Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I/my child take a trial class?
A: Unfortunately, we do not offer trial lessons. 1. Due to insurance requirements, we are unable to offer you a trial class without payment. 2. Our beginning levels often fill-up and we are unable to accommodate extra skaters who may or may not remain in the program. You are more than welcome to come observe a class from the stands/bleachers during our regular class times to see what the classes involve, however you may not go out on the ice. We also offer Public Skating (view our Schedule tab) which is a great way to try skating before deciding to sign-up for a lesson.

Q: Are ice skates available?
A: Yes, ice skates are available for a rental fee during your skating lessons. The skates must be returned at the end of each class. If you have not worn skates before, please arrive at least 20 minutes early to your first class to make sure you have enough time to find skates that fit properly. The cost is $30.00 for the entire session and is non-refundable for any reason.

Q: Do I need to buy ice skates?
A: You do NOT need to buy skates. You are welcome to rent skates that are available at the rink during classes. We do, however, recommend consulting your Skating Director as your child progresses to find out when the appropriate time is to invest in the skater’s own equipment. We rent sizes from Youth 8 through Adult Men's 14.
If you do wish to pursue purchasing skates of your own, please consult our GUIDE TO BUYING SKATES for figure skates, or for those looking for hockey skates, visit our in house pro-shop B&R SPORTS for a fitting.

Q: Can my child use double bladed skates during class?
A: NO! Double-bladed skates do not let your child learn to skate just like training wheels on a bike don't teach a child to ride. With 2 parallel blades they cannot use the edges of the skates and that is what allows them to learn all the skills required for ice skating.

Q: The ice skates hurt my feet. What should I do?
A: Ice skates do not feel like shoes and are known to feel tight and stiff when first learning to skate. If you try a pair of skates and they are pinching your feet or causing them to cramp, please try a different/larger pair. The skates should not be so big that your feet move around inside the skate and should be snug on your foot without pain. We also recommend wearing thin socks that reach above the top of the boot. Lastly, check with a coach or the Skating Director and make sure you’re tying your skates properly.

Q: What should I/my child wear to ice skating class?
A: For everyone, we recommend wearing warm but loose-fitting clothing that allows for ease of movement. Long pants (preferably not denim; consider snow pants or a fabric that is water resistant), a light sweatshirt and gloves/mittens are the perfect combination. Layers are also a great option! The rinks are cool inside, but not cold.

Q: What type of skates should my new skater use?
A: Typically, we find that beginning very young skaters in figure skates is easier for them. The blade on a figure skate has less curvature than a hockey blade and balance is easier to attain for a little one who isn’t quite steady on their feet. Having said that, every child is different and some will find the process equally fun and can progress just fine using a hockey skate when they’re starting their skating journey. The most important part as a parent is to be open-minded about any advice you may receive from your instructor or the Skating Director about what might work best for your child. If your child is excited to skate and you want to foster that excitement, make it your priority that they learn to love it. Wearing a figure skate when they are 3 will not prevent a skater from going to the NHL just as wearing a hockey skate will not prevent them from learning a double axel down the line. Help them enjoy the process by finding what works!

Q: Are helmets required?
A: We STRONGLY recommend wearing a helmet, but we do not require wearing one. A winter sports helmet (i.e. a helmet for sledding, snowboarding, skiing, etc.) is the best option because they protect more of the back of the head than a bike helmet. These helmets are available at most sporting goods stores. If you do not have access to a winter sports helmet, the next best option is a bike helmet that fits the head correctly without slipping forward or back. Unfortunately, if you forget to bring a helmet, the Suburban Skating School is NOT able to lend you one due to insurance liabilities.

Q: I have a problem with my account that I created online. What do I do now?
A: Please call us at 586-992-8600 with problem details so that we can assist you.

Q: What is included in the class fee?
A: The fee you pay for class includes one 25-minute lesson once per week for the duration of the session, and 25-minutes of optional practice time per week. Additionally, your first session of the season, which runs from July 1st – June 30th, will include a $18.50 fee for your or your skater’s Learn to Skate USA Membership.

Q: Are there any discounts?
A: We do not currently offer discounts for class registrations.

