Learn To Skate - Youth Classes

For skaters ages 3–17 interested in general skating, figure skating basics, or freestyle progression.

This path includes Tiny Tot, Beginner Youth Skating, Intermediate Youth Skating, Advanced Youth Skating, Freestyle, Ice Dance, and Synchronized Skating levels.

Best Starting Points:

• Ages 3–5: Tiny Tot 1 or Parent & Tot
• Ages 6–17: Beginner 1 (Pre-Alpha)
• Returning skaters: Register based on the most recent coach recommendation

View Youth Skating Classes

Progression Path:

Ages 3–5:
Parent & Tot → Tiny Tot 1 → Tiny Tot 2 → Tiny Tot 3

Ages 6–17:
Beginner 1 (Pre-Alpha) → Beginner 2 (Alpha) → Beginner 3 (Beta) → Intermediate 1 (Gamma) → Intermediate 2 (Delta) → Intermediate 3 (Freestyle 1) → Advanced 1 (Freestyle 2) → Advanced 2 (Freestyle 3) → Advanced 3 (Freestyle 4) → Freestyle 5 → Freestyle 6 → Freestyle 7

Additional development classes may include Freestyle Power, Ice Dance, and Synchronized Skating.

For skaters ages 3–17 interested in learning hockey-specific skating skills.

This path includes Hockey Tot, Pre-Hockey, Hockey Alpha, Hockey Beta, Hockey 1, Hockey 2, Hockey 3, and Hockey Power Skating.

Best Starting Points:

• Ages 3–5: Hockey Tot or Pre-Hockey 1
• Ages 6–17 and new to skating: Beginner 1 (Pre-Alpha)
• Returning skaters: Register based on the most recent coach recommendation
• Hockey 1–3 classes require full hockey gear

View Youth Hockey Classes

Progression Path:

Ages 3–5:
Hockey Tot → Pre-Hockey 1 → Pre-Hockey 2

Ages 6–17:
Beginner 1 (Pre-Alpha) → Hockey Alpha → Hockey Beta → Hockey 1 → Hockey 2 → Hockey 3

Additional development classes may include Hockey Power Skating.

Designed for children ages 3–5 who are new to the ice. These classes help young skaters build confidence, balance, coordination, and comfort through age-appropriate instruction and games. 

Parent and Tot: A parent-assisted class for young or first-time skaters who benefit from having a parent on the ice. An instructor guides both parent and child through basic skating comfort and movement.
 

Parent and Tot Time is a one-hour skating session designed especially for our youngest tots. A 15-minute lesson will be offered each week, and the rink will be set up with games for you to play with your tot. The session is for 2–5-year-old skaters accompanied by one parent.

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Saturdays – 12:15pm-1:15pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

Tiny Tot 1: For first-time young skaters ages 3–5. Skaters build comfort on the ice while learning how to fall safely, stand up, march, balance, and glide with instructor support.
Tiny Tot 1 Class curriculum:

1. Proper way to fall and get up.
2. Marching while moving
3. Two-foot jump in place
4. Single swizzle

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Monday only – 5:15pm-6:15pm

Wednesday only – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Thursday only – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Saturday only – 10:45am-11:45am

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

Tiny Tot 2: For skaters who have completed Tiny Tot 1 or are comfortable standing and moving on the ice. Skaters continue building balance, forward movement, glides, and confidence.

Class curriculum:

1. Beginning two-foot glide
2. Push and glide stroking
3. Preparation for Snowplow stop
4. Dip
5. Forward swizzle

Pre-requisite: Tiny Tot 1

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Monday only – 5:15pm-6:15pm

Wednesday only – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Thursday only – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Saturday only – 10:45am-11:45am

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

Tiny Tots 3: For skaters who have completed Tiny Tot 2 or are ready for more independent skating. This class introduces stronger glides, basic stops, turns, and preparation for the next skating level.

Class curriculum:

1. T-Position and push (right and left)
2. Backward Swizzle
3. Two-foot or One-foot Snowplow stop.
4. Backward wiggle

Pre-requisite: Tiny Tot 2

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Monday only – 5:15pm-6:15pm

Wednesday only – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Thursday only – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Saturday only – 10:45am-11:45am

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

A beginner-friendly class for young skaters interested in hockey. Skaters build balance, movement, and confidence while being introduced to basic hockey-style skating skills.

