The spring term begins in early January and runs until April. Both the autumn and spring terms culminate in a joint performance (Ice Show) by the club, in which the skating school participants can also take part!

As skills develop, it is possible to progress from the skating school to the advanced skating school (taitokoulu) or development groups, where weekly practice increases and training becomes more diverse. There’s certainly a path for every skater!

Our club’s coaches and instructors are primarily trained by the Finnish Figure Skating Association.

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Billing: Invoices for the skating school’s term and membership fees will be issued at the beginning of the skating season. For sibling discounts and other payment matters, please contact the club’s treasurer.

Note: Insurance becomes effective only after registration has been completed and the invoice has been paid!

The first skating session in the skating school is a "trial session." Parents are welcome to attend the first few sessions if they wish, as this may help ensure the child's continuity in the new activity. Billing will begin from the second skating session. Registration for the skating school must be done through the registration form available on the club’s website. If a skating school participant decides not to continue, this must be communicated immediately via email to the skating school coordinator.

Clothing/Equipment:

For safety reasons, every skating school participant must wear a helmet during practice. Insurance is only valid if the helmet is worn.

Clothing is an important part of comfort during training. It should not be too hot or thick, allowing for ease of movement. Although the ice rink may feel cold, heavy winter clothing can easily be too much. Therefore, layering is recommended, using a base layer to keep the child comfortable while practicing. It’s also a good idea to bring gloves that fit well.

Each skating school participant must also have their own skates. They don’t need to be top-quality skates, but they should be the right size and provide ankle support. Additionally, it’s important for the blades to be sharp.

Please note that the training ice rink can be quite cold, especially in winter.

Sign up through the link below and secure your spot in our joyful skating school!

See you at the rink! 

For more information: 

veeravalkealaakso.porita@gmail.com / skating school coordinator

rahastonhoitaja.porita@gmail.com / billing