Free Learn to Skate Clinic

We operate a free "Learn to Skate" clinic as a service to the community to promote safe skating and make skating more fun.The clinic covers the proper use of safety equipment, basic skating skills and how to use a heel brake or toe stop for stopping. It's great for new skaters and anyone returning to the sport.Classes are held at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre area in Rock Creek Park and at the Salvation Army in Petworth.Helmets, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads are required (we have loaner gear). Use the form below to sign up.

Skate Clinic Confirmation

Thanks for signing up!  We're very excited that you will attend.  Here is the key information you'll need to have the best experience:

Where to Go

Check your sign up confirmation. Depending on where we've indicated to meet we'll be at the Salvation Army, Rock Creek Park or a special event. Here are the directions for each spot:

Salvation Army (Outdoors)

We'll meet at the Salvation Army on Sherman Avenue in Petworth. The address is:3335 Sherman Ave NWPark on the streets nearby and meet at the front entrance, at the corner of Sherman and Morton St NW.  We'll have people coming out periodically to meet you and bring you to the parking area where we are teaching.If you are taking public transportation, it's a short walk from the Petworth metro station.

Salvation Army (Indoor Gym)

Go to the Morton Street entrance near the fenced off parking lot and buzz the buzzer to get let in.

Rock Creek Park

We'll meet at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre Parking Lot in Rock Creek Park. The address is:4850 Colorado Ave NWIt's an enormous parking lot; turn in from Colorado Avenue and we'll meet near the entrance. If you find yourself near the tennis courts, you'll need to go the other end of the parking lot.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

We'll send out a note if we need to cancel. It could be due to bad weather or a parking lot that's too wet, among other reasons. If that happens, you are welcome to sign up for one of our other sessions.

What to Bring

The following items are mandatory. If you don't wear them, we can't teach you to skate:

either inline skates, with a heel brake

...or roller skates, with toe stops

a helmet -- a bike helmet will do

wrist guards

elbow pads

knee pads

We do have loaner skates and protective equipment; if you need something, please let us know as soon as you can.Finally, you should wear comfortable clothing appropriate to the weather.

Be There Early -- When We Start

be 30 minutes early to borrow gear

be 15 minutes early to put on your gear

our skate class will start on time

What to Expect

We'll get geared up, and start doing some skating! The plan is to skate safely and have some fun.  We'll work to make sure you get some time with an instructor and for practice on your own.For any other questions, you're welcome to reach out to me by text or a phone call, I'm the lead instuctor and am reachable at 410-394-9483.Looking forward to seeing you there!Andrew Barabasz