Hockey Tot First introductory hockey/skating level for ages 3-6 Class Curriculum: Proper way to fall and get-up Marching while moving Two-foot jump in place Single Swizzle.

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Wednesdays – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Thursdays – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Saturdays – 10:35am-11:35am

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For young skaters ready to begin hockey-focused skating. This class introduces hockey stance, beginner stride, balance, and movement patterns. Full hockey gear is not required unless noted.

Much like Tiny Tot, Hockey Tot focuses on the basic skills of skating, playing games with little attention on technical skills. Pre-Hockey teaches basic skills of skating introducing hockey terminology and hockey basics.

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Wednesdays – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Thursdays – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Saturdays – 10:35am-11:35am

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

Skaters continue developing hockey stance, stride, control, and early stick-handling readiness. Pre-Hockey teaches basic skills of skating introducing hockey terminology and hockey basics.

Pre-requisite: Pre-Hockey 1

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Wednesdays – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Thursdays – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Saturdays – 10:35am-11:35am

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

No prior skating experience needed. Skaters learn how to fall safely, stand up, march, glide on two feet, and build basic confidence on the ice. This is the starting point for both skating and hockey pathways.
Class curriculum:

1. Two-foot glide
2. One-foot glide/ right foot/ left foot
3. Forward Swizzle
4. Backward Wiggle
5. Backward Swizzle
6. Forward Pumps

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Mondays – 5:15pm-6:15pm

Wednesdays – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Wednesdays – 6:15pm-7:15pm (Pre-Teen/Teen Only)

Thursdays – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Saturdays – 11:45am-12:45pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For skaters who have completed Beginner 1 (Pre-Alpha) or received coach approval. Skaters build forward stroking, two-foot glides, swizzles, and early forward edge control.
Class curriculum:

1. Forward Stroking
2. Forward Crossovers left over right.
3. Forward Crossovers right over left
4. One foot snowplow stops.
5. Two-foot turn

Pre-requisite: Beginner 1 (Pre-Alpha)

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Mondays – 5:45pm-6:45pm

Wednesdays – 5:15pm=6:15pm

Wednesdays – 6:15pm-7:15pm (Pre-Teen/Teen Only)

Thursdays – 5:15pm-6:15

Saturdays – 12:15pm-1:15pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For skaters beginning the hockey pathway after Beginner 1 or with coach approval. Focuses on hockey stance, forward stride, forward crossovers, mohawks, and hockey stops.

Hockey Alpha

1. Forward stride (forward glide in ready position)
2. forward crossovers around circle
3. Backward swizzle
4. Forward to backward turn (Mohawk)
5. Stomach slide
6. Hockey stop

Full hockey gear is not required. Pre-requisite: Beginner 1 (Pre-Alpha)

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Saturdays – 11:35am-12:35pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For skaters who have completed Beginner 2 (Alpha) or received coach approval. Skaters work on backward crossovers, backward stroking, t-stops, and beginner backward skating.
Class Curriculum:

1. Backward Crossovers right over left
2. Backward Crossovers left over right.
3. Backward Stroking
4. Right T-Stop

Pre-requisite: Beginner 2 (Alpha)

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Mondays – 5:45pm-6:45pm

Wednesdays – 5:15pm-6:15pm

Thursdays – 5:15pm-6:15pm

Saturdays – 12:15pm-1:15pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For skaters who have completed Hockey Alpha or received coach approval. Focuses on backward skating, backward crossovers, backward stops, control turns, and hockey-specific skating control.

Hockey Beta

1. Backward skating (backward glide in ready position)
2. Backward crossovers around circle
3. Backward stop
4. 360 Control turn
5. Backward C cuts
6. Backward two-foot jump

Full hockey gear is not required unless noted. Pre-requisite: Hockey Alpha

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Saturdays – 11:35am-12:35pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For skaters who have completed Beginner 3 or received coach approval. Skaters learn 3-turns, mohawks, hockey stops, and introductory backward edges.

Class Curriculum:

1. Left Forward Outside 3-Turn
2. Right Forward Outside 3-Turn
3. Left Forward Inside Mohawk
4. Right Forward Inside Mohawk
5. Hockey Stop
6. Introduction to Backward Edges

Pre-requisite: Beginner 3 (Beta).

