Info to prepare your skater for class
Welcome to River Blades Skating School
Fall 2026 Season
✨ Fall Session Begins Saturday, October 10! ✨
🍂⛸️ Fall Skating lessons at River Blades Skating School ⛸️🍂
Building Self Esteem & Confidence for Life
⏰ Registrater by Sept. 20th to SAVE $
Get ready to lace up your skates and join us for another exciting season on the ice!
💙 Whether your skater is learning the basics or continuing to build confidence and skills, we can’t wait to welcome you back for a fun-filled fall session!
🍁 Fall Session Details 🍁
📅 Dates: Saturday, October 10 – December 19 (10 weeks)
🚫 No Class: November 28
⏰ Class Times: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Learn to Skate, Fundamental, & Hockey/Figure Skaters Specialty Classes
11:45-12:15 PM Figure Skaters Dry Land Jumps & Stretch Class *No class Nov. 28 & Dec. 5 (we have on ice classes Dec. 5)
✨ 30-minute Learn to Skate & Specialty Classes
📍 Location: Hastings Civic Arena
🎅✨ Save the Date! ✨🎅
21st Annual Holiday Highlight: Skate with Santa
🎄 Benefiting Hastings Family Service
✨Cost: $5 suggested donation
📅 Saturday, December 12
⏰ 6:00-9:00 PM
⛸️ 6:00-7:30 PM River Blades skater performances
🎅 7:30-9:00 PM Skate with Santa & Open Skate fun for the whole family
💙 Join us for a season filled with skating, smiles, confidence-building, and memories that last a lifetime!
River Blades Skating School
Visit our news page for up to date information on our Skate with Santa Event.
❗ Private Lessons
Please email Amanda before purchasing private lessons RiverBladesSkatingSchool@gmail.com
Procedures and Guidelines
Please read today to ensure you understand the procedures and
what equipment is needed before our first day of classes.
Inclement Weather follow this link for any class cancellations
Inclement weather link
What should my skater wear for skates & attire during class?
Fall 2026 Saturday skating classes
All group lesson information will be posted in the Group Lesson Blog section of our website:
http://www.riverbladesskating.com/group-lessons-blog
River Blades Skating School
Preparing for the First Day of Classes
For important details regarding upcoming class dates, proper attire, skate fit, class structure, and general guidelines, please review the information provided below.
All announcements and updates will also be posted on the Group Lesson Blog throughout the session.
http://www.riverbladesskating.com/group-lessons-blog
Please read all information carefully so you are fully prepared for your classes at River Blades Skating School.
⛸️ Class Attire Requirements
Please read the following information carefully to help ensure your skater is fully prepared for classes at River Blades Skating School.
All skaters should arrive dressed appropriately for on-ice learning:
Beginner starter skates, hockey skates or figure skates-see recommendations below
Bike or hockey helmet (required for LTS 1–2)
Mittens or gloves
Flexible skating pants (no jeans)
Warm jacket or layered clothing
Mini-Mites & Hockey Power Skating classes can wear full gear-Monday classes bring your sticks, Wednesday classes no sticks
❗ Hockey gloves and hockey breezers are not recommended for LTS 1–2 classes.
⛸️ River Blades Skating School
⛸️ Skates: Rentals & Recommendations
Skates are available for rent at the Hastings Civic Arena on a first-come, first-served basis for $4 per week. Please call the arena in advance to check availability.
⚠️ Important Skate Notes
Hockey skates with a rockered blade are not recommended for beginner skaters
A flatter blade with a toe pick provides better balance and easier learning
Double-bladed figure skates are not recommended
If your skater already owns hockey skates, they may still be used
👣 Proper Skate Fit (Very Important)
Proper skate fit is essential for safety, comfort, and skill development.
We strongly recommend having your skater measured by a professional skate fitter
Skates should feel snug, but never painfully tight
A thin sock is best—thick socks can make skates too tight and affect performance
🧊 How to Check Fit at Home
Remove the insole and check where your skater’s foot and toes land
There should be a small amount of space at the toe, but not excessive movement inside the boot
❄️ Signs Skates May Be Too Tight
Feet feel very cold immediately after putting skates on
Toes appear white or lose color after skating
Ongoing discomfort or pressure points while skating
⛸️ Beginner Skate Guidance
For beginner skaters, we recommend:
Entry-level Riedell figure skates
Approximate price range: $100–$150
🛼 Skate Fitting & Equipment Resources
Choosing the Right Skates – In-Depth Guide
This link provides detailed information to help families understand how to properly choose and fit figure skates for their skater.
http://www.riverbladesskating.com/group-lessons-blog/2021/8/29/eezrrd25r8wdmn6pprmhv5768lr97f
Riedell Skates Information – Official Recommended Skate Provider
This page provides information from Riedell Skates, the official skate manufacturer supported and recommended by River Blades Skating School.
http://www.riverbladesskating.com/group-lessons-blog/2022/12/21/pndir3to558m1r7152idu4p8fpnfp2
🛒 Where to Purchase & Fit Skates
We only recommend trusted dealers for skate fitting, purchase, and sharpening. Riedell Skates is the official skate brand supported by River Blades Skating School.
