Skate Instruction
Locations ● Kraken Kourts & Skates ● Skate Care ● Our Fall Schedule ● DC SK8 VAN
Providing inline & roller skating classes + community events in Washington DC.
● ● ●
Locations
Salvation Army ● Sherman Avenue Corps, indoors in the gym, 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
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.
To get you started, we're operating a Free Learn to Skate Clinic for inline and roller skaters, outdoors through October.
We're doing some trail skating in Rock Creek Park. Nobody gets left behind. We'll start off-trail in a quiet parking lot to help you develop your skills and confidence.
Indoor Classes at a DC Roller Rink
We're teaching roller skating lessons indoors at the Kraken Kourts and Skates roller rink in Washington DC.
DC SK8 VAN
Our SK8 VAN can bring our skate classes to your non profit, school or community event, complete with skate instructors, loaner skates and protective gear.
~500 Inline & Roller Skates
Our skate inventory has passed the 500 mark after a series of visits to skate business closing down after COVID to buy up their skates.Skate sizes range from junior 10 to men's 16. We have an ample inventory in all skate sizes and can accommodate events for kids, adults and everything in between.
Rolling Skate Shelves
We have rolling skate shelves especially sized for transport in our our SK8 VAN.
Schools, Libraries & Fairs
We have offered skate classes as public clinics, library events, summer camps, school events, street fair attractions and more, indoors and outdoors as well.We have a growing team of skate instructors and skate ambassadors to make these events happen.
Here are The Things We Are Doing This Fall
Skate Fitness
We're launching weekly fitness classes on skates, for adults, no prior skating experience required.
Skating for Kids
We're providing weekly skate sessions for kids which include lessons and practice time as well.
Learn to Skate Outdoors for Free
We'll continue our Free Learn to Skate Clinic outdoors through October.
Outdoor Skating Workshops
Sign Up
Can't sign up? Prefer a different time? Request this class.
Description
Learn key outdoor skate moves through our step-by-step training, including:
Outdoor Terrain Workshop develop striding, gliding and scissoring techniques for balance and safety when skating on outdoor terrain.
Turning Workshop learn the parallel turn, crossover turn and additional maneuvering skills for safely skating outdoors.
Stopping Workshop learn the plough stop, advanced heelbrake / advanced toe stop, tee / check stop plus critical speed control techniques for safer skating.
Skills Review Workshop review the skills from all of our workshops and work on the skills that you need to work on the most.
Urban Skating Sessions
Sign Up
Can't sign up? Prefer a different time? Request this class.
Description
Power up your skating through our curated and coached collection of urban settings, including:
the Obstacle Course where we lay out custom skate challenges for you to take on,
a Big Hill for uphill / downhill practice and downhill speed control,
select Streets & Alleys to help you handle rough terrain and practice urban safety,
an Urban Skate Challenge on a longer distance circuit and more challenging terrain than the obstacle course.
Sign Up
Can't sign up? Prefer a different time? Request this class.
Turn life off for an hour while building strength, stamina, balance, coordination, agility, and -- dare we say -- all while having fun.
No skate skills or dance experience needed -- the choreography is designed to be repetitive and easy to learn.
This is the perfect prep session for building your foundation skills to get into rollerdance.
No skates? No worries. We have loaner gear.
This class was designed with roller skaters in mind -- although there is no reason why inline skaters can't do this class too.
We believe that in skate fitness, there are no such things as mistakes, only unanticipated workouts.
Skate Fitness
Outdoors at the Salvation Army parking lot while the weather is beautiful; indoors at the Salvation Army gym in the cooler weather. (3335 Sherman Ave NW)
Get fit, get skating - all in one class!
Turn life off for an hour while building strength, balance, coordination, agility and - dare we say - overall happiness.We start the hour with a warm-up, build intensity throughout the class and top off with a cool down and a congratulations.
Our Classes
| Skate Fitness | Our core strength building aerobics class. |
| Learn to Skate Fitness | New to skating? Learn the basics + get comfortable with our format. |
Skate Fitness Benefits
| Balance | Better confidence on skates & fall prevention; build a smother rollerdance style. |
| Aerobic Strength | Show off your style longer on the rink; hike, run, skate, bike, paddle faster & bigger distances outdoors. |
Skating for Kids
Outdoors at the enclosed Salvation Army parking lot while the weather is beautiful; indoors at the Salvation Army gym in cooler weather. (3335 Sherman Ave NW)
Skate, Play, Learn
Our kids program is a combination of freeform skating, skate lessons, and games.We find that playing is the best way for kids to learn, versus an adult oriented "here are the skills you need to know" way of teaching.
Here is our list of skate fitness classes.
