WESTON SKATING CLUB FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What are the Basic Skills/Learn To Skate Dates for 2009 – 2010?        

Saturday 9:30-10:30am: 11/21, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 1/2/10, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6

Saturday 10:30-11:30am:11/21, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 1/2/10, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6

Sunday 3:00-4:00pm: 11/22, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 1/3/10, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7

The cost of the classes is $235 for members ($275 for non-members). Membership in the Weston Skating Club is offered to Weston residents and Weston Town employees and they must be members to join a skating program.

Q: When do the skating programs start?  A: Open skate will be held on Sundays from 4-6pm beginning Nov. 22, 2009. Cost is free to members, while guests of members (up to 3 per family) will be $5.00 per guest. Skating classes begin 11/21 and choices of days are either Saturday or Sunday. Saturday classes are either 9:30 – 10:30am or 10:30 – 11:30am, and Sundays are from 3 – 4pm. You can sign up for more than one program, i.e. a Saturday class and a Sunday class but you or your child must attend class on the day it is held. If you are in the Saturday class, you can not make up a Saturday class in the Sunday class.

Q: How do I register?  A: To register, you may download forms from this website (also available at the Weston Recreation Department). Please mail or drop off completed forms with payment to the Weston Recreation Department office.

Q: Can I rent skates at Rivers Ice Rink?   A: No, the ice rink does not have skates or any skating equipment for rent. As registered skaters with the Weston Skating Club, The Ice House in Wellesley will give a 10% discount on new blades and boots. Other stores who sell skates are Thunder, the Natick Outdoor Store, and Tricon Sports.  Please visit the Skating Instruction Program section or the Equipment Resources section of the website for the Ice House coupon.

Q: Does it matter whether my child has figure skates or hockey skates?   A: Figure skates are highly recommended; hockey skates are harder to learn on.

Q: Do my children or I need to wear a helmet during skating lessons?   A: Skating safety equipment is recommended. This includes safety equipment designed for ice skating. During the Open Skate sessions, helmets are mandatory for children.

Q: What other clothes are recommended?   A: Mittens or gloves are very important since many kids spend time on the ice itself. For that reason, snow pants are also recommended so the skater’s clothes don’t get wet and therefore uncomfortable.

Q: During the skating lessons, are non-registered siblings, friends or parents/guardians allowed on the ice?  A: No, only registered class participants, teachers and assistants are allowed on the ice during classes.

Q: What number do I call in the event of inclement weather to see if a skating program has been cancelled?  A: Call the Weston Recreation Dept.’s 24hr answering service at 781-529-0203.

Q: What age can a child take lessons?   A: Age 4 and up are welcome.

Q: Are crates available for everyone?  A: Crates are meant for kids who need support to stand or begin taking steps on their skates. Once the skater can skate a number of steps by themselves, the crates are unnecessary and may prohibit them from progressing on their own. No aggressive behavior on the crates will be tolerated.

Q: Are the registered skaters insured?  A: Yes, each registered skater with the Weston Skating Club is insured through the United Figure Skating Association (USFSA) for the season at the Rivers Rink.

Q: Where is Rivers Ice Rink located?  A: The ice rink is located at The Rivers School MacDowell Arena at 333 Winter Street, Weston. When you drive into the school, the doors to enter the MacDowell Arena are the first set you see as you pull into the driveway.  Please drive safely through the neighborhoods surrounding the school as you come to the ice rink and park.  Please obey all posted speed limits and note the entrance into the facility is one way so when you leave you will follow the driveway around the building and exit where noted.

Revised 9/15/09