Ice Skating Lessons | Link Centre | Swindon

Whether you're a beginner or looking to advance your skills, our Learn to Skate program is designed to help you glide with confidence.

We offer lessons tailored to all ages and skill levels-from toddlers as young as three to adults of all ages. Our structured, nationally recognised British Ice Skating (BIS) programme will guide you on a journey of improvement and mastery.

Want to push your skills even further? Book a one-to-one lesson with our expert coaches for personalised guidance and training!

How does it work?

Lessons run weekly for 50 weeks a year, with a 2 weeks' break over the Christmas Holidays. Apart for those 2 weeks, lessons run through all half-terms, summer holidays and Bank Holidays. You can start the lessons anytime as you or your children are individually assessed during each lesson, allowing each pupil to progress at their own pace.

You can track your or your children's progress online via your Home Portal. Download the Better UK app for easy access to your account for one or multiple children. The app also allows you to scan your member card(s) at the gates and skip the queues at reception!

As an added bonus, Learn to Skate pupils receive free access to Public Ice Skating sessions to practice their new skills — skate hire included!

View Lessons Availability and Register Now

What should I know before my/my child's first lesson?

Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior the start of your lesson to allow time for going through the reception gates and collect your skates and put them on.
Upon arrival, please inform the concierge this is your first skating lessons so they can show you how to use the Better UK app and use the reception gates. (The app will show your member card barcode, which allows you to go through the gates 10 minutes prior the start of the lessons. You can download the app here: Get our app!)
The concierge will ask your child's name and verify they are in the lessons register so you can go through.
Make your way to the rink and collect your skates at the window next to where the lockers are. If you need to use a locker, please ask the staff at the skate hire for a token (please note regular trolley tokens or £1 coin do not fit in the rink lockers).
You will then meet the instructor who will check you/your child in their register.

What should my child wear for the lessons?

Please make sure your child is wearing warm clothes that are comfortable but fitted, warm socks and gloves.

How do I move to the next level?

Once you or your children have completed 100% of the first level, your instructor will inform you can go to the next stage.

Please note this process is not automated, as the next level may not be available on the same day or time.

Please check the spaces available in the next level online here, or ask the concierge at reception.

The easiest way to get moved up is to ask at reception as our staff can do this for you then and there. Alternatively, please send us a request by email.

We regret we do not offer waiting lists.

What is the teacher-to-pupil ratio?

Lessons are taught in groups of 12-15 pupils. (Ratio cannot excede 15 pupils per teacher.)

For Snow Tots (under 5s), groups are for 7 children maximum.

What are the age ranges of the pupils within each level?

Snow Tots are for 3-5 year olds.
Children lessons from level 1 up until Academy are for all ages from 5 up to 15. There is a mix of ages in all levels.
Adult lessons from level 1 up until Academy are for all ages from 16 years. There is a mix of ages in all levels, from young adults to seniors!

What You'll Learn (British Ice Skating Level Pass Criteria)

Once you become proficient on the ice you can then progress on to our advanced dance and free skating awards. You could also try different activities on ice such as figure skating, speed skating and ice hockey. Speak to a member of staff for more details on how you can get involved.

Skate Tots (Toddlers Under 5s)

Stage 1

Getting on and off the ice unaided. | Hold onto your skating aid and march 10 steps forward. | Stand on ice unaided. | March on the spot. | Wiggle on two feet.

Stage 2

Throw toy forward and collect it. | Fall down and get up unaided. | Stationery basic lemon motion. | Forward moving march 10 steps unaided. | Turning on spot.

Stage 3

Forward moving march followed by two foot glide plus basic lemon motion. | Forward moving march in and out of cones. | Unaided moving forward across ice. | Moving backwards. | Stationary snowball to gather snow.

British Ice Skating - Level 1 to 8

Level 1

Level 2

Moving forward 10 steps - two-foot glide on a curve left & right. | (a) Moving forward snowplough stop or (b) T-stop (a) snowplough stop. | Moving backwards. | Two-foot turn on the spot (180 degrees). | (a) Forward and (b) backward lemons (min 5 of each) (a) forward lemons.

