Freestyle Sessions

Important Information, Schedule & Registration

The Rinks offer a number of daily freestyle skating sessions for figure skaters. These are special sessions provided for the practice of jumps, spins, turns, steps, moves in the field, etc. Skaters are allowed to share the sound system in order to practice their routines to music. Skaters are provided with full ice usage and no cones are allowed on Freestyle sessions.

  • All Freestyle sessions, regardless of level, are strictly for figure skating practice and figure skating lessons unless otherwise noted (e.g. Skating Skills)
  • Learn to Skate practice passes are not valid on any type of Freestyle Session

Schedule

View Schedule

Registration

Register for Freestyle Sessions

Leveled Session Types

U.S. Figure Skating has recently implemented changes to the rules and pre-requisites for competition levels – what has been referred to in our industry as ‘Test De-Coupling.’ In response to these changes, The Rinks & Great Park Ice have adapted our Freestyle session standards to better reflect the competition pipeline structure and ensure we provide the safest and most productive training environment for our patrons. We have decided to update previous ‘level-session’ language to the NEW competition and testing standards in order to provide clarity and consistency.  Here are some industry-wide changes to keep in mind:

    • The ‘Freestyle Test’ is now called ‘Singles Test’ since it is in the ‘Singles’ discipline of skating (as opposed to Pairs, Ice Dance, etc).
    • The Singles (Freestyle) Test levels have been rebranded to:
      • Pre-Preliminary (No Change)
      • Preliminary (No Change)
      • Pre-Bronze (Formerly Pre-Juvenile)
      • Bronze (Formerly Juvenile)
      • Pre-Silver (Formerly Intermediate)
      • Silver (Formerly Novice)
      • Pre-Gold (Formerly Junior)
      • Gold (Formerly Senior)
    • The Singles Test will no longer solely determine the competition level of a skater.
      • The Singles Test will simply serve as a floor but not a ceiling, meaning you must pass the specific Singles Test to compete at that competition level, but you CAN compete lower than the Singles Test level passed. (E.G. Skater must pass Pre-Silver Singles Test to compete Intermediate ‘Well-Balanced’ (Standard) track, but can compete in Juvenile if they so choose.)
    • Furthermore, there are specific rules and additional stipulations in selecting your competition level, including your Excel Competition level, your prior Well-Balanced (Standard) competition level, your age, Compete USA Event rules, etc. For more information, please visit the U.S. Figure Skating Website

  • Skating Skills sessions are open to BOTH hockey players and figure skaters for practice or lessons
  • These sessions will be used to develop the fundamentals of skating (edge control, agility, balance and speed)
  • Maximum level: Below Pre-Preliminary (Axel level)
  • Rental skates are permitted

  • Skaters may have passed a maximum test level of:
    • Pre-Preliminary Singles, Preliminary Skating Skills, Adult Silver Singles

  • Skating Skills Test - Standard Pre-Bronze (formerly Pre-Juvenile MIF)
  • And/or Skating Skills Test - Adult Gold
  • And/or competition protocol from Pre-Preliminary Singles, Well Balanced and above
  • And/or competition protocol from the following Excel Singles levels:
    • Preliminary Plus, Pre-Juvenile Plus, and above
    • NOT included are Preliminary Excel or Pre-Juvenile Excel

  • Skating Skills Test - Standard Bronze (formerly Juvenile MIF)
  • And/or Skating Skills Test - Adult Intermediate
  • And/or competition protocol from Preliminary Singles, Well Balanced and above
  • And/or competition protocol from the following Excel Singles levels:
    • Juvenile Plus, and above

  • Skating Skills Test - Standard Pre-Gold (formerly Junior MIF)
  • And/or competition protocol from Juvenile Singles, Well Balanced and above
  • And/or competition protocol from Adult Masters Junior-Senior Singles
  • And/or competition protocol from Excel Senior Singles

  • Competition protocol from Singles, Well Balanced with a completed Double Axel
    • Double Axel must be landed clean or q (1/4 rotation missing)
    • NOT included are under-rotations, downgrades, and/or falls when meeting the Double Axel requirement
  • No ice dance (partner or solo) or synchronized skating patterns (partner or solo)

  • Competition protocol from Singles, Well Balanced with 3 triple jumps completed
    • The 3 triple jumps must be landed clean or q (1/4 rotation missing) and on the same protocol (in the same program)
    • NOT included are wrong edges, under-rotations, downgrades, and/or falls when meeting the 3 triple jump requirement. Triples may be repeated.
  • No ice dance (partner or solo) or synchronized skating patterns (partner or solo)

Competition Protocol Requirements: For all levels, the competition protocol submitted must be from the past 12 months or less. If the protocol is from more than 12 months, the reason needs to be approved by the Skating Manager / Director.

