Skate UK - Grade 1

Below is a breakdown of the requirements for progressing through the 10 stages of Skate UK

    "The primary goal at this level is to eliminate any fear of the ice, skaters must feel comfortable with the new medium ice, coaches may use coaching aids to eliminate fear and initiate movement"

    Sit and Stand on the ice
    Gently bend your knees and sit down, keep your hands close to your body to ensure that they are not trapped under anybody elses blades. Roll into a kneeling position and place the strongest foot upright on the ice in front of you. Place both hands on the knee upright and push upwards into a standing position on both feet.

    Moving Forward (Basic Skating)
    Take up the standing position with your feet forming an L shape, push from the forward inside edge of the back foot. Transfer your body weight to the front foot standing on a forward outside edge. Keeping your toes slightly turned out, repeat on alternating feet.

    Two-Foot Glide and Dip
    Gather speed by using the basic pushes as in the last element. Bring your feet together and glide along in a straight line. Keeping your feet together bend both knees, reach down to your feet and touch the top of your boots. Return to standing position with hands at waist height for balance.

    Stepping Around on the Spot
    Take up the standing position, keep body posture strong and knees bent. Pick feet up one at a time as in marching and turn body with each step to complete a full rotation in both directions.