Ice Oasis

Skating is one of the most important aspects of hockey - the stronger the skater the better the player. At Nazareth Ice Oasis we believe it's important for children to have a good foundation of fundamental skating mechanics before they begin to learn the other skills needed to play hockey.

Our Skating School is one of the largest in the Bay Area and all classes taught by professional instructors. Our three-step Skating School Program for Hockey Players helps young players quickly accelerate from fundamental skating to starter hockey to rookie hockey—where sticks and pucks are introduced. In this way the program ensures fundamentals are in place before children enter the Ice Oasis Youth Program — giving them an added measure of confidence when they begin game play.

Our Program for Hockey Players

Our Skating School Program for Hockey Players begins with skating fundamentals taught at the Tot or Beginning level depending age level. Beginning skaters must pass the Pre-Alpha criteria to enter Starter Hockey where fundamental hockey skills such as controlled turns are introduced. Graduates from Starter Hockey participate in Rookie Camp where sticks and pucks are introduced. Gear is required to participate in Rookie Camp. Equipment may be borrowed from the rink with prior arrangement.

Beginning skating classes are taught by instructors that have competed in national level figure skating competitions or those with more than 10 years teaching experience. Starter Hockey and Rookie Hockey classes are led by Nazareth Ice Oasis Youth Hockey Director, Ruben Ayala.

If your child already has some skating experience we will evaluate their skills and place them at the appropriate level. Private skating lessons can also be arranged to help your child attain parallel achievements.

3 Steps to a More Able and Confident Player

Step 1: New to Skating

• Class: Tots Level 1

• Ages: 3 to 5 Offered: Tuesday 3:30, Wednesday 5:20, Saturday 11:45

• Entry criteria: No experience needed

• Covers: Standing, proper way to fall, proper way to get up, marching in place, marching while moving, 2-foot jump in place, forward swizzle in place, moving swizzle.

• Class: Tots Level 2

• Ages: 3 to 5 Offered: Tuesday 3:30, Wednesday 5:20, Saturday 11:45

• Entry criteria: Tots Level 1 (pass)

• Covers: Preparation for beginning stroke, preparation for snowplow stop, forward swizzle, backward swizzle, backward wiggle, one foot glides, T-position and push.

• Class: Beginning 1

• Ages: 6 and up Offered: Tuesday 4:00, Wednesday 5:20, Saturday 11:45

• Entry criteria: No experience needed

• Covers: Beginning 2-foot glide, introduction to 1-foot glide (right/left), beginning forward and backward swizzle, beginning backward wiggle, intro to stopping. Note that skills are not mastered but understood.

• Class: Pre-Alpha

• Ages: 6 and up Offered: Wednesday 5:20, Saturday 11:45

• Entry criteria: Beginning 1 (pass)

• Covers: 2-foot glide, 1-foot glide (right/left), at least 6 forward an d backward swizzles, 6 backward wiggles, 2-foot snowplow stop. Note that skills become mastered at this level.

Step 2: Starter Hockey Class: Starter Hockey

• Ages: 6 and up Offered: Saturday 11:45

• Entry criteria: Pre-Alpha (pass)

• Covers: Ready position, glide in ready position, one foot inside edge glide around cone, controlled turns, crossover walks, control stops (right/left), Backwards skating.

Step 3: Rookie Hockey Camp Class: Starter Hockey

• Ages: 6 and up Offered: Saturday 2:00-3:10

• Entry criteria: Starter Hockey (pass)

• Covers: Straight line one foot pushes, forward stride, backward C cuts, backward glide in ready position. Stationary stick handling, forward skating with the puck, forward skating while stick handling, passing.

• Note: The first 30 minutes of Rookie Camp is conducted on the far end of the ice during public session.

 Instruction focuses on skating fundamentals. After the ice cut players have 30 minutes of additional instruction with sticks and pucks focusing on stick handling and puck control. Players are required to have full gear: helmet, chest protector, elbow pads, hockey pants, shin guards, gloves and stick. Dress in the Yellow locker room.

Cost and Schedule

Classes run in 6, 7 or 8 week cycles depending on the semester. Class costs include skate rentals and are listed below. Ice Oasis Membership is not required to attend Skating School.

6 weeks $78.00

7 weeks 91.00

8 weeks 104.00

Sign Up

Our staff is always available to answer questions you may have. To learn more contact Skating School Director Susan Blaisdell or Youth Hockey Director Ruben Ayala at 650-364-8090. You can also find out more about our Skating School at quick facts.