Skate Instruction
Locations ● Indoors ● Outdoors ● Skate Care
Providing inline & roller skating classes + community events in Washington DC.
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Locations
Kraken Kourts & Skates Bryant Street ● at the indoor roller rink 514 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC ● across the pedestrian bridge from the Rhode Island Ave Brentwood metro station on the red line.
Salvation Army ● Sherman Avenue Corps Parking Lot, 3335 Sherman Ave NW, Washington DC ● five blocks south of the Georgia Ave-Petworth metro station on the green line.
Rock Creek Park ● Carter Barron Amphitheatre Parking Lot and Entrance Circle, 4850 Colorado Ave NW, Washington DC
Indoor Lessons
We offer one hour skate classes year round in Washington DC's only indoor roller rink.
Group Lessons at Kraken Kourts and Skates
Register via the Kraken website
630pm Thursdays
& 10am Saturdays
Learn to Skate at a Roller Rink ● Covers getting comfortable on skates, rink safety and basic skating skills.This class can be repeated for a progression of skills including: basic stride, balance, turning and stopping.
Register via the Kraken website
630pm Wedns
-days
Rollerdance ● for non beginners ● Take your skating to the next level, learn some skate moves to show off at the rink, and choreograph it to the beat of the music.Coach Clare teaches Rollerdance on select Wednesdays an you can reach out in advance to make sure she will be there for your session.
Private Lessons ● Get one on one time with a skate instructor to provide you coaching customized to your skating needs.● Skate Coach Jennifer offers beginner to competitive artistic coaching 9am Saturdays.● Skate Instructor Clare offers beginner to Rollerdance coaching 730pm Wednesdays.
Instructors
Jennifer is trained in artistic skating with a background in coaching and competing on a national level.
Her roller skating journey began with skating at age 3 and starting as a skate instructor at age 10.
She has successfully taught hundreds of adults and children of all levels.
Jennifer peviously ran her own skating club in a roller rink in Massachusetts.
Jennifer's credentials
USA Roller Sports certified Competitive Artistic Skating Skate Coach.
Competed on a national stage and has coached students who have competed nationally as well.
Clare's adventures have taken her into dance, choreography, gymnastics, circus arts and also teaching skating.
She has immersed herself in the DC area "snap city" style skating scene.
Clare has been roller skating and sharing her knowledge since the beginning of the pandemic.
Clare's certifications
SkateIA Level 1 Skate Instructor.
USA Roller Sports recognized Skate Coach.
Available On Request
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Slalom Skating ● Covering the art of doing complicated skating maneuvers along a row of cones.
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Skate Fitness ● Get in shape for longer skate sessions; incorporate skating into your fitness program. Improve your balance and strengthen your core.
Outdoor Lessons
We have loaner skates and protective equipment available for free at our outdoor lessons.
Group Lessons
Private Lessons
Instructors
Danny has been tirelessly teaching beginners at the learn to skate clinic, which originated in Rock Creek Park, over the past 20+ years.
He started on inline skates and teaches both inline and roller skaters.
Danny is a SkateIA Certified Level 1 Skate Instructor.
Andrew has been street skating, trail skating, teaching and organizing events for 30+ years.
He learned to skate on the streets of Manhattan and routinely organized and led group street skates with hundreds of participants safely.
Andrew skates and teaches on inline and roller skates, indoors in rinks and outdoors on the trails.
Andrew's certifications
SkateIA Certified Level 2 Skate Instructor, with a roller fitness endorsement.
USA Roller Sports recognized Skate Coach.
LTS Testform
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Community Page
Join us all summer as we make new friends and get more people into skating.
Start with the clinic if you are learning to skate or need a refresher. We have loaner skates & protective gear available.
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.Helmets, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads are required. Use the form below to sign up.
For skaters who have taken the Learn to Skate clinic and other non-beginner skaters:Learn skate moves to show off at your next skate and choreograph your skating to music. Indoors at the Salvation Army gym.
Introductory Rollerdance
For skaters who have taken the learn to skate clinic and other non-beginner skaters:Get fit and explore new places to skate; this will be held in various locations.
Skate Lab
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Rink night is coming in late August to September. We'll be turning the Salvation Army parking lot into a roller rink and more.Let us know your interest in volunteering and help build community and fellowship among our skaters.
I Want to Volunteer
DC Skate Van
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Our mobile skate school is ready to bring the skating to you with both indoor and outdoor programs. Send a booking request or contact us for more information.