Q: What is the refund or credit policy?
A: Our program does not provide refunds for any reason. Credits are given through week 3 of the program. Credits will only be issued for those classes not attended.

All other circumstances will be given a review at management’s discretion. If a refund is granted a portion will be retained as a registration fee.

In the event that a class session must be suspended/cancelled for any reason, a credit will be issued for any class that was not able to be held. No refunds will be given for any reason.

Q: We are currently taking classes but registration ends before the session is complete so I don’t know if I or my child will pass to the next level. What level should I register for?
A: We ask that you register AFTER your skater has been tested in week 5 of the program. Your instructor will inform you on test week (week 5) what the next recommended level is. You will receive an evaluation form from your instructor and will be able to go home that day and register online.

Q: I/My child has been skating for a long time, although we have never taken a class. Can we skip the first level?
A: We still ask that you sign up for the first level for their age group (see answer above). If you/your child has some skating experience and can easily perform all of the required skills, the instructors will work with you/them to find a more appropriate level for you/them once classes have begun. Please note that parents can be on-ice (while wearing skates) with the Parent Tot class ONLY.

Q: How do I find my class each week?
A: Locate the color poster that matches the sticker on your skater's name tag and have them head toward the coordinating class lane. Each lane is marked by a color poster on the glass (pink, yellow, orange, red, blue or green). Even if they do not see their regular instructor, always have your skater head to the appropriate class color lane.

Q: What time are classes held this session? Why do class times vary from session to session?
A: Suburban Skating School - Macomb class times remain consistent on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays from September through May. Sessions from June through August will offer classes on Mondays and Thursdays only.

Q: Is there class this week?
A: While we try to have class every week, holidays, events at the rink and other scheduling conflicts mean that we have to skip some class days. We take all of this into account BEFORE registration opens and the dates are clearly listed on our website. All of the class dates are also listed on the confirmation email that you received after registering your skater(s).

Q: What is the make-up policy for the Learn to Skate classes? How do I schedule a make-up class?
A: NO MAKE-UP CLASSES FOR ANY REASON

Q: We are going to miss more than 1 class this session due to vacation/sports/business trip/etc, can I get a discount for these missed classes?
A: If you know, prior to the start of the session, that you are going to miss one or two classes (maximum of 2), we can pro-rate the cost of your class. This option must be completed with approval from the Skating Director, Brenda Willhite. You can contact her at bwillhite@suburbanice.com.

Q: The winter weather outside is really bad, will you cancel class?
A: Classes will only be cancelled if Suburban Ice Macomb loses power or has a different building issue. If there is a snow day in your local school district, we are still open and still offering classes. We will NEVER cancel Learn to Skate due to weather.

Q: Do you only offer skating during the winter?
A: NO! We offer Learn to Skate in 6-week sessions ALL YEAR round. Our current and upcoming sessions will always be listed HERE.

Q: My child has never taken ice skating classes before. What level should I sign him/her up for?
A: If you or your child has never taken lessons before, please register for either Snowplow Sam 1 or Parent-Tot (ages 3-5), Basic 1 (age 6-12), Teen (age 13-17) or Adult (age 18+), depending on the age of the person taking the class. If you have some skating experience and can easily perform all of the required skills, the instructors will work with you to find a more appropriate level for you once classes have begun.

Q: My child has skated several times and doesn’t fall. Why do I need to sign him/her up for a beginner class?
A: Ice skating is a sport where every skill learned at the beginning is one that develops into higher levels skills. Even if your skater has confidence on the ice, we need to make sure that he/she is able to perform the most basic of skills to a high level of ability. By signing your skater up for the beginning classes we are better able to make sure they can perform all of the skills appropriately before moving to the next level. If you or your child has some skating experience and can easily perform all of the required skills, the instructors will work with you to find a more appropriate level once classes have begun.

Q: What level is my child?
A: After you register for classes, we examine each student to make sure they are in the correct level based on age, experience, and mastery. If you are trying to register for a session and forgot what level you/your child previously took, please send an email to bwillhite@suburbanice.com so we can check our records for you.

Q: How can my skater develop faster?
A: There are several ways to master skills. First, you can take advantage of arena Public Skating offerings. Second, you can take additional classes, either another day of the class level you are already enrolled in, or if you are Basic 3 or above, consider joining our Aspire program or inquiring with our Skating Director, Brenda Willhite, about supplemental private lessons, bwillhite@suburbanice.com. Please view our class descriptions and schedule HERE for more details.

