Classes / lessons (LTSS)East Penn is dedicated to coaching and development. Our skaters range from absolute beginners to Olympic athletes, and our instructors come from far and wide to help out at our frequent "Learn to Speed Skate" clinics at each of our training locations. Techniques taught include basic body position, edges, turns, starts, and speed development.
What to know before you come
Speed skate rentals are included. You must bring a helmet (bike helmets are okay to start), soft knee pads, gloves, long sleeves, and long pants (flexible but ideally tight-fitting, so we can evaluate your body position).
Since these clinics are hosted by our rinks, East Penn and USS memberships are not required. The Steel Ice Center does require membership with US Figure Skating ($12/year, payable when you arrive at the rink).
Arrive at least half an hour early to get suited and booted up!
Badges
You can try for badges to mark your speed skating progress. We follow the same badge program as Midland Speed Skating Club.
- Skate 2 laps without falling
- Skate 5 laps without stopping
- Skate 1 lap in 22 seconds
- Skate 2 laps in 35 seconds
- Skate 2 laps in 32 seconds
- Skate 3 laps in 45 seconds
- Skate 3 laps in 40 seconds
- Skate 500 meters in 65 seconds -OR- Skate 1500 meters in 3:35
- Skate 500 meters in 60 seconds -OR- Skate 1500 meters in 3:20
- Skate 500 meters in 55 seconds -OR- Skate 1500 meters in 3:05