📍 Local Skate Dealers
Strauss Skates
1751 Cope Ave E, St. Paul, MN 55109
651-770-1344
https://www.shopstrauss.com/
St. Croix Valley Rec Center Skate Shop
Stillwater Ice Arena
651-430-2601
Ask for a fitting appointment with Doug or Andy
Westwood Sports
14805 Granada Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5590
www.westwoodsports.com
🔧 Skate Sharpening (Competitive Skaters)
For competitive skaters, we recommend professional sharpening for best performance and blade care.
Fred Bartick is highly recommended in the Twin Cities area and sharpens skates from his home in Bloomington.
📱 To schedule:
Text Fred’s wife, Kim, at 763-325-3402
🧊 Questions?
If you have questions about skates, equipment, or proper fit, please contact the River Blades Skating School Director or staff for guidance.
Arrival to Hastings Civic Arena – Learn to Skate #1 & Pre-Alpha
For the first two weeks, Learn to Skate #1 and Pre-Alpha skaters will begin class on the rubber mats with their instructor to learn proper falling and getting up before going on the ice. Parents, please leave space for skaters and instructors to move freely on the mats. After a few minutes, skaters will transition onto the ice.
At-Home Practice (Recommended before first class):
If possible, have your skater try on skates at home using blade guards to protect floors and furniture. Practice the following basics:
Stand with feet hip-width apart, hands slightly forward (as if pressing on a table)
Bend knees into a squat and gently reach toward toes
Practice a controlled “fall” to the side, landing on the hip first (not knees), with hands guiding the fall
Get up by moving to hands and knees, placing one foot under the hip, then the other, and standing slowly
Practice balance by lifting one foot (like a flamingo) and holding, then switch sides
Add small marching steps in place
These simple exercises help build balance, confidence, and readiness for the ice.
What to expect the first day of class
Be sure your skaters equipment fits properly and the blades on the skates are sharpened properly.
If you need to rent skates be sure to arrive 30 minutes before the start of class-rental skates are $4.00 payable to the Hastings Civic Arena. First come first serve.
Figure Skaters we recommend getting skates sharpened by a professionals at Westwood Sports-call & ask for the owner to sharpen, or Fred Bartick for higher end figure skate sharpening-please contact Amanda if you need his phone number.
Arrive at the arena 10-15 minutes before your scheduled class-pick up your name tag on arrival at the skate school desk, return your name tag at the end of class. We occasionally attach newsletters to your skaters name tag. If your name tag isn’t returned each week we may miss communicating with you.
Your name tag will have a class color, & lesson time listed. Please leave your name tag at the front desk after class. Stop at the skate school desk each week for any announcements or updates.
Be sure to check your name tag for your class color, class time, skating level, & instructor.
Your skater will have a 30 minute lesson with an instructor. Learn to Skate #1-the first two weeks of class the instructor will meet your skater on the rubber mats to teach your skater how to stand in their skates, fall down, and balance on the rubber mats before your skater takes the ice for their class.
Where do I put my skates on?
Once you check in at the skate school table all skaters will proceed to the locker room to put skates on.
Be sure to place skates on the correct feet and tie skates snug. If your skater is brand new to skating have them put their skates on at home with blade protectors and walk on the carpet to get used to the balance of the skates.
Where are the locker rooms? Please check with our front desk staff on the designated locker room for skate tying. The locker rooms are directly behind the wall behind the office.
How do I find my teacher? One week prior to class, we will post an ice map showing your skater’s class color, instructor, and level. Each skater will also receive a name tag with a corresponding color. Please take a moment to check your skater’s class time and color before sending them onto the ice.
Our program is led by caring, professional adult instructors who are Ice Sports Industry (ISI) Certified. We are also proud to have ISI-trained high school instructors and River Blades Junior Volunteer instructors. Our high school and junior volunteer instructors are carefully trained to support our adult professional coaches and provide encouraging one-on-one attention for our beginner skaters as they build confidence on the ice.
Each class has a class color and your name tag is a certain color.
For example if you have a green name tag you will skate to the area of the rink that has the green color board hanging on the plexi glass. Keep in mind you will skate to that color when it is your class time. Please be sure to check your name tag for the class time before you send your skater to their class.
All classes will enter near the Zamboni end of the ice and Exit at the lobby end of the ice.
Parents please help us in getting our attention if your skater has not gotten to class or if you arrive late. Your skaters class time is listed on the name tag. Bring your name tag each week. Return name tags the last day of classes.
