The Rinx

Signed my son up for skating lessons which were described to be for “very beginner” skaters. Unfortunately, we signed up a few classes in to the 7 week session. The other kids in the class were all skating independently. My son was terrified, as it was his first time on the ice. And because we missed the beginning few classes he missed all that instruction on how to stand up properly on the ice, etc. The instructor just seemed annoyed with him the whole time as he was scared to leave the wall and did not know how to skate at all. She brought him off the ice within 5 mins. I was very understanding as it was his first time ever on the ice and the 4th class into the 7 week session. This made me realize it is not “very beinnger” friendly if you start late. I asked for the remaining sessions to be credited toward the next 7 weeks so we can start fresh and get those important beginning classes. I was told they do not do credits or refunds (which I wasn’t looking for). They said they will put a helper in the next weeks class. However, this helper was for the whole class not just for my son (I asked). My son, who was so incredibly far behind all the other skaters in the group was terrified to go back the next week. Knowing he wouldn’t get a proper introduction to the ice as it was the middle of the entire 7 week session we decided it was best to skip and just cut our losses. It’s unfortunate it’s not suggested to wait and not join mid session as the first few classes are important for the “very beginner” skater. We will not be returning.

This is a very charming rink in a lovely setting, but I cannot recommend to anyone with young children or anyone who values their bodily safety for open skate. I have been a life long figure skater. My father has played hockey for 65 years. We are familiar with many rinks and the rules and protocol of open skate. The level of supervision and oversight by the staff who patrol the rink is scary here. Yesterday there were at least 4 staff members on the ice for open skate. They did absolutely nothing except look at their phones and gossip. Nobody said anything to any skaters about keeping out of the center of ice reserved for more expert practice. Fine- it was chaos, but whatever. However, ny 4 year old son got mowed down by an out of control early teen, twice his size. When the teen hit my kid they went careening across the ice. The teen on top of my small child who went head first. This happened right in front of an attendant. The attendant looked at me, at the assailant, and at my child laid out flat on the floor, and shrugged his shoulders as the teen skated off and neglected to check whether my 4 year old was ok. The ice attendants should be policing basic safety at this place and checking on the injured. Why else are they there? I paid 30 dollars for two laps around the ice and a traumatized child. I do not recommend and will not be signing my kids up for more of the group lesson sessions here unless the practices change dramatically. It’s scary.