Skate Lab Winter 2026: Back to Basics!

Skate Lab Winter: Back to Basics — 6-Week Skill Building Session (Jan 8 – Feb 12) – Open to New-to-Us Skaters & Returning Skaters

We’re excited to announce our first Skate Lab session that’s open to new-to-us skaters! If you haven’t trained with us before but can skate on your own, this is a great place to start. Returning skaters will recognize the structure—but with fresh drills, technique focus, and opportunities to level up.

This 6-week “Back to Basics” session is designed for skaters who are steady-ish on their feet and ready for guided practice. You don’t need advanced skills, but you should be able to skate on your own at an open skate, roll comfortably, and stop (even if imperfectly). If you're able to move around without holding the wall and want to build confidence, stability, and control—this session is for you.

PLEASE READ THE AGENDA ITEMS and FAQ BEFORE REGISTERING TO ENSURE YOU MEET OUR PARTICIPANT POLICY & BASIC SKILLS REQUIREMENTS (scroll down). Thank you! Can't wait to skate with you!

Session Details
When: Thursdays, 5–7pm, Jan 8 – Feb 12

Who Should Join

You’ll be a great fit if any of these sound like you:

• You’ve skated before—even casually—and want to feel more stable and confident
• You can stand, roll, and stop independently
• You want structured drills to improve balance, stride, and control
• You’re returning to skating and want a skills refresh
• You learn best with guidance, repetition, and feedback

Who This Session Isn't for

• Skaters who are brand new to skating and cannot yet stand or roll on their own
  (We love beginners, but this session moves at a pace meant for skaters with at least a little experience.)

What to Expect: Skate Lab back to basics will be a mix of

• Open skate with a chill vibe and no big crowd
• Foundational skating skills with progressions for every level
• Drills that focus on balance, edges, stride technique, transitions, and control
• Variations so newer skaters can build confidence while experienced skaters challenge themselves
• A supportive environment with space to work at your own pace
• Skill refinement that benefits every skater, from fresh faces to returning vets
• Roller dance basics
• Experimental fun. The format of Skate Lab is a fluid "choose your own adventure" experience. Led by Headbutty Holly with help from the amazing Zelda and Kaitlin.
  
  

Need skates & gear? Click here for our Gear Guide, complete with discounts!

Why Join This Session

This is the perfect chance to build strong technique, improve your confidence, and develop consistent, safe skating habits. Whether you're new to our program or coming back to sharpen your skills, we’re excited to skate with you!

Skate Lab is a weekly skate party that includes a magical mix of open skate, roller dance, and fitness skating drills as well as any new experiments we come up with - all in the name of having a blast on roller skates! The format of Skate Lab is a fluid "choose your own adventure" experience.

Classes will include:
5-5:30pm: open skate and warm up (don't worry if you can't make it by 5!)

5:30-7pm: Fitness skating and on-skate drills, roller dance, non-contact roller derby style drills, probably some silliness, various optional activities, cool down, stretch.

REQUIRED GEAR: Quad skates, Helmet, Knee Pads, Wrist Guards.

Class Dates:
Jan 8, Jan 15, Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12
Bonus! If you miss a class, drop into our all-gender Skate Lab Open Skate: Tuesday, Feb 9, 5–7pm

Info: Skate Lab: Thursday 5-7pm. Return or experienced skaters only this session. Skate Lab is a weekly skate party that includes a magical mix of open skate, roller dance, and fitness skating drills as well as any new experiments we come up with - all in the name of having a blast on roller skates! *We do not provide lessons in Skate Lab.* The format of Skate Lab is a fluid "choose your own adventure" experience. Classes will include:5-5:30pm: open skate and warm up (don't worry if you can't make it by 5!) 5:30-7pm: Fitness skating and on-skate drills, roller dance, non-contact roller derby style drills, probably some silliness, various optional activities, cool down, stretch. REQUIRED GEAR: Quad skates, Helmet, Knee Pads, Wrist Guards. Class Dates: 10/30 (Halloween theme night), 11/6, 11/13,11/ 20, 12/4, 12/11 (Holiday theme night)If you miss a class drop in to an all-gender Skate Lab open skate Tuesday, Dec 9, 5-7pm. No class Thanksgiving 11/27.

Also check out other Workshops in Westbrook, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Westbrook, Contests in Westbrook.