Skating Director Mark Janoschak
Email: Skating@sugarlandice.com
Office line: 281-265-7465 ext 3
PSA Master Rated in Freestyle & Ice Dance
1992 Canadian Ice Dance Champion & Olympian
Email: Skating@sugarlandice.com
Office line: 281-265-7465 ext 3
PSA Master Rated in Freestyle & Ice Dance
1992 Canadian Ice Dance Champion & Olympian
Figure Skating
Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center offers comprehensive skating programs for all ages and levels. We have the largest amount of practice time available in the Houston area, and a full compliment of training classes both on ice and off, throughout the week. Our staff has experience with every level of skater and competitor, from the tiniest tots, to the loftiest Olympians.
May 2020
Dear Skaters and Sugar Land Ice Family,
We are thrilled to announce that we will be reopening our doors on Monday, May 18, 2020. Our number one priority is the safety and welfare of our skaters, their families and our employees in this difficult time. We are working every day to make improvements in the building and to add extra hours to cleaning and disinfecting our facility. We will do the best we can to make it a safe environment for your return. There are a number of new rules and procedures that we will be implementing to follow the current guidelines from our local and state government. We are anxious to not further the spread of COVID-19 so these new rules are required for everyone using the facility. Please see the following:
FREESTYLE RULES AND PROCEDURES:
Sugar Land Ice Management
Dear Skaters and Sugar Land Ice Family,
We are thrilled to announce that we will be reopening our doors on Monday, May 18, 2020. Our number one priority is the safety and welfare of our skaters, their families and our employees in this difficult time. We are working every day to make improvements in the building and to add extra hours to cleaning and disinfecting our facility. We will do the best we can to make it a safe environment for your return. There are a number of new rules and procedures that we will be implementing to follow the current guidelines from our local and state government. We are anxious to not further the spread of COVID-19 so these new rules are required for everyone using the facility. Please see the following:
FREESTYLE RULES AND PROCEDURES:
- We are limiting access to the building to just the skaters. Please drop your skater off for their sessions and pick them up right after they have skated. Skaters are expected to have signed in for their classes and sessions in advance and to arrive no more than 10 minutes before whatever they have reserved and leave 10 minutes following their reservations. Warmups must be done at home prior to arriving at the rink or outdoors prior to entering the facility. We are not permitting spectators or parents in the building unless your child is under the age of eight.
- All persons in the building will be expected to wear a mask at all times. This will be the rule for all employees and coaches. Skaters are also required to wear their masks while on the ice. Please secure them well and wear them over the mouth and nose. In the event of extreme breathlessness, go to an empty corner of the rink and lower your mask momentarily and then replace it before resuming skating.
- We have limited the number of skaters and coaches on freestyles to improve safety. All coaches should remain 6 feet apart and on the sideline off ice.
- Locker rooms are closed and the viewing room is closed. All restrooms have been cleaned and will continue to be cleaned vigorously and are stocked with soap for proper hand washing.
- Skaters and Employees must refrain from coming to the rink if they have been exposed to anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 or if they have any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste, chills or any other concerning symptoms. Please remain home until you are symptom free or have self-quarantined for the appropriate amount of time after a known exposure.
- Skaters should utilize their phones to check in for classes and freestyles. Failure to do this will result in denial of access, financial penalty, or both. We will not be using the rink side IPad at this time. There will be no music played from rink sideline until further notice. A Bluetooth solution is being looked into.
- All persons in the building should adhere to strict social distancing. All skaters, coaches and parents are asked to try to maintain a 6 ft distance at all times. Anyone not adhering to these rules will be asked to suspend their time at the rink until this pandemic is behind us.
- We think that we can hold freestyles safely for everyone involved. Please help us follow these guidelines to ensure the safest possible experience for everyone. We are excited and look forward to having you back.
Sugar Land Ice Management
The Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center offers an excellent Figure Skating developmental programs in which skaters may enjoy a wide variety of classes for beginners through advanced levels.
Competitions, shows, exhibitions, recitals, and the US Figure Skating Basic Skills Program encourage participation from the young to the young at heart. We have a highly qualified Professional Coaching Staff that includes National coaches and former World and Olympic competitors. Each coach is a member of at least one of the following organizations recognized worldwide: Ice Skating Institute (ISI), US Figure Skating, US Figure Skating Basic Skills, Professional Skater's Association (PSA).
For information on beginning figure skating classes, please visit the Learn To Skate page.
Contact Information: skating@sugarlandice.com
Competitions, shows, exhibitions, recitals, and the US Figure Skating Basic Skills Program encourage participation from the young to the young at heart. We have a highly qualified Professional Coaching Staff that includes National coaches and former World and Olympic competitors. Each coach is a member of at least one of the following organizations recognized worldwide: Ice Skating Institute (ISI), US Figure Skating, US Figure Skating Basic Skills, Professional Skater's Association (PSA).
For information on beginning figure skating classes, please visit the Learn To Skate page.
Contact Information: skating@sugarlandice.com
Frequently Asked Questions
When do skaters start learning the sport of "figure skating?"