Level 3

Forward stroking (correct glide, push & free leg). | Backward snowplough stop. | Forward to backward two foot turns (both directions). | Forward outside and inside edges one foot glides, both directions. | Forward two-foot slalom.

Level 4

Forward open chasses on circle and both directions. | Backward stroking demonstrating correct free foot position & pushing technique. | Forward outside edges to be held for a minimum 5 seconds in both directions. | Forward inside edges - minimum of 5 seconds in both directions. | Two-foot 3-turn both directions on a semi-circle.

Level 5

Forward crossovers both directions -executed slowly. | Forward outside 3-turn - both directions. | Backwards open chasses - both directions. | Stepping from backwards inside edge to forward inside edge. | Backward two-foot slalom 10 metres minimum.

Level 6

Backward crossover both directions - executed slowly. | Backwards outside edges both feet, on a circle for a minimum of 5 seconds. | Backward inside edges - both feet on a circle for aminimum of 5 seconds. | Forward inside 3-turn - both directions. | Stepping from backward outside to forward outside - 3 seconds on forward glide.

Level 7

Forward outside 3-turn with control & equal entry & exit edge plus backward crossover (both directions). | Forward outside continuous edges - minimum of 4 (2 each foot). | forward inside continuous edges - minimum of 4 (2 each foot). | Forward inside mohwak - both directions. | Bunnyhop + drag combo or two-foot jump + drag combo (hockey skates) bunnyhop + drag combo.

Level 8

Backward outside or inside continuous curves. | Forward change of edge outside to inside - both feet - with outside edge swing. | Forward inside mohwak, back crossover, step forward on to an inside edge - both directions. | Forward crossover, step wide & backward crossover step wide. | Forward outside 3-turn, backward crossover with sustained landing position on a circle - both directions.

Figure Skating Bronze, Silver & Gold

Bronze free skating

Silver free skating

Gold free skating

Loop jump. | Upright spin - minimum 5 revolutions - correct entry/exit. | Backward spirak - either edge/foot. | Simple step sequence.

Power Skate

Power Skate Level 1

Forward stride. | Two foot stop. | Skating Agility 1. | Skating circles forward. | Advanced forward slalom.

Power Skate Level 2

Knee drops. | Quick feet straight crossovers. | Skating circles backwards. | Power start and stop forwards.

British Skate Academy (Advance Free)

After completing all BIS levels up to Gold, you can continue your progress with our Learn to Skate Academy lessons. Please note this will require a membership upgrade. The membership will also include access to Patch Training Ice sessions.

Advance Free Skating (Figure Platinum)

Flip jump. | Sit or camel spin - minimum 2 revolutions. | Routine.

One-to-One Skating Lessons

Our team of resident instructors offer one-to-one lessons for all ages and abilities. To discuss prices and availability, pleasecontact them directly using the details provided in their profiles below.

Please note: if you are not a member, you will need to book separately for the skating session (Patch or Public Skating) during which your private lesson will take place.

Meet Our Ice Skating Coaches

Carla Dominguez

A word from Carla: "My name is Carla and I have skated at National competition level 10. Passed all my skating tests and coaching levels. I have a National Diploma in Sport and Nutrition. I have been coaching for over 10 years and enjoy coaching all ages and levels.
I have taken figure skaters through their National British ice skating tests. Also through National competitions around the country.

I enjoy taking skaters to learn how to skate just to be more confident on the ice.
I also enjoy coaching ice hockey skating skills, enhancing speed and edge work and have many skaters over the years join academies through their development and on to play in league hockey.

Overall I just enjoy laughing and watching skaters develop skill and confidence."

Phone: 07427637190

Follow Carla on Facebook: Coach Carla Swindon ice skating coach

Chris Boyadji

Coaching Achievements :

European & World Championship Coach
Coach to multiple British Champions

Personal Achievements:

6x British Senior Pairs Champion
Participated at multiple European & World Championships
Guinness World Record Holder
Part of Team GB Olympic Athletes

Happy to coach from beginner to championship level skaters, I coach in a team with Zoe Jones.