Our instructors carry liability insurance and can add your venue or organization as an additionally insured party. Instructors are certified through SkateIA.org and are First Aid/CPR + SafeSport trained.
Our Services
Skate Instructors to teach & offer safety tips.
Learn to Skate an introductory skate lesson & safety program to foster the love of skating.
Advanced Lessons for Roller Dance & Trail Skating.
Fitness Classes for aerobic exercise on skates.
Indoor Padding to protect floors while offering Zumba style fitness classes indoors.
Loaner Skates inline & roller, to support lessons.
Loaner Protective Gear including helmets & pads.
High Friction Carpeting to help cautious or wobbly skaters get started safely.
Cones and Related to define the boundaries of a designated space to skate safely.
A 10'x10' Booth with "Skate Instruction" branding to enable visitors to find us.
Music or an Optional DJ to foster a roller rink environment.
Our Client History
Schools & Libraries
Salvation Army in DC for a learn to skate module at a kid’s summer camp.
Marie Reed Elementary School in DC for spring break skate classes.
Calvin Coolidge High School in DC for skate classes and to turn the gym into a roller rink.
Prince Georges Library System, learn to skate classes in the parking lots or adjacent public spaces for five different branches at their promotional outdoor fairs. (Booked by the library system and also local community groups.)
Commercial Venues
Howard University student group for an after finals de-stressing skate at Hook Hall.
Company Outings and Non-profit fund raisers at Hook Hall, skate classes and a roller rink conversion of the venue's large performance space.
Neighborhood Events
Open Streets Georgia Avenue, Celebrate Petworth, Columbia Heights Day and the DC State Fair to offer free learn to skate clinics to the public in Washington DC.
Southwest Business Improvement District for a community event at Lansburgh Park including learn to skate sessions and converting basketball courts into a roller rink.
Trolley Trail Day in College Park , MD for trail skating tips followed by a trail skate.
Group Lessons
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Skating for Kids ● Send us the times you have available and we'll schedule times with the most interest.
Group Classes
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Skate Workshops ● Level up your skating skills as we cover the techniques for mastering more advanced skate moves.
Group Practice
Skate Practice
Private Lessons
Core Program
Core Classes
Practice Sessions
We'll have some free special trail skate sessions on Trolley Trail Day Saturday June 8th.
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Trail and Street Skating ● Focusing on more advanced safety and skills while skating outdoors.
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Jam Skating ● (Learn to Skate "Part 2") ● Coached sessions to work on rhythm and self expression to music to develop some disco moves.
Private Lessons Outdoors
Notes
Private lessons run for 60 minutes.
You can also ask about custom sessions (shorter lessons, multiple lesson discount packages, group discount packages, teaching at student supplied venues, etc.)
If you don't see a compatible date you can request one below.
Learn to Skate Outdoors
Can't sign up? Request this class.
Skate Fitness
Can't sign up? Request this class.
Trail and Street Skating
Can't sign up? Request this class.
Jam Skating
Can't sign up? Request this class.
Slalom Skating
Can't sign up? Request this class.
Aggressive Skating
Can't sign up? Request this class.
Skating for Kids
Book the SK8 VAN
Start the inquiry or booking process by providing contact info and a proposed event details.
Notes
Indoor Skate Sessions
Register in advance; pay what you want at the door as a donation to the Salvation Army.
Protective gear required; we have free loaner gear available for use during the session.
Adults must accompany minors throughout the skate.
Notes
Register in advance; sessions are free but there is a limit to the number of skaters we can host.
Protective gear required; we have free loaner gear available for use during the session.
Adults must accompany minors throughout the skate.
Outdoor Skate Sessions (do up form)
Fill out this form to get more information about becoming a skate instructor or skate coach at our skate school.
Teach With Us
Sign Our Waiver
Agree to our Waiver
Sign Our Waiver Packet
Rink Night
630-830pm Saturday, September 16
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Our DJ'ed Roller Rink Night Cookout Fundraiser
Enjoy both longtime and new skating friends as we turn the Salvation Army parking lot into a roller rink for inline and roller skaters. We'll bring a DJ playing a mix of danceable tunes, plus food, drink, good cheer from the community, and plenty of skaters to meet.Pay what you want for entry. Proceeds to benefit the summer kids camp at the Salvation Army.Bring your skates and safety gear. We'll also have loaner skates and safety gear available.This is a rain or shine event. If it rains, we'll relocate indoors in the Salvation Army gym.