Q: How do I (or my child) advance to the next level?
A: For each level, the students are required to master several required skills. These skills are different for every level and are presented in a specific order so that skills learned this session can build on those skills learned in all previous sessions. At the end of each session, you will be given an evaluation sheet which shows what skills your student has mastered and which skills still need improvement before moving onto the next level. Some levels are more difficult than others and students will most likely take them more than once in order to truly master the skills.

Q: What documentation will I receive at the end of my session?
A: On week 5 of the 6-week session you will receive a completed evaluation form detailing which of the required skills you have mastered. If you have mastered all of the skills required, you will advance to the next level. If you miss test week, you will be able to be evaluated on the final week of class.

My Child is Interested in Figure Skating - What Comes Next?

The Aspire Program - Skaters Basic 3 & Above
Click Here to View our Aspire Page
Aspire offers skaters an affordable, comprehensive package program in a safe and supportive group training environment. Skaters will learn proper skill development and training techniques while sampling different skating opportunities and fine-tuning their fundamental skating skills. This program is meant to bridget the gap between Learn to Skate and our freestyle program. Skaters will train 80 minutes per week on and off the ice.

Private Skating Lessons
Click Here to Visit the Onyx-Suburban Skating Academy Website
The ONYX-Suburban Skating Academy operates out of both Suburban Ice Rochester and Suburban Ice Macomb. Skaters looking to enter private lessons do need skating experience and should contact Skating Director Brenda Willhite HERE for more information.

Spring Ice Show
Suburban Ice Rochester & Suburban Ice Macomb put on an annual spring ice show that is open to all skaters registered in either the Suburban Ice Rochester or Macomb Learn to Skate or Aspire programs, and those who are members of the ONYX-Suburban Skating Academy. Applications for the next show are now available.

I'm An Adult Interested in Figure Skating - What Comes Next?

Private Skating Lessons
Click Here to Visit the Onyx-Suburban Skating Academy Website
The ONYX-Suburban Skating Academy operates out of both Suburban Ice Rochester and Suburban Ice Macomb. Skaters looking to enter private lessons do need skating experience and should contact Skating Director Brenda Willhite HERE for more information.

My Child is Interested in Playing Hockey - What Comes Next?

Fall/Winter 8U Program
Lil' Mavs (Level 1) - Ages 4-6
Learn More About Our Level 1 Program
Recommended as a first step for beginning hockey players who have completed a Learn to Skate class and have a solid base of fundamental skating skills.

Mini Mite - Ages 5-8
Learn More About Our Mini Mite Program

Mite - Ages 8 & Under
Learn More About Our Mite Program

Mustangs House Hockey - 10U, 12U & 14U Programs
Learn More About Our Mustangs Program

Summer Learn to Play
Ages 6 & Up
Emphasis on creating a fun, challenging environment for players to learn the beginning stages of balance, skating in equipment, and handling the puck. Learn to Skate prerequisite recommended. This program runs July through August. *Participants with limited hockey experience only

Spring Training Program Powered by Suburban Hockey Schools
Ages 4 & Up
Professional coaching of individual skills and team concepts for hockey players of all ages and skill levels. Limited enrollment;
Max student/instructor ratio- 8 to 1; Players grouped by skill/experience to ensure they are challenged to improve.

I Am An Adult Interested in Playing Hockey - What Comes Next?

Adult Drop-In Hockey
Year-round pick-up hockey early a.m. and afternoon weekdays, and select prime-time options available.

Sticks & Pucks
Year-round daily weekday schedule, and seasonal prime-time or weekend dates available.

Adult Leagues
Learn More About Our Adult Leagues
Our Adult League skates Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the fall and winter. Individual and team registration available. Divisions for all ages and abilities!

Adult Leagues
Spring & Summer Adult Leagues
Spring and Summer adult leagues skate Sundays and Thursdays from April to August. Team and Individual registration available. Divisions for all ages and abilities!

Adult 18+ Dinner Club
Learn More About the Dinner Club
Instructional training, skill development and game play.