New to speed skating?This guide should help you navigate our site to find the information you need.
Are you sure I can do this?
Yes! We have beginners of all ages, and experts of all ages. And "beginners" includes being barely able to stand up.
Where do you practice? Isn't there someplace closer I can try this?
Our primary rink is in Bethlehem PA, but we also practice at other locations in the region. We also have a list of other clubs in the area.
Although short track speed skating can be done in any regular hockey rink, clubs tend to be geographically dispersed. Clubs provide valuable resources like safety mats, skate rentals, and coaching. East Penn's members hail from all over Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
When do you practice? Do you go year-round?
Generally, each location has sessions once a week. Sessions are an hour or a bit longer. Check the calendar for the latest info -- we do have extra sessions, especially during holiday periods.
East Penn has successful summer practice sessions, drawing members from other clubs that do not practice year-round.
What do I need? How much does it cost?
Our equipment page explains some of the finer details. If you're just starting, you only need the stuff described on the Learn to Speed Skate info page. The big expense is ice time, $16-$25 an hour depending on your pricing plan. But if we get just a few more skaters, ice fees could go down!
How long until I am an awesome elite skater?
That depends on how much effort you put in! Come to practice every week, do your dryland (off-ice) training every day, and go to some camps to get really focused. You can race during your first season! (Or just skate for fun. That's what I do.)
So how do I get started?
If you're unsure about your commitment, Learn to Speed Skate classes are a great way to start. Skate rentals are included, you only need a $12/year US Figure Skating membership for insurance purposes, and the Steel Ice Center has been nice about letting people pay for one class at a time.
Beginners are also welcome at our team practice sessions, but you need US Speedskating and East Penn memberships in order to join us, and skate rentals cost extra. Your first session is free, though!