Try Speed Skating

If you’re interested in trying speed skating at the Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex, here’s what you need to know.

Speed skating is a sport for all ages and skill levels. We encourage adult skaters as well as children, in a supportive family atmosphere.

Whether you want to learn to speed skate for the first time, are looking for a recreational experience, want to improve your fitness for other sports, or you want to train and compete at a high level, we encourage all.

Schedule

On-ice sessions are held on Mondays and Wednesdays between 19:15 and 20:15.
- Sessions can be booked through the BookWhen app here. Please email info@aldwychspeedclub.com for the password if you would like to book a session.
There’s an off-ice warmup session starting at 18:30 at the rink side before each on-ice session.
During the summer, there are usually extra ice sessions on weekends (so keep an eye on the announcements).

Equipment You Will Need

For your first experiences in speed skating, we can provide you with a basic set of equipment and safety gear (subject to availability), including:

Speed Skates

Enclosed Helmet

Cut-Proof Gloves

Knee Pads

Cut-Proof Neck Guard

Shin Guards

Make sure to wear something warm, as it can get cold on the ice.
Long trousers and long sleeves are required.
Don’t forget to bring a plastic bottle of water.
Arrive in plenty of time so we can ensure you have all the correct safety equipment.

Learn To Skate

For safety reasons, we ask that you have proficiency in basic skating skills like stopping, gliding, and stroking.
If you need a Learn To Skate course, consider checking out lessons offered by the Guildford Spectrum here or elsewhere via the British Ice Skating website here.
Our excellent coaching team will then teach you everything you need to know about speed skating.

Costs

Your first session will cost £16 which includes the equipment, ice time, coaching, rink entrance and an 8 session trial membership.
Subsequent sessions will cost £10.
We occasionally have extended sessions, especially over the Summer, which may have a different cost.

Next Steps

Still unsure? Trying watching the BBC Sport Get Inspired: How to get into speed skating bitesize or the Guide to Short Track Speed Skating with Team GB.
Maybe our latest European Silver Medal winner Niall Treacy can inspire you - Niall Treacy: Speed skater on 'surreal' feeling of winning European Short Track silver.
For more information and to book an introduction to speed skating feel free to contact Aldwych Speed Club via email at info@aldwychspeedclub.com.

Lace up those skates and enjoy the thrill of speed skating!