New Adult Learn To Skate Program Starting In Chestermere

“Let’s look at the process of learning to skate. First of all, if skating were easy, it wouldn’t take years to learn the sport. So get over the notion that you will get results, any kind of results, quickly. You absolutely must fall in love with the process of skating. And the process of skating involves a lot of self-examination. You will learn to face your fears. You will learn perseverance like you’ve never experienced it. And you will have the greatest highs in the world when after months of working at something without any indication of improvement you have an “AHA!” moment and suddenly find yourself gracefully and seemingly effortlessly doing that which only a month ago seemed impossible. Skating involves complete control over every single muscle in your body. Learn to focus NOT on getting the trick, but on gaining a greater sense of awareness of your body and increased control of it. The ice rink is the skater’s laboratory. It is where we go to experiment. What happens if I turn my head this way? What happens if I lean a little more that way? What happens if I drop my shoulder another 1/2 inch? If you go to each skating session with the goal of learning more about how your body affects your skating, you will never leave frustrated. You may learn 1001 and things that do not help you with this trick. But you will have learned some interesting things. Have fun and keep working at it. Because if you work at it long enough and have patience, the skating gods will visit you with a lovely “Aha!” and all the pain and suffering will instantly be forgotten.” (Adapted from “What I get from skating”, by Janet Swan-Hill)
Have you always wanted to learn to skate? Or have you taken a break from skating and want to get back on the ice? Then this class is for you! Join our new Adult Learn to Skate program with certified skating instructor Alex Sergeev. In these 45 minute classes, participants will learn proper skating technique, backward skating, turns etc. You will learn at your own pace in a fun environment. This is a great way to be active, meet some new friends and enjoy this classic Canadian winter pastime!
The program is designed for individuals who are doing first steps on the ice and for those looking to take their skating skills to the next level. Class format is for 5 to 8 skaters in a group. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 – 12:45pm at the Chestermere Recreation Centre starting March 18th until May 1st. Participants are welcome to stay and practice for an extra ½ hour from 12:45 – 1:15pm. The cost is $125.00 for 12 classes and participants can register on line at www.chestermerecrca.com or in the main office at the Chestermere Recreation Centre located at 201 West Chestermere Drive. CSA approved hockey helmets are mandatory to ensure each participants safety. Alex is also available for private or semiprivate lessons.
Chestermere is very lucky to have Coach Alex in our community. He has been coaching figure skating for 15 years, working with hockey teams to improve skating skills, running CanPower classes for beginner hockey players up to midget and teaching tiny tot’s groups/preschoolers for the past 2 years at the Chestermere Recreation Centre. Alex is a ranking Level 3 PSA (Professiaonal Skating Assosiation,USA) coach and a certified Level 2 Skate Canada and Canpower coach. He is also a Former Master of Sport ranking as a Sankt-Petersburg, Russia athlete and has 10 years of International Ice Shows experience. He is currently coaching with the Ice Edge Figure Skating Club in Chestermere. If you have any questions or would like more information please contact coach Alex: a.sergueev@yahoo.com or recreation@chestermerecrca.com.