Basic 1-5 Learn to Skate classes cover basic skating skills that all skaters in any discipline will need (hockey, speed skaters, or figure skaters.) Beginner figure skating skills start at the Basic 6 level with a skater's first small jump called a "bunny hop" and a balancing skill called a "spiral." Pre-Freeskate and Pre-Freeskate Plus prepares skaters for single jumps and basic spins, which they will learn in Freeskate 1-6. The detailed curriculum list for the freeskate levels is available HERE.
What happens after freeskate 6?
Leveled group classes conclude after freeskate 6. At that point, skaters need to hire a private coach to continue learning the skills of figure skating, which will include jumps beyond the singles and advanced spins. Skaters will also have several supplemental "training" group classes available to take at the rink. With a private coach, skaters can opt to enter competitions or take U.S. Figure Skating tests. The tests are similar to the way belts work in karate - with each level signifying a mastery of skills in the sport. Details about testing can be learned about HERE. In order to test, skaters have to be full U.S. Figure Skating members which they can attain through a club. The home club of Sugar Land Ice and Sports center is the Texas Gulf Coast Figure Skating Club. Additional questions about these topics of testing and competing should be directed to the skater's private coach.
How to I choose a private coach?
Most group lesson instructors are certified to teach private lessons, but some have not reached that level yet. Skaters may inquire directly to instructors they are interested in. For more information about private lessons and coaches, go the private lesson page, HERE.
Basic 1-5 Learn to Skate classes cover basic skating skills that all skaters in any discipline will need (hockey, speed skaters, or figure skaters.) Beginner figure skating skills start at the Basic 6 level with a skater's first small jump called a "bunny hop" and a balancing skill called a "spiral." Pre-Freeskate and Pre-Freeskate Plus prepares skaters for single jumps and basic spins, which they will learn in Freeskate 1-6. The detailed curriculum list for the freeskate levels is available HERE.
What happens after freeskate 6?
Leveled group classes conclude after freeskate 6. At that point, skaters need to hire a private coach to continue learning the skills of figure skating, which will include jumps beyond the singles and advanced spins. Skaters will also have several supplemental "training" group classes available to take at the rink. With a private coach, skaters can opt to enter competitions or take U.S. Figure Skating tests. The tests are similar to the way belts work in karate - with each level signifying a mastery of skills in the sport. Details about testing can be learned about HERE. In order to test, skaters have to be full U.S. Figure Skating members which they can attain through a club. The home club of Sugar Land Ice and Sports center is the Texas Gulf Coast Figure Skating Club. Additional questions about these topics of testing and competing should be directed to the skater's private coach.
How to I choose a private coach?
Most group lesson instructors are certified to teach private lessons, but some have not reached that level yet. Skaters may inquire directly to instructors they are interested in. For more information about private lessons and coaches, go the private lesson page, HERE.
Training Classes
Power Builder
After skaters pass Bronze and Silver Power Builder, they are promoted to "Gold Power Builder." Gold Power Builder continues the focuses of cardiovascular endurance, agility, speed, power and skating technique in a full rink class set to upbeat music. Skaters are pushed and the improvement in their strength and fluidity will be evident. High Gold Power Builder is reserved for skaters who have passed the Preliminary moves in the field test and/or have gone through the other stroking/power classes and are ready for a particularly advanced challenge.
Off Ice Conditioning
Becoming a strong figure skater doesn't just happen on the ice. Skaters need to build strength off the ice in order to succeed on the ice. In addition to strength exercises, skaters also do drills and agility exercises.
Off Ice Jump and Conditioning
This class focuses on jump technique and positions. Skaters will do jumping and rotational drills off the ice that will help them on the ice. The class may also consist of strengthening exercises to aid in better jumping.
Off Ice Stretch
Flexibility is a major aspect of overall athletic ability, can prevent injury, and also allow skaters to perform impressive skills. In this stretch class, skaters learn safe ways to increase their flexibility and work on building the strength needed to support it. Some common stretches that the skaters will work on are splits and back bends.
After skaters pass Bronze and Silver Power Builder, they are promoted to "Gold Power Builder." Gold Power Builder continues the focuses of cardiovascular endurance, agility, speed, power and skating technique in a full rink class set to upbeat music. Skaters are pushed and the improvement in their strength and fluidity will be evident. High Gold Power Builder is reserved for skaters who have passed the Preliminary moves in the field test and/or have gone through the other stroking/power classes and are ready for a particularly advanced challenge.
Off Ice Conditioning
Becoming a strong figure skater doesn't just happen on the ice. Skaters need to build strength off the ice in order to succeed on the ice. In addition to strength exercises, skaters also do drills and agility exercises.
Off Ice Jump and Conditioning
This class focuses on jump technique and positions. Skaters will do jumping and rotational drills off the ice that will help them on the ice. The class may also consist of strengthening exercises to aid in better jumping.
Off Ice Stretch
Flexibility is a major aspect of overall athletic ability, can prevent injury, and also allow skaters to perform impressive skills. In this stretch class, skaters learn safe ways to increase their flexibility and work on building the strength needed to support it. Some common stretches that the skaters will work on are splits and back bends.
