Panthers Skating Academy
The Florida Panthers Baptist Health IcePlex at FTL War Memorial is proud to offer the Learn to Skate USA® curriculum as the developmental pipeline for the Panthers Skating Academy.
Learn to Skate USA® is endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, USA Speed Skating, and the Special Olympics.
All our instructors are members of US Figure Skating/ USA Hockey, are certified SkateSafe/SafeSport Instructors, and have successfully passed background checks.
Classes are offered as a series of lessons that meet weekly on the same day and time each week. Once you select the appropriate level for your skater the available days and times will be visible for you to select.
Want to become a Hockey Player?
Register for Snowplow Sam 1 (ages 3yrs - 6yrs), Basic 1 (ages 7yrs - 16yrs), or Adult (17+yrs).
Skaters will be assessed the first few weeks of class and moved into the proper class for their skill level if space is available.
Skaters will advance through the beginning skating levels into the Hockey Skating curriculum.
This is the path to ALL Hockey programming.
Want to become a Figure Skater?
Register for Snowplow Sam 1 (ages 3yrs - 6yrs), Basic 1 (ages 7yrs - 16yrs), or Adult (17+yrs).
Skaters will be assessed the first few weeks of class and moved into the proper class for their skill level if space is available.
Skaters will advance through all the Basic skating levels into the Figure Skating curriculum.
This is the path to ALL Figure Skating programming.
Haven't decided between Hockey or Figure?
There is a place for everyone- come skate for the fun of it!
Register for:
Snowplow Sam 1 (ages 3yrs - 6yrs)
Basic 1 (ages 7yrs-16yrs)
Adult (17+yrs)
What am I learning?
A guide to Learn to Skate USA® levels.
Snowplow Sam
Snowplow Sam features introductory classes for children 6 years and younger.
New skaters 6yrs & Under register for Snowplow Sam 1.
Required Gear: An all-sport compression helmet
Basic Skills
Basic Skills teaches the FUNdamentals of ice skating and provides the best foundation for figure skating, hockey and speed skating.
New skaters 7yrs - 16yrs register for Basic 1
Adult Skills
The Adult curriculum is designed for both beginning and experienced adult skaters who wish to improve their skating skills. Participation in the program will help promote physical fitness.
Based on prior skating experience, adults may choose to begin at the level that best matches their skill base.
All-sport compression helmets are strongly encouraged for beginning skaters.
Hockey Skills
The Hockey curriculum is designed to teach the fundamentals of hockey skating.
Proper skating techniques for the game of hockey are the primary focus of the levels. All elements will be taught without a puck and in Hockey Skates.
Required Gear: An all-sport compression helmet and hockey skates.
How does it work?
What to expect from Learn to Skate USA® sessions.
Class Lengths & Registration
Our 30-minute Learn to Skate USA Classes run for 8 weeks and include 8 Public Skate Passes for you to practice during the series.
An annual $30 registration fee is required for ALL Panthers Skating Academy Classes and includes an annual Learn to Skate USA® membership.
Public Skate Passes are not valid past the conclusion of the current Learn to Skate series.
No Make-Up Classes - No Refunds
Know Before You Go
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Arrive early. Allow at least 30 minutes prior to class to check-in, get laced up and find your class.
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ALL skaters must check in to receive a wristband. Skaters will only be permitted on the ice with a wristband.
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We do rent skates for $5. Skate sizes start at a youth 8. The largest size we rent is an adult men’s 13.
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Save on rentals with a pass! We sell an 8-pack for $36. You must be logged into your account to view and purchase any membership or pass.
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Skate fit should be snug to the foot. Please ask for assistance from one of our skate attendants to ensure proper fit of your rental skates.
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Dress warm and wear layers. Avoid jeans and other restricting clothes.
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Gloves are strongly recommended.
Helmets!
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Helmets are required and not provided for Snowplow Sam 1 - 4, Basic 1, and Hockey 1 through 4 classes. An all-sport compression helmet, like a bike helmet, is great.
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Helmets are recommended but not required for Adults 17+yrs
FREESKATE and ASPIRE LEVELS
Freeskate levels are comprised of a variety of progressive skating skills, transitions, spins and jumps — providing skaters a strong foundation of all elements. Figure Skaters must pass all Basic Skills levels inside the Learn to Skate-USA curriculum prior to enrollment.
Required Gear: figure skates (NO Rental Skates)
Our ASPIRE program will give skaters the ability to progress at their own pace by offering leveled group instruction, single skill classes, and off ice classes. Schedules and pricing will vary to allow all figure skaters to try different figure skating disciplines and grow in whatever path they choose.
Stay tuned for more information.