✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • We welcome skaters of all ages, from beginners to advanced athletes. Our programs are tailored to different skill levels.

  • No prior experience is required for our beginner classes. We provide training for all levels, including absolute beginners.

  • Skaters should have figure skates*, comfortable clothing**, and gloves. Additional protective gear, like helmets or padded headbands, is recommended for beginners.

    *Rental skates are available in all sizes for $5. See FAQ pull-down for more information about purchasing skates.

    **Skaters should wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that allows for freedom of movement while ensuring safety and functionality on the ice. Athletic wear in layers is recommended. This type of attire helps skaters stay warm without restricting their range of motion, enabling them to execute their movements with ease.

  • Your own skates will always be more comfortable than rentals, so it is never too early, even for a beginner, to have their own skates. However, if you don't want to make that purchase commitment upfront, a good rule of thumb is that as skaters advance through Foundation skills and are mastering forward and backward crossovers, at this time skaters should progress out of rental skates and purchase their own pair.

    Proper skate fitting is key and is based on many factors including foot size/shape, skater height/weight, and skater's current level and future goals.

    Most brand new skates require an initial sharpening before being worn on the ice.

  • It is important to have your blades professionally sharpened by a technician trained in sharpening figure skates. It is recommended to get skates sharpened every 30 hours of skate time but that will vary by skater and skills being performed. If you feel your edges slipping, it is time for a sharpening!

    Proper skate maintenance is also important. When buying skates make sure to also purchase an absorbent towel to wipe off any moisture after use, soft blade covers ("soakers") which you will store skates in when not in use, and hard blade covers ("guards") that should be worn on the blades whenever you are not on the ice to prevent damage to the blade when walking on the ground.

    When wiping skates after use be sure to wipe moisture off not just the metal blade but also the sole of the boot and around the base of the boot if needed. It is often recommended to re-wipe your skates after getting home in case any additional condensation built up as the skates warmed outside the rink.

    It is advisable not to store skates in the car or garage, especially in the Texas heat.

  • All skaters pay an ice fee to access the facility (typically a daily pass with weekly and monthly package options). That ice fee applies whether skating for practice and/or for lessons. In addition, any instructional lessons or classes are charged based on length. The full fee schedule, including ice fees and lesson fees by coach, is available on the “Schedule” tab of the website.

  • It depends on your goals, current skill level, and available time & resources. If you're aiming for competitive success, more frequent practice and lessons may be beneficial. For recreational skaters or beginners, a couple of lessons per week, supplemented with additional practice sessions, might be sufficient. Ultimately, finding a balance that works for you and allows for consistent progress is key!

    Our coaching team will help craft a personalized training plan that takes into account your goals to set you up for success.

  • Skate VIDA operates out of The Pond Hockey Club in North Austin near the intersection of Mopac and 183 (9402 United Drive, Austin, TX 78758).

    There are two sheets of ice at The Pond referred to as “The Barn” and “The Pond”. The barn-side rink is to the left of the front lobby and the pond-side rink is to the right of the front lobby.

    During morning hours the front doors to the building remain locked for safety and instead figure skaters should enter the building through the side door by the loading dock, which is marked with the "Skate VIDA" sign. This side entrance will lead you directly into the barn-side ice sheet.

    On-site off-ice training is conducted in the open area behind the barn-side ice sheet or on the second-floor mezzanine overlooking the pond-side ice.

    Off-site training locations include “Chaparral” which refers to Chaparral Ice at 2525 Anderson Lane and “Crossover” refers to Ice & Field at The Crossover at 1717 Scottsdale Drive. Please note that lessons at Chaparral and Crossover will incur a $5 off-site fee.

  • Absolutely! Skate VIDA caters to recreational skaters as well as those interested in competition.

  • Contact us directly HERE for more information on enrollment or send us an EMAIL.

  • No, Skate VIDA is not a USFS (United States Figure Skating) Club. However, we recommend joining the Heart of Texas Figure Skating Club, which is a registered USFS club, with its home rink at The Pond. By becoming a member of Heart of Texas FSC, you'll gain access to various benefits, including the opportunity to participate in USFS-sanctioned competitions, test sessions, and events. This membership also connects you with a broader community of skaters, coaches, and resources that can enhance your figure skating journey. If you're looking to take your skating to the next level and engage more deeply with the sport, joining the Heart of Texas Figure Skating Club is an excellent choice!

    Click here for more information on the Heart of Texas Figure Skating Club.

Feel free to reach out if you have other questions or need further information!