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Mondays – 5:45pm-6:45pm

Wednesdays – 5:15pm-6:15pm

Thursdays – 5:15pm-6:15pm

Saturdays – 12:05pm-1:05pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For skaters ready to begin hockey skills in full gear.

Hockey 1

1. Stationary forehand
2. Stationary backhand
3. Forward skating with puck
4. Backward skating with puck
5. Jump over stick

This class requires full gear. Pre-requisite: Hockey Beta

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Tuesdays – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Saturdays – 8:30am-9:30am

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For skaters who have completed Intermediate 1 or received coach approval. Skaters develop inside 3-turns, edge control, lunges, and introductory half-jump skills.

Intermediate 2/Delta Second Intermediate level skating class for ages 6-17

Class Curriculum:

1. Left Forward Inside 3-Turn
2. Right Forward Inside 3-Turn
3. Forward Outside Edges
4. Forward Inside Edges
5. Lunge or Shoot the Duck
6. One-half Flip

Pre-requisite: Intermediate 1 (Gamma).

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Mondays – 5:45pm-6:45pm

Wednesdays – 5:15pm-6:15pm

Thursdays – 5:15pm-6:15pm

Saturdays – 12:05pm-1:05pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For skaters who have completed Hockey 1 or received coach approval. Builds stronger puck control, passing, shooting, skating transitions, and game awareness.

Hockey 2

1. Stick handling forward
2. Passing while skating
3. Wrist shot
4. Backhand shot
5. Crossovers with puck

This class requires full gear. Pre-requisite: Hockey 1

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Tuesdays – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Saturdays – 8:30am-9:30pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For skaters who have completed Intermediate 2 or received coach approval. Skaters begin freestyle skills, including waltz jump, two-foot spin, forward spiral, and backward edges.

Intermediate 3/Freestyle 1 Third Intermediate level skating class for ages 6-17

Class Curriculum:

1. Backward outside edges
2. Backward inside edges
3. Two-foot spin
4. Forward spiral
5. Forward inside pivot
6. Waltz jump

Prerequisite: Intermediate 2 (Delta).

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Fridays – 5:15pm-6:15pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For skaters who have completed Hockey 2 or received coach approval. Focuses on advanced hockey skating, puck skills, positional awareness, and preparation for league play.

Hockey 3

1. Control turn with puck
2. Keeping puck in front
3. Keeping puck along boards
4. Taking control of opposition along boards
5. Taking control of opposition while moving

This class requires full gear. Prerequisite: Hockey 2

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Tuesdays – 4:15pm-5:15pm

Saturdays – 8:30am-9:30pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For skaters who have completed Intermediate 3 or received coach approval.

Advanced 1/ Freestyle 2 First Advanced level skating class for ages 6-17

Class Curriculum:

1. Forward outside spirals
2. Forward inside spirals
3. One-half Lutz
4. One-half Toe Walley
5. One foot spin
6. Ballet jump

Pre-requisite: Must have completed Intermediate 3 (Freestyle 1).

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Fridays – 5:15pm-6:15pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

Add-on class for hockey players looking to improve stride, edges, acceleration, balance, and overall skating power. Hockey power skating will help develop strength and edges.
Full USA Hockey Gear is required, stick is optional. Pre-requisite: Hockey 1

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Thursdays – 5:30pm-6:30pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For skaters who have completed Advanced 1 or received coach approval. 

Advanced 2/ Freestyle 3 Second Advanced level skating class for ages 6-17

Class Curriculum:

1. Backward outside pivot
2. Change foot spin.
3. Backward spiral
4. Salchow jump.
5. Toe Loop jump
6. Backward outside three turns

Pre-requisite: Advanced 1 (Freestyle 2)

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Fridays – 5:15pm-6:15pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For skaters who have completed Advanced 2 or received coach approval.

