Happy Faces Sushi Art

So Vanessa wanted to learn skating.  This was her request.  I suspect it has to do with the fact that she is at Taikoo Shing almost EVERYDAY and sees other kids skating (happily) in the mall arena.  I tried to go skating with her once, but it was a challenge both for me and my biceps (poor biceps).

The lessons cost $550 for 5 lessons of 30 minutes each lesson.  You have to pay $50 for an ID card for your child, but the fees include rental of skates and other equipment they use to teach your child how to become that pro-skater and 2 guest passes into the arena or rink area.  The minimum age is 3 to start any lessons and it is a group fee with 6 kids in the group.  As a beginner and simply sourcing from other parents who have done-that-been-there, you should consider purchasing for your child:

• gloves (or mittens) – to protect those hands from the cold ice and potential danger to their digits
• knee pads (because they will fall and the knee is the part that absorbs the impact of the fall)
• helmet (for those younger children)

Vanessa in her gear.  Notice she is sitting because it was difficult for her to walk independently on the thin blades.  I think it’s something that they have to get used to, but like all eager children, falling will come second nature.

At first, I was curious about how they get the kids out there on to the ice because I don’t think throwing them on the ice will help.  There simply isn’t enough friction and they don’t understand the mechanics – yet.  But HAHAHA, the teachers so nicely bring the children their own escorted vehicles and then push them ALL the way to the far end of the rink where a section is roped off for learning.

The lessons are actually pretty good.  The teacher is an English speaker who is pretty experienced in handling a group of 6 beginner children.  6!  Who keep falling!  So he’s running around picking them up, instructing them what to do and encouraging them.  I was pretty impressed!  The kids learn to balance themselves and then with the aid of their chairs, they stomp to a large cone to deposit a ring on top and then stomp back.  There were of course, many knee bangings and slippages, but that’s part of the learning and fun right?  Glad I invested in those knee pads!

And of course, 30 minutes simply flies by and the final test is that the children venture out into unknown territory to join the full-fledged skaters and they do their victory lap.  Overall, a very successful and fun lesson for Vanessa.  She is much looking forward to her next lesson.  I think the basics are good, because at least next time maybe I will send their father to skate with them!  Victoria will start her lessons once she hits 3 – she is sooo looking forward to them.