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SkateInstruction.com/#rinknight
Rink Night
End of summer edition.
630-830pm Saturday, September 16
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Our DJ'ed Roller Rink Night Cookout Fundraiser
Enjoy both longtime and new skating friends as we turn the Salvation Army parking lot into a roller rink for inline and roller skaters. We'll bring a DJ playing a mix of danceable tunes, plus food, drink, good cheer from the community, and plenty of skaters to meet.Pay what you want for entry. Proceeds to benefit the summer kids camp program at the Salvation Army.Bring your skates and safety gear. We'll also have loaner skates and safety gear available.This is a rain or shine event. If it rains, we'll relocate indoors in the Salvation Army gym at the same address.
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RSVP for Rink Night ● Space is limited; sign up in advance for guaranteed entry at the event.
Not ready to skate? Use the link below for a free lesson.
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Learn to Skate ● Free ● Covers the proper use of protective gear, falling safety and prevention, basic stride, turning and stopping.
Ready to step up your game? Take some post beginner classes and build your skating style.
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Skate Lab ● (Learn to Skate "Part 2") ● A mix of balance, fitness and skating to music to get the most from skating outdoors.
Skate Lab is offered on a pay what you want basis.
It's a wrap for our May Rink Night. Thank you to everyone who came out and to all our volunteers. Stay tuned for additional Rink Nights in the future.
Rink Night/Open House
630-830pm Saturday, May 6
![](assets/images/image44.jpg?v=f84bc76d)
Our DJ'ed Roller Rink Night Cookout Fundraiser
Enjoy both longtime and new skating friends as we turn the Salvation Army parking lot into a roller rink for inline and roller skaters. We'll bring a DJ playing a mix of danceable tunes, plus food, drink, good cheer from the community, and plenty of skaters to meet.Proceeds to benefit the summer kids camp program at the Salvation Army.This is a rain or shine event. If it rains, we'll relocate indoors in the Salvation Army gym at the same address.
Notes
Protective gear required to skate . We'll have some protective gear and skates available at the event. We'll also have certified skate instructors there to help you get going.For those of you who want to strengthen your skating skills ahead of the event, we've set up the following 30 minute class.
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SkateInstruction.com/#rinknight
Rink Night Cookout Donation
Dinner is on a pay what you want donation. Recommended: $25 dinner and a drink, or $5-$10 per a la carte item.
RSVP for Rink Night
Space is limited; sign up in advance for guaranteed entry.
Invoice 20240502
Glitter Roll
Skate Care
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Because your skates deserve care just as much as you do.
Part of skating is the relationship you build with your skates -- starting from picking the right pair, to showing off your gear, to providing your skates the proper care so they can always be a joy to wear.We're proud to have Adrienne on our team to share her expertise.
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About Adrienne, our Resident Skate Expert
Owner of the Department of Skate, Washington DC's only skate shop.
Long time roller derby skater as Velocity Raptor.
Actively skates, sells, sets up and offers maintenance and advice on all skates far and wide.
Adrienne is a great resource with a vast ocean of knowledge and you can reach out to her anytime to get her help.
Skate Care Sessions
The Check My Skates session is designed to be a place where you can take pride in the gear you have, get some brief answers to any problems, and to figure out next steps on what you can do with your skates.
Notes
Skate Maintenance
10am-noon Saturday June 17 at the Salvation Army parking lot (indoors in the gym if it rains).
Notes
Cleaning material and bearing lube provided.
Tools are not provided. You'll need to bring the following: skate tools (a T-tool and a bearing puller) plus a wash bottle.
If you don't have tools, buy whatever you need when signing up.
Don't forget to bring your skates. We'll be taking them apart and putting them back together.
Register for Skate Mainteance
Check My Skates
{{url.classtype|error}} Request
Contact Us
Thank You!
Thank you for reaching out to us. Getting feedback from you helps us build better programs.
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Your form has been submitted, we'll check out what you sent and be in touch with you soon.
Skate Maintenance 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 We'll Meet
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.
Cancellations and Rescheduling
We most likely won't reschedule or cancel the session. If it's raining, we'll relocate indoors at the same address, into the Salvation Army gym.We'll send out a note if we need to cancel the session or reschedule it. If we cancel, we'll send you a refund. If we reschedule and you can't make the new date, we'll send you a refund.