Phone: 07578 101 818

Email: chrisboyadji@hotmail.com

David Phillips

Level 4 Ice dance and Level 4 Synchronized Skating coaching qualifications
BITA Senior Certification
Coach at Senior & Junior World Championships, Coach to youth
Olympic Games Nominees
Former GB Olympic squad member
Coached at the Junior world championships

Specialist in Ice Dance (Solo & Couples) and Synchronized skating. Happy to teach all levels.

Phone: 07912 889 431

Email: davidjohnphillips601@gmail.com

Fiona MacKellar-Clenton

A word from Fiona: "I am a professional full time, fully Qualified British Ice Skating Level 2 coach. I have over 10 years of coaching experience and spent much of my younger years training in The Ice Castle in California with world and Olympic coaches.
I enjoy coaching all ages from toddlers to adults and I love the opportunity to pass my knowledge on to help each skater find their moment to shine, whether it's for the competitor, performer ot those that would like to have fun and learn some new skills. Enjoying the journey is just as important as reaching your goals."

Phone: 07786 527 426

Email: fiona.clenton@outlook.com

Harry Mattick

A word from Harry: "My name is Harry Mattick. I have been competing for Team GB since I was 13 years old and now have multiple decades experience in the sport of figure skating. Along the way I have achieved ten national championships medals and in 2018 made history by becoming the first British skater to land a quad in competition.
I’ve had the opportunity to compete and train in over 25 countries all over the world in competitions such as the European championships, junior world championships and Youth Olympics; even having the pleasure to work with Olympic champions and their coaches.
Now it’s time to pass that knowledge on to you!"

Available for private lessons. All levels welcome.

Phone: 07999 081 195

Email: harrymattick@googlemail.com

Jan Andrews

BIS (NISA) Level 2 Coach
National and International competitor
Level 9 (Ice Dance, Free and Skills)
NISA Judge 2005-2014
NLP practitionner (helping overcome nerves and negative thinking)

A word from Jan: "I have worked with National skaters to improve their performance. I enjoy teaching all levels of skaters from Beginners to National Competitors, Children and Adults as well as Hockey Skaters to improve their Edge Work and Skills. My aim is to help all skaters improve and enjoy this wonderful sport."

Phone: 07747 014 915

Email: jandrews446@btinternet.com

Josh Petty

Level 2 BIS (NISA) Coach
Competed nationally in Junior Ice Dance
Coached internationally alongside top coaches

A word from Josh: “I believe in creating a friendly and supportive environment for my students. I am committed to helping them achieve their goals and become confident skaters. I teach all levels, ages and disciples of skaters and specialise in ice dance”

WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447811318027

Email: info@jpskate.co.uk

Karen Wood

NISA Level 2 Coach, Silver, Free, Inter-Silver Figures, Prelim Dance
competed in competitions throughout the country
coaches both competitive and recreational skaters from beginner upwards

Enjoys teaching all ages and abilities.

Price: £30.00 per 30 minutes

Email: kjwoods@hotmail.co.uk

Kayleigh Lidbury

BIS Level 2 Coach
Level 3 Diploma in Sports Science and Nutrition
Level 2 Diploma in Sports Coaching
National Figure Skating Competitor

A word from Kayleigh: "I’m a fully qualified Level 2 coach with a passion for teaching. I started skating at 12 years old, which is considered late in the skating world, but I want to pass my passion on to other skaters and prove that it’s never too late to be successful in this sport!

I enjoy coaching all levels from Beginner to Adult and I’m happy to teach skaters who want to skate competitively or simply skate for pleasure."

Phone: 07399 066 033

Email: kayleighlidbury02@gmail.com

Kelly Daniels

National Ice Skating association Level 2 Coach
Achieved Inter-Gold firgure and free aged 11
Competed Nationally for over 10 years in free skating including 4 British Championships
Sponsored by Oxford City Council for sporting excellence

I welcome all levels and ages of skaters to join me on the ice whether you are a beginner, hockey player or a competitive skater.

Phone: 07584 735 344

Email: kellydaniels08@icloud.com