Group Skating Lessons
Classes at Cape Community Arena are taught by Coaches Monica Malcomson and Faye Debella, for figure and hockey skaters alike, from age 3 through adults. Registration is through Cape Community Services. Email monica@capearena.org if you are not sure which class fits your skater.
- Arrive 10 minutes early so your skater is laced up, bundled up, and on the ice at the start of class.
- Gloves with fingers rather than mittens, and flexible warm clothing.
- Helmets are recommended for beginner skaters.
- Classes meet at the far end of the rink, on a third of the ice.
- A waiver is required for all activities.
Classes
Six group classes, from first steps through edge work and choreography.
Which class is right?
The age ranges below are guidelines. What matters most is what a skater can already do, so if you are between two classes, email Coach Monica and she will point you to the right one.
Super Skate
Super Skate is an introductory class for skaters ages 3 to 12, broken into three age groups: Snowflakes (ages 3 to 5), Penguins (6 to 8), and Polar Bears (8 to 12). It is a large class that thrives on community building and bolsters confidence through games and play. The class structure consists of an independent warm up, a short guided instructional time, and dynamic games to build strength, stamina, resilience, and a sense of belonging and love for the sport.
Beginner Group Class
For hockey and figure skaters who have a solid grasp of basic skills and want to expand their foundational element skill set. Your skater must know how to safely fall, get up, march, jump in place, turn around, two-foot glide, and forward swizzle. We review those elements and then begin working on one-foot glides, dips, steering, and backwards swizzles and skating.
The age range is a guideline. What matters is the skater's ability, so contact us if you are unsure.
All Star All Skate
An inclusion class designed to embrace the needs of all aspiring skaters ages 7 and older, specifically for skaters who identify as having an intellectual or developmental disability. We offer adaptive and safety equipment as needed, such as walkers and helmets, and look forward to collaborating with caregivers when helpful. We focus on basic skills, safety, strength and coordination, interactive games, and building friendship.
Offered in collaboration with the Best Buddies Brown School chapter and the Cape Elizabeth Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Email Coach Monica for more about this class.
Power Skate Group Class
For hockey and figure skaters aiming to level up their beginner skills, such as stopping, forward and backward swizzles, and the one-foot glide. Skaters advance by practicing drills for power and speed through longer distance swizzles, stroking, and edge control both forward and backwards. We also target instruction for forward and backward crossovers. Skaters who want to improve their technique, control, speed, and power will gain a great deal from this class.
Golden Edge Group Class
Ice skating is a lifelong sport, and this class honors the joy of all adult levels. It is broken into two parts: a 15 minute guided collaborative practice and a 15 minute targeted instruction mini-lesson. Please keep the safety of your body in mind and consult with your doctor if you are longing to skate yet feeling at all physically hesitant to take part. We are excited to support you in starting or continuing your skating journey.
Creative Movement on Ice
For skaters who love the performance side of the sport and want to explore musicality and creative movement on ice. Skaters should be beyond the basics and steady on their feet while moving and gliding. We explore edge work and movements set to music, and choreography. The group decides with Coach Monica whether they would like to take part in an end-of-season showcase.
Freestyle Ice
Practice time rather than a class. Purchased in advance.
Freestyle Skating
Freestyle sessions are designated practice times for figure skaters to work on skills, jumps, spins, and programs. Lessons and coaching are permitted during freestyle sessions.
- Skaters must be 6 years or older
- At least Basic 5 or the equivalent ISI level
- A current U.S. Figure Skating or Learn To Skate USA membership
- $10 for 25 minutes, $20 for 50 minutes, $30 for 75 minutes
Freestyle ice must be purchased in advance. Sessions are not available for walk-up purchase at the rink.
Looking for something else?
Hockey programs, open skate, tournaments, and rentals are all on the programs page. Class times are on the season schedule.