What to Bring
Here is a list of what you should bring:Your skates (they can be inline skates or roller skates).Plus the following items:
A t-tool - you'll use this to remove and reattach your wheels
A bearing puller - you'll use this to remove teh bearings from your wheels to clean them
A wash bottle - you'll put your bearings in it to clean them
If you purchased any of these items while registering, they'll be there for you when you arrive and are yours to keep and take home.
What to Expect
We'll show you how to clean your skates. We'll have tables and chairs set up for you to do that comfortably. The parts of the skates we'll focus on are your wheels and bearings as they receive the most wear.For any questions, you're welcome to reach out to me by text, I'll be leading the class and am reachable at (202) 262-7364.Looking forward to seeing you there!Adrienne Schreiber for Department of Skate
Skate Lesson Confirmation
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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:
Places Where We Teach
Depending on where we've indicated to meet, we'll be at the Salvation Army or Rock Creek Park. Here are the directions for each spot:
Salvation Army
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 where we are teaching.If you are taking public transportation, it's a short walk from the Petworth metro station.
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.
Other Locations
If we're meeting at any other location, we'll send an email with directions on how to get there.
Cancellations and Rescheduling
We'll send out a note if we need to cancel the session and reschedule it. It could be due to bad weather or a parking lot that's too wet, among other reasons. If that happens, we will provide a date for when the session is rescheduled.
Be There Early and Start Early
We start on time but you can come out fifteen minutes early to get a jump on filling out the paperwork and putting on your skate gear.
What to Bring
The following items are mandatory. If you don't wear them, we can't teach you to skate:
A face mask (depending on current CDC guidelines)
A helmet
Wrist guards
Elbow pads
Knee pads
And your skates of course! 😎
We do have loaner skate equipment; if you need something, please let us know as soon as you can.Finally, you should wear comfortable clothing appropriate to the weather.
What to Expect
We'll get geared up, and start doing some skating! The plan is to skate safely and have some fun. You'll get some time with instructors and for practice on your own. And we'll work to have something fun to learn for whatever skating level you are at.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
Trolley Trail Day in Hyattsville, MD
We'll be at the municipal parking lot adjacent to Franklins Restaurant and the Trolley Trail. Here is the address:5123 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsvile, MDPark on the streets nearby and meet us at our booth.Our sessions at this location will not be for beginners -- they will be for our Learn to Skate Clinic graduates and skaters comfortable skating outdoors on off-street trails.
Skate Clinic Confirmation
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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
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.
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.If you can't find us, please call or text skate instructor Danny at (202) 617-7971.
Be There Early and Start Early
We start on time but you can come out fifteen minutes early to get a jump on filling out the paperwork and putting on your skate gear.
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:
A face mask (depending on current CDC guidelines)
A helmet
Wrist guards
Elbow pads
Knee pads
And your skates of course! 😎
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.
What to Expect
We'll get geared up, and start doing some skating! The plan is to skate safely and have some fun. You'll get some time with instructors and for practice on your own. And we'll work to have something fun to learn for whatever skating level you are at.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
Indoor Skating Confirmation
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Thanks for signing up! Here is the key information you'll need to have the best experience:
Where to Go
We'll meet at the Salvation Army on Sherman Avenue in Petworth. The address is:3335 Sherman Ave NWMeet at the corner of Sherman and Morton St NW. We'll have people coming out periodically to direct you to the gym.If you're coming out for the first time, please don't be late.
Cancellations
There may be times when the space becomes unavailable. We'll send out a note if we need to cancel. If it's a last minute thing, we may need to cancel at the door. If a cancellation occurs, you are welcome to sign up for one of our other sessions.
What to Bring
When you come out for the first time, be sure to bring the following:
A helmet (a bike helmet is fine)
Wrist guards
Elbow pads
Knee pads
And your skates of course! 😎
We do have loaner protective equipment available; if you need something, please let us know as soon as you can. (We have a limited number of free loaner roller skates too.)Finally, you should wear comfortable clothing to skate in.
What to Expect
We'll get geared up and practice skating! The plan is to skate safely and have some fun. Practice is self directed: you can work on any skate moves you want. Keep in mind that this location is in the middle of the city and our space isn't enormous.For any other questions, you're welcome to reach out to me by text or a phone call, I'm the organizer and can be reached at 410-394-9483.Looking forward to seeing you there!-Skate Instructor Andrew