8 Week Aspire Session - Thursdays 6:00-7:15 PM

Aim Higher with Aspire! This 8-week session is for skaters in Basic 4 through Aspire 4 who are ready to take their skating to the next level. Classes will be on Thursdays from 6:00-7:15 PM and will include 45 minutes of on-ice training followed by 20 minutes of off-ice training.

What is Aspire?

Aspire is a new program for GEFSC that helps transition skaters from Learn to Skate to higher levels of competitive training. Aspire group classes supplement fundamental skill development that is done in Learn to Skate class or private lessons by emphasizing a particular, specialized, and fun area of development. Aspire champions four important pillars for successful skater development:

• Group Instruction – Social, economical and fun

• Off Ice Training – Proper warm up and cool down

• Practice – Key to improving in skating and in life

• Education – Information for parents and skaters

We're excited to offer two different tracks for Thursday Aspire Classes:

• Aspire Development Track: Designed for skaters in Basic Skills or early Freeskate levels who are ready to take the next step in their skating! Work on level-appropriate skills beyond those included in Learn to Skate curriculum, learn how to put the skills you know together, and improve your speed, presentation, and confidence on the ice.

• Aspire Competitive Track: Designed for skaters who are already competing in the Aspire 1-4 levels or plan to compete these levels in the Spring (Currently in Pre-Freeskate or above, or with coach permission). Work on the jumps, spins, and basic skating skills you'll need for your Spring competition level, the in-between steps and skills that make programs great, and improving your speed, presentation, and confidence on the ice.

Thursday Aspire Class Schedule

6:00-6:45 PM: On ice class & practice time

6:45-6:55 PM: Skates off

6:55-7:15 PM: Off ice class

Notes & FAQs:

1. Aspire classes provide supplementary instruction to skaters who are also taking Learn to Skate classes, private lessons, or both. Skaters must also be taking Learn to Skate or private lessons during this 8-week period.

2. A GEFSC Aspire Membership (or GEFSC Intro or Full Membership) is required to participate in Aspire classes. For skaters who currently only have a Learn to Skate Membership, please see the instructions here for how to purchase your Aspire membership prior to the first class.

3. How can I know whether to sign up for the Development Track or the Competitive Track? If you have a private lesson coach, please discuss this with them! For skaters who don't have a coach yet, if you are currently in Pre-Freeskate or above and intend to begin competing in the Spring, we recommend Competitive Track. For skaters below the Pre-Freeskate level, we recommend Development Track, regardless of whether you plan to compete.

We'll be hosting an Aspire Kickoff Clinic on Thursday, October 15th in preparation for these classes to begin. More information and register here.

Please reach out to Grace Myer at learntoskate@gefsc.com with any questions. We are excited to continue offering this new program for skaters who are ready to take the next step in skating!