Updated Requirements Effective September 1, 2023: Any skaters with current Freestyle Session tags for these leveled sessions will keep them and be allowed to attend these sessions, even if they do not meet the current and new requirements. The Skating Manager / Director reserves the right to assess skaters on a case-by-case basis if an extenuating or unique circumstance is presented.

In order to have your test level updated, please send your test records to Braden Overett at boverett@therinks.com so that we can update the prerequisite on your account. 

Pricing

Prices below are effective January 1, 2024

  • 1 hour session - $15.50
  • 30 minute session - $7.75

10 Pack - $150
$15 per session

25 Pack - $368.75
$14.75 per session

50 Pack - $725
$14.50 per session

75 Pack - $1050
$14 per session

The Rinks Freestyle Packages can be redeemed at The Rinks - Anaheim ICE, Lakewood ICE, Poway ICE, Westminster ICE, and Yorba Linda ICE. They may not be redeemed at Great Park Ice, as their pricing is different.

10 Pack - $75
$7.50 per session

25 Pack - $184.38
$7.37 per session

50 Pack - $362.50
$7.25 per session

75 Pack - $525
$7 per session

The Rinks Freestyle Packages can be redeemed at The Rinks - Anaheim ICE, Lakewood ICE, Poway ICE, Westminster ICE, and Yorba Linda ICE. They may not be redeemed at Great Park Ice, as their pricing is different.

Purchase Freestyle Packages

To purchase passes: Create an account, log in, scroll to "Passes", then "Add Passes" to your cart & check out.

Freestyle Session Rules & Code of Conduct

BY PARTICIPATING IN A FREESTYLE OR PUBLIC SESSION, ALL SKATERS, COACHES, GUESTS AND SPECTATORS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

  1. Skate safely and responsibly during all sessions.
  2. Choose the appropriate skating session for your skating abilities. Management reserves the right to remove a skater from a session if necessary or appropriate.
  3. Freestyle sessions are primarily for teaching and training and Public Sessions are for all guests, especially new skaters beginning to experience and learn the joy of skating.
  4. All skaters must always abide by (i) the right of way priority listing, set forth below in the Right of Way Protocol Rules 4 and 5, and (ii) the jump and spin zones safety map (shown in the diagram attached hereto), set forth below in the Right of Way Protocol Rule 8.
  5. It is strongly recommended that all skaters observe the conventional travel pattern set forth in the Right of Way Protocol Rules and Policies. If a skater diverts from the conventional travel pattern, they are responsible for avoiding accidents or collisions.
  6. All skaters (including coaches) must register, pay and sign-in for the appropriate session before entering the ice. Skaters and coaches must always wear their session sticker.
  7. Only approved coaches that have executed the Private Ice-Skating Coach Facility Use Agreement may provide direct coaching and instruction to skaters during Freestyle Sessions.
  8. No coach is permitted to organize or teach a group of more than 2 skaters on the ice or 3 skaters off the ice without the express permission from Management.
  9. Skaters may only communicate with their coach while on the ice surface. To avoid distracting other skaters and coaches, all other conversations must occur in the lobby or an equivalent off-ice area in the facility.
  10. The entrance to the ice surface must always be clear and no guest, parent, skater, or coach may block the entrance at any time.
  11. No skater is permitted to use an audio headset (headphones, earbuds, or anything that functions in a similar manner) while skating without express permission from Management.
  12. Coaches may use handheld music speakers for their students. Music played from a handheld speaker by a coach must be at a moderate volume that is not louder than the overhead speakers and does not disturb other skaters. 
  13. The order in which music may be played on the overhead speakers, as well as any other music-related rules are subject to the music policies of the specific rink.
  14. Lyrics of any song played in a manner to be heard by the public, either on the overhead speakers or a coach’s hand held speaker, must be appropriate for families and children. Management can require a song be turned off for inappropriate lyrics.
  15. No skater is permitted to use for either filming or watching purposes any video recorder or any other camera (including but not limited to smartphones with cameras and recorders, go-pro cameras, or other similar device) while skating without express permission from Management.
  16. Parents, coaches, and guests may record (both audio and/or visual) only the skater which they have accompanied to the facility. Recording any other person in the facility is strictly prohibited.
  17. Skaters may only review video footage of their routine in the lobby or an equivalent off-ice area in the facility.
  18. Except for children enrolled and actively participating in a skating program at the Facility, children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
  19. All skaters, coaches, and guest are required to comply with the Code of Conduct for The Rinks and Great Park Ice, USFS SkateSafe, US Center for SafeSport, and the Professional Skaters Association guidelines and rules at all times.

 

Violation of the Freestyle and Public Session Rules and Polies rules may result in removal from the rink surface during a session, suspension from Freestyle and Public Sessions, or any other consequence Management deems appropriate for such violation.