Skate Fitness our core fitness program on skates led by an experienced skate coach.
Learn to Skate Fitness a safe place to get familiar with being on skates and build out your balance with a skate coach on tap to help you advance your skills.
Personal Skate Fitness Training do a personally tailored one on one skate fitness session in person or through a video call.
Indoor Sessions at the Salvation Army Gym
Practice skating in our unique venue and get individualized coaching to develop your skills.
Classes for Kids
We can set something up with enough parental interest -- right now we're running skate sessions at various summer camps in the district.
Our Locations
We offer skate classes at various indoor and outdoor locations in Washington DC.
We Can Come to You
If you have a venue you want us to use, we are certified and insured through SkateIA and can add you as an additionally insured party.
Waiver
Here is the link to sign our waiver to participate in our Trolley Trail Day activities.
● ● ●
Here are The Things We Are Doing This Summer
We're operating a Free Learn to Skate Clinic for inline and roller skaters outdoors in Rock Creek Park and Petworth in Washington DC.
We're teaching skate lessons indoors at the Kraken Kourts and Skates roller rink in Washington DC.
Starting July we'll be offering more skate activities; sign up for our newsletter below to get the details.
And if you want skate activities right here in College Park, you can contact us using our form.
Skate Lessons at Kraken Kourts & Skates
We offer one hour skate classes year round in Washington DC's only indoor roller rink.
Contact us if you have any trouble registering on the Kraken website. We know that their registration system can be challenging and we're happy to smooth the process.
Classes
Register via the Kraken website
630pm Wednesdays
& 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.
Private Lessons (for 1-4 students) ● Get one on one time with a skate instructor to provide you coaching customized to your skating needs.
Register via the Kraken website
6pm Thursdays
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.
In Petworth
| Saturdays | Sundays (by arrangement) |
|---|---|
| 10am (Monthly) Free Learn to Skate Clinic | Private Lessons |
| 2pm Skate Practice & Slalom | Other Skating Sessions |
At the Roller Rink
| Wednesdays | Thursdays | Saturdays |
|---|---|---|
| 630pm Rollerdance Group Class | 630pm Learn to Skate Group Class | 9am Private Lesson 1-4 Students |
| 730pm Private Lesson 1-4 Students | - | 10am Learn to Skate Group Lesson |
Skate Lessons at the Salvation Army
We have loaner skates and protective equipment available for free at our outdoor lessons.
Group Lessons
Learn to Skate Outdoors ● Covers proper use of protective equipment, falling safety and prevention, basic stride, turning and stopping.
Private Lessons
Outdoor Private Lessons ● Available for adults, children and families, beginner to advanced skaters, covering the skills of your choice.
Instructors
About Skate Instructor Danny
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.
About Lead Instructor Andrew
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.
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.
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 -- at a roller rink or anywhere else -- and work with our skate coach to choreograph your skating to music.
Introductory Rollerdance
For skaters who have taken the learn to skate clinic and other non-beginner skaters:Get fit, work on your balance, and explore new places to skate. We'll customize these sessions to the specific needs of our participants. This will be held in various locations.
Skate Lab
Private Lessons Outdoors
Notes
Private lessons run for 60 minutes.
If you don't see a compatible date or have a special request use the request button below.
Private Lessons
Be sure to review and agree to our waiver packet here.
Learn to Skate
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
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
Skate Care
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.
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.
{{url.classtype|error}} Request
Contact Us
Thank You!
Thank you for reaching out to us. Getting feedback from you helps us build better programs.
Your form has been submitted, we'll check out what you sent and be in touch with you soon.
Introductory Rollerdance Confirmation
Thanks for signing up!Please note that the prerequisite for signing up for this session is being able to skate. If you need some help to start skating, please sign up for a learn to skate session.
Directions
We'll meet at the Salvation Army on Sherman Avenue in Petworth, indoors in the gym. The address is:3335 Sherman Ave NWPark on the streets nearby go to the side entrance, buzz the buzzer and we'll let you in.If you are taking public transportation, it's a short walk from the Petworth metro station.
What to Bring
We encourage you to wear pads as you be learning learning new skills.
wrist guards
elbow pads
knee pads
Other than that, you'll need to bring your skates of course!
What to Expect
Skate Instructor Clare will be there to help you get started on some new skate moves and also work on your style, with and without music.If you have any trouble finding us, I'll be nearby and you can call/text me for help at 410-394-9483.-Skate Instructor Andrew
Skate Lesson 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:
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 (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 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.
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.
What to Bring
either inline skates
...or roller skates
a helmet -- required outdoors
These items are also required outdoors:
wrist guards
elbow pads
knee pads
We do have loaner skate equipment; if you need something, please let us know as soon as you can.
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
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