Advanced 3/ Freestyle 4 Third Advanced level skating class for ages 6-17

1. Flip jump
2. Loop jump
3. Sit spin
4. One-half loop jump
5. Backward inside three-turns
6. Backward inside spirals
7. Backward outside spirals

Pre-requisite: Advanced 2 (Freestyle 3)

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Fridays – 5:15pm-6:15pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

For advanced skaters who have completed Freestyle 4 / Advanced 3 or received coach approval. Skaters will work on Freestyle 5–7 skills at their appropriate level, including higher-level jumps, spins, footwork, edge quality, and overall skating performance. Skaters at this level are often split between mastering an axel or not. Skaters will be placed in appropriate group by evaluating speed, strength, and execution of maneuvers.
Pre-requisite: Advanced 3 (Freestyle 4) at minimum

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Wednesdays – 5:30pm-6:30pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

Add-on class for advanced freestyle skaters. Focuses on power, conditioning, jump strength, spin control, edge quality, and overall skating performance. 

Prerequisite: Freestyle 5+
 

Days and Times Available (Classes are one day per week):

Wednesdays – 5:00pm-6:00pm

Fridays – 6:15pm-7:15pm

Register for a Class

There are no refunds, make-ups, credits or switching days for missed classes. The day of the week you register for is the class you are signed up for the duration of the series.

Sharks Ice at San Jose offers four Learn to Skate seasons each year:

• Winter: January through March
• Spring: April through June
• Summer: July through September
• Fall: September through December

Each season typically includes a 12-week class series, with the Summer series offered as a 10-week series.

Registration for the next Learn to Skate series typically opens around 5 to 6 weeks before the series begins.

Please refer to this page for the most up-to-date registration opening dates, class availability, and registration links. You may also create a DaySmart account and opt into our email list for updates.

Sign up through our DaySmart portal

New skaters should use the Choose Your Class Path section above to find the best starting point based on age, experience, and skating goals.

Returning skaters should register based on their most recent coach recommendation. If you are unsure which level is best, please contact the front desk before registering.

Our skating classes are based on the ISI — Ice Sports Industry — curriculum and are open to skaters ages 3 to adult.

Our programs begin with Tots, ages 3–5, and continue through Pre-Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Freestyle, and other advanced skating levels. We also offer Hockey Learn to Skate and Adult Learn to Skate programs for skaters of different ages, experience levels, and goals.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to continue developing your skills, we have a class path for you.

Each Learn to Skate class includes a 30-minute group lesson followed by 30 minutes of supervised practice time.

During the lesson, skaters work on skills appropriate to their level, guided by qualified instructors. The supervised practice time allows skaters to reinforce what they have learned and build confidence on the ice.

Unfortunately, missed classes are not eligible for make-ups, credits, or refunds.

Yes! Skaters can register for multiple classes per week, and many families find this helps with faster progress. Each class has its own registration fee.

Refunds and credits are only considered for medical reasons. Refunds require approval from our Skating Director, so please contact us as early as possible.

Prorated late registration may be available if space remains in the class. Availability can vary by class, level, and season.

If you are interested in joining after the series has started, please check the registration portal or contact the front desk for assistance.

Class registrations are first come, first served. If a class is full, registration may no longer be available.

If a waitlist option is available, it will appear during online registration. If you do not see a waitlist option, that means a waitlist is not currently available for that class.

Yes, we are happy to help with class transfers if space is available.

Please contact the front desk or give us a call as soon as possible so we can assist you.

After registering, you can view your child’s schedule by logging into your DaySmart account and checking the My Activities section.

Skaters only need to check in at the front desk on the first week of the session to pick up their class badge.

After that, check-in takes place directly on the ice with your assigned instructor for the remainder of the series.

You can join your child on the ice if they are enrolled in a Parent & Tot class.

For all other classes, parents are asked to watch from the sidelines.

Please wear warm, comfortable clothes and gloves.

Helmets are strongly recommended for beginner skaters. Hockey classes that require full gear will be noted during registration.

Skate rentals are not included with registration but can be added at checkout.

If you would like to purchase your own skates, our Pro Shop offers a wide variety of skates for different levels and price points. A 10% discount is offered to active Learn to Skate participants.

Yes. Private lessons are available for skaters seeking additional one-on-one instruction.

Private lessons are arranged directly with an instructor. To learn more, please contact the Skating Director, the front desk, or speak directly with an instructor to discuss availability and scheduling.

Learn more about private lessons.

At the conclusion of each session, skaters receive a certificate of completion and a level-specific pin as recognition of their progress.

Skaters progress to the next level based on coach recommendation.