Parents please do not leave the building.
If your skater needs to use the bathroom we will look to you to take child to use the facilities.
If your skater needs you to re-tie their skates we will look to you to help with this.
Please meet your skater at the ice door at the end of class to check in with them.
For the safety of the skaters privacy please no photos or videos of our classes.
Curriculum: River Blades Skating School follows the Ice Sports Industry skill progression program
Classes at River Blades are designed with a specific step-by-step skill progression. Each level builds upon the skills learned in the previous level, helping skaters develop a strong foundation for future success. To ensure skaters are prepared and confident, it is important that they master the required skills at their current level before advancing to the next level.
LTS #2 & up the first few weeks of class your instructor will be reviewing skills from the previous level as well as introducing the new skills in the level you have registered for. If your skater needs to move up or down a level your instructor will inform me and then we will contact you for a class change.
Evaluations These classes will be evaluated the last day of class.
Learn to Skate 1, 2, 3, 4 Pre-Alpha, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Mini-Mites
Jump & Spin classes & Hockey Power Skating classes are NOT evaluated.
Please attend your last class to receive your evaluation form.
Attendance at every class is important in moving up through the levels.
ISI Membership
Pre-Alpha through Delta skaters if you want your test registered with the Ice Sports Industry National Office you will need to get an ISI individual membership from the ISI Website, send Director Amanda your ISI membership number, pay the nominal fee to Amanda to register the passing test and you will receive a badge for the passing test. Amanda receives the mailings of badges from ISI and will present them at the Spring Party Banquet. In order to compete at ISI Competitions you will need an ISI Membership Number and have your passing tests registered by Amanda in order to compete. Once your skater moves up to FS 1 you will need to book one-on-one private lessons to learn a routine and test with director Amanda.
Come try our Competition Team “Try It” classes! ⛸️
📅 STAY TUNED FOR Team TRY IT class info
⏰
👧 For skaters LTS Level 4 and up
Cost: Stay tuned
Payment can be made to director Amanda Truax by July 1
Venmo @Amanda-Truax-1
763-232-5195
How to sign up:
Please sign up using the Google link provided.
Come try out team skating at River Blades Skating School!
Meet new friends 🤝
Have fun 🎉
Do what you love — FIGURE SKATING! ⛸️💖
We offer beginner through advanced opportunities in:
👯♀️ Team Production Numbers
🌀 Synchronized Skating
🏆 Competition Teams
🌟 What is Team Production? 🌟
Team Production is a fun group skating routine built around an exciting theme! Each skater helps bring a story to life on the ice 🎭❄️
We focus on:
✨ Confidence & self-esteem building
✨ Performance & acting skills
✨ Strong skating technique
✨ Teamwork & friendship
🎬 Past Themes Include:
💃 1940’s Swing🥤 50’s Soda Pop Shop🌈 Trolls👑 Disney Princesses💥 Girl Power🎄 NYE Celebration🏫 Schoolhouse Rock
👗 Vogue Fashion🏖️ Summer Surf Party🦸 The Incredibles🏈 Jock Jams Sports Heroes💙 Scott Hamilton Heroes of Hope
💖 Barbie🌴 Welcome to Las Vegas🌸 Flamingo Girls🇫🇷 Team Paris🎢 Pool Party & Caesars Palace🧜♀️ Encanto, Mermaids, Tarzan, Hercules, Wish & more Disney favorites!
🏅 We compete 4-5 times per season at local competitions, and show and LOVE performing as a team!
Come skate, perform, and shine with us! 🌟⛸️
Private lessons
Private lessons are an excellent opportunity for skaters to receive individualized instruction and additional practice on skills they are working to master. Lessons are available with our adult and high school instructors during Open Freestyle ice sessions.
For more information or to schedule a private lesson, please contact:
Amanda Truax
Owner / Director
📧 RiverBladesSkatingSchool@gmail.com
📞 763-232-5195
🌐 www.RiverBladesSkating.com
📅 UPCOMING EVENTS FOLLOW OUR PARENTS CORNER GROUP LESSON BLOG PAGE
Group Lesson Blog Link with Events & Updates
Parents Corner Group Lesson Page
Visit our news page
📅 🍂⛸️ Get Ready for Fall Skating at River Blades! ⛸️🍂
Registration for our Fall Session opens July 29!
Whether your skater is brand new to the ice or continuing to advance through our ISI skill progression program, River Blades Skating School offers a fun, positive, and supportive environment where skaters build skills, confidence, and friendships.
📅 Disney on Ice “Find Your Hero” Sat. Nov. 21 @ 6:30 PM
Grand Casino Arena -formerly the Excel Center downtown St. Paul
We are getting group discount tickets. Stay tuned for more info.
