Where to look
- Map search. Search for "ice rink," "ice arena," "roller rink" or "roller hockey rink" near you. Read each rink's schedule page.
- City and county recreation departments. Many parks in warm regions have outdoor roller hockey rinks or sport courts, and some cities run indoor rinks.
- Your national hockey governing body. Governing bodies for ice and inline hockey often list registered programs and beginner events on their official websites.
- The rink front desk. Staff know every program in the building, including ones that are not well advertised.
Kinds of sessions
| Session | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Public skate | Open skating for everyone, usually with rental skates. No sticks or pucks. | Learning to skate |
| Learn to skate | Group classes that teach balance, strides, stops and turns. | Total beginners of any age |
| Learn to play | Beginner hockey classes with sticks and pucks, often with gear rules. | New players who can skate a little |
| Adult beginner clinic | Coached sessions for adults new to the game. | Adults starting from scratch |
| Stick and puck | Open time to practice with a stick and puck. Usually no games. Helmet and gloves are commonly required. | Practicing skills on your own |
| Drop-in or pickup | Informal games, sometimes grouped by skill level. Full gear is usually required. | Players ready for game play |
| Recreational league | Regular games over a season, often with beginner divisions. | Players who want a team |
Questions to ask a rink or program
- Is this session suitable for complete beginners?
- What gear is required, and do you lend or rent any of it?
- What does it cost, and is there a trial session?
- Is the rink air conditioned (for roller rinks) and is there water on site?
- For leagues: how are divisions grouped by skill, and is the league no-check?
- For kids: how are groups split by age, and how do coaches handle water breaks?
What to expect at your first session
Arrive early, since getting into gear takes longer than you think the first time. Check in at the front desk, find the locker room and ask where to go. Coaches in beginner programs expect nervous, wobbly players. Introduce yourself, say you are new and ask questions.
At drop-in games, tell the group you are a beginner. Most groups are welcoming to new players who keep their stick down and their effort up.
Planning around summer
In hot places, indoor rinks can be the most comfortable place to exercise in summer, and some schedules fill up. Book classes early. Outdoor roller programs may move to early or late times, or pause in the hottest months. Check schedules before you go, and read staying cool for the drive to and from the rink.
A note on safety
Choose programs run by a rink, a city or an organized league, with coaches present for beginners. Make sure you know where the first aid kit is and how to reach help. If you have a health condition, talk to your doctor before you start any new sport.
Finding a rink FAQ
What if there is no rink near me?
Start with stick skills at home and skating on inline skates on a smooth, safe surface, such as an empty sport court. When you can, travel to a rink for a learn-to-play program to build the basics with a coach.
Do I need to join a team to play?
No. Stick and puck, clinics and drop-in games let you play without committing to a season. Leagues are there when you want regular games.
Keep going
Start here
A first month plan for adults and kids who have never played, with the order to learn things in.
GearGear fitting
How each piece should fit, head to toe, and how to pick a stick length and curve to start with.
HeatStaying cool
Hydration, heat illness warning signs, and how to handle the jump from hot parking lot to cold rink.