BY PARTICIPATING IN A FREESTYLE OR PUBLIC SESSION, ALL SKATERS AND COACHES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

  1. Always skate in a safe, responsible and defensive manner, staying aware of your surroundings and other skaters at all times. All skaters skate at their own risk. 
  2. Remain aware that skaters of varying levels may be on the ice surface when you skate. In the event of a collision or accident with another skater, be courteous to those involved, check to make sure all skaters around you are alright, and report the incident immediately to Facility staff and/or management. If you or a guest requires emergency medical services, call 9-1-1 and immediately notify a Facility staff member. 
  3. The conventional flow of skating traffic is in a counterclockwise direction when skating on the outside perimeter of the ice (from the ice entrance, turn right to skate around the rink). Whenever not skating with the conventional traffic pattern, a skater and a skater's coach must be mindful as they are responsible for avoiding accidents or collisions with other skaters traveling in the conventional traffic pattern. 
  4. Always be aware and mindful of the flow of skate traffic when merging  from any direction. 
  5. RIGHT OF WAY PRIORITIES: Skaters must always accommodate their skate to avoid accidents ad collisions for the following scenarios (in order of priority) that are determined to have the right of way:
    1. Skater in the midst of a spin
    2. During the first 2 plays of a program song on the overhead speakers, a skater skating a program with overhead music
    3. Skater skating in the conventional flow of traffic when on the perimeter of the ice
  6. During a Public Session, a general public session skater, who is not training or taking lessons, always has the right of way priority.
  7. Skaters must be mindful of pole harness lessons, a the coach and skater have a more difficult time maneuvering quickly. Coaches working with pole harness skaters must follow the Right of Way Protocols & Rules 5 and 6 to avoid collisions or other accidents.
  8. Skaters should not "linger" or remain in designated jump and spin areas once their jump or spin has been completed (refer to map). Please move on as quickly as possible to allow other skaters the ability to jump or spin in the designated areas. 

Violation of The Right of Way Protocols and Rules, the Code of Conduct, the Freestyle and Public Session Rules and Policies or any other rules, regulations, or policies set forth by the Foundation may result in removal from the rink surface during a session, suspension from Freestyle and Public Sessions, or any other consequence Management deems appropriate for such violation. 

BY ATTENDING AND VIEWING A FREESTYLE OR PUBLIC SESSION, ALL PARENTS, GUARDIANS, GUESTS AND SPECTATORS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

 

  1. No person is permitted to block the entrance gates to ice surface for any reason.
  2. Only approved coaches may coach and provide instruction directly to skaters. Parents, guardians, guests and spectators are not permitted to coach or otherwise instruct skaters from any area, including but not limited to, the rink entrance, bleachers or lobby area. Non-coaches must be respectful of the coaches’ role as instructor.
  3. Parents, guardians, guests and spectators are not permitted in the player’s box area unless otherwise designated during Public Session or during Learn To Skate.
  4. Parents, guardians, guests and spectators must view freestyle sessions from the bleacher or stands area or from the lobby area, as may be designated by Management.
  5. In accordance with the Code of Conduct, parents, guardians, guests and spectators must refrain from comments or actions that are disruptive, offensive, abusive, discriminatory or racist.
  6. Parents, guardians, coaches, spectators and guests may record (both audio and/or visual) only the skater which they have accompanied to the facility. Recording any other person in the facility is strictly prohibited.
  7. Parents, guardians, guests and spectators are to keep control of their emotions. When a stressful situation arises, we ask parents to please cooperate in our efforts to de-escalate as appropriate.

To view the full Code of Conduct for The Rinks & Great Park Ice, click here

Guest Coach Protocol

  • Contact Skating Manager, Braden Overett, at least 24 hours in advance for approval and to sign the Facility Use Agreement as required
  • Submit proof of:
    • Coach Compliance (successfully passed background screen and completion of SafeSport Training)
    • Verification of current coach liability insurance
      • Certificate holder must list:
        Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena, Irvine Ice Foundation, The Rinks Foundation, Ice Management LLC, H&S Ventures, LLC, City of Irvine, Orange County Great Park Corporation, their respective agents, officers, and employees. 
        888 Ridge Valley
        Irvine, CA 92618
        Attn: Jesse Campbell
    • To view the full insurance requirements, click here
  • Create an Account Here
  • Pay $45 Daily Guest Coaching Fee BEFORE taking the ice (on the day you are teaching) or $170 The Rinks - Weekly Guest Coaching Fee* on Monday. 
    • Go into your Customer Account through Dash
    • Scroll down to "Memberships"
    • Click "Add Membership"
    • "Guest Skating Coach (Anaheim)" - Add to Cart
    • Check out
  • All coaches must check-in daily prior to teaching. Click here to check-in. 

More Information

For more information, contact:

Lakewood ICE Program Office
562.429.1805 ext. 6233
lwprogramoffice@therinks.com

The Rinks - Lakewood ICE Skating Manager - Braden Overett
boverett@therinks.com

The Rinks Figure Skating Director – Alex Chang
achang@therinks.com