River Blades Skating School presents River Blades Great American Road Trip Adventure!
Pack your bags and join us for an unforgettable journey on ice! This year’s show is extra special as the ice arena is transformed into a true theater-on-ice experience, complete with spotlights, curtains, and an exciting theme that takes us traveling down the River Blades Route—full of twists, turns, and nonstop adventure! 🔄✨
River Blades is excited to present our 21st Annual Themed Ice Show on:
📍 Saturday, March 6, 2027
🕖 7:00 PM
Our annual ice show is one of the highlights of the skating season and a wonderful opportunity for skaters of all ages and skill levels to perform, build confidence, make memories, and celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends. We encourage every skater to participate this year!
🛣️ Important Dates for Participating Ice Show Skaters
📝 Registration Opens: November 2026
⛸️ Rehearsals:
Saturday mornings beginning January 2027
Wednesday, February 3, 2027 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Wednesday, February 17, 2027 | 6:00–8:00 PM
🚧 Dress Rehearsal:
Friday, March 5, 2027 | 6:00 PM
🎟️ Show Date:
Saturday, March 6, 2027 | 7:00 PM
💰 Tickets:
$12 in advance
$15 at the door
Mark your calendars now and get ready to hit the road with River Blades as we travel across America through music, skating, and adventure!
OUR INSTRUCTORS
River Blades has professional instructors teaching our group lesson classes.
River Blades houses instructors that are certified and trained under these nationally recognized organizations.
ISI-Ice Sports Industry
US Figure Skating
River Blades Skating School is proud to offer high-quality instruction from experienced and dedicated coaches. Our adult instructors have between 10 and 20+ years of teaching experience and extensive backgrounds in figure skating. In addition, we train High School & volunteer junior instructors alongside our coaching staff and gain valuable teaching experience while assisting in classes.
All of our adult instructors have competitive skating backgrounds and have completed years of training and testing through the Ice Sports Industry (ISI) and/or US Figure Skating programs. Several of our instructors have enjoyed professional skating careers with Disney on Ice, while others have competed and coached at the national and international levels.
At River Blades, we are committed to providing Hastings-area youth with exceptional skating instruction in a positive and supportive environment. Our goal is to help every skater build skills, self-esteem, and confidence both on and off the ice.
We hope you enjoy your experience with our instructors and classes, and we look forward to being part of your skating journey!
Private lessons are available.
Private lesson opportunities-Please speak to Amanda if you are interested in trying out a one-on-one private lesson with one of our Figure Skating Instructors, a little one-on-one goes a long way. Also if you are interested in doing competitions in the future starting a private lesson along side our group lesson program will benefit your skater tremendously. Please visit our website for private lesson pricing www.Riverbladesskating.com
Speak with Amanda to discuss private lesson opportunities for Hockey & Figure Skaters, there are opportunities to receive a private lesson on these days/times listed below.
*Open Freestyle Ice time is $12 per person payable to River Blades
-Public Skate Ice time check the Hastings Civic Arena website for open skate times.
- Open Freestyle is on the arena website & listed on our schedules page.
Hastings Civic Arena Schedule of Open Freestyle & Public Skate
Private lessons must be pre-paid, once lesson is reserved please respect our no cancellation policy,
Visit our website for private lesson pricing packages-online packages include ice fee. www.Riverbladesskating.com
RiverBlades Mentorship Program
Did you know River Blades offers an instructor mentorship program to empower our Hastings youth?
River Blades prides itself on offering a Junior Instructor & High School Instructor teaching volunteer program ages 10 + . Our Jr. & High School Instructors attend trainings throughout the season, shadow professional instructors, and assist in classes in order to gain experience in teaching skating skills, learning how a skating school operates.
Why join our Jr. & High School Instructor program?
-Gain valuable experience in teaching skating skills for future teaching opportunities within River Blades, and future job opportunities within the ice sports industry.
-Learn the value in helping and inspiring our local youth.
-A way to give back to the community is by volunteering our program offers this opportunity.
-We want to empower our youth to become a leader through ice sports.
-We want to build self esteem and confidence in our skaters through helping others learn.
-High School Instructors can earn an income by teaching in our program while attending High School &/or College.
One-on-One consultation
If you would like to book a one-on-one phone consultation with director Amanda to talk about a plan for your skater that is new to the sport, or you have questions about “how to best guide your skater through the sport” please visit the website to register for a one-on-one phone conversation.
RiverBladesSkatingSchool@gmail.com
Please visit www.Riverbladesskating.com and subscribe to our website to receive important updates & information.
Follow River Blades on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, our website, and HastingsNow.
Event photos use the hashtag #RiverBladesSkating & #RiverBladesSkatingSchool
We look forward to seeing you in class.
Thank you,
Amanda Truax
Building self esteem & confidence for life
