New to Skating?

Welcome! Starting figure skating can feel a little overwhelming at first. You may be wondering where to begin, how lessons work, whether you need a coach, or what the difference is between the rink and the skating club. The good news is that you don't have to figure it out alone!

The Greenville Figure Skating Club is here to help guide you through the process. Below, we've outlined the roles of the Pavilion Recreation Complex, skating coaches, and our club, along with the typical pathway from a beginner skater to a U.S. Figure Skating club member.

Whether your goal is to skate for fun, perform in shows, compete, or simply learn a new skill, every skater begins with the same first step—and we're excited to welcome you to the skating community!

Getting Started in Figure Skating

Greenville Figure Skating Club is one of three U.S. Figure Skating-affiliated clubs in South Carolina. Our home rink is the Pavilion Recreation Complex in Taylors, SC. The Pavilion, individual coaches, and the Club are separate entities that work together to support the skating community. GFSC supports and promotes skating opportunities in our community, but it does not manage programs or operations belonging to partner organizations.

‍WHO DOES WHAT?

The Pavilion Recreation Complex

- Operates the ice rink and offers public skating and freestyle sessions.
- Runs the Learn to Skate USA program, which is the foundation of skating.

‍ Greenville Figure Skating Club 

- Independent contractors who provide private lessons.
- Do not work for the Pavilion or Greenville FSC.
- Coach contact information is available on our website. 

‍ Greenville Figure Skating Club 

- Supports skaters beyond Learn to Skate through testing, exhibitions, performances, competitions, seminars, and social activities.
- Provides opportunities for recreational, competitive, and lifelong participation in skating. 

New to Skating?

We recommend beginning with the Pavilion's Learn to Skate program. Private lessons are typically introduced after a skater has gained foundational skills through group instruction. 

‍THE SKATING PATHWAY

  1. Learn to Skate USA
    The entry point to skating for all ages and skill levels. Group lessons teach the fundamental skills needed for figure skating.

  2. Aspire Program
    The Aspire Program bridges the gap between Learn to Skate USA and full U.S. Figure Skating membership, introducing skaters and their families to competitions, performances, and the broader skating community. Participation in Aspire group classes is optional, as some skaters transition directly to private lessons.
    For information about the Aspire Program, contact Charis Sloan at nicesk8ing@gmail.com.
    The Aspire Program is independently owned and operated by Charis Sloan and is not affiliated with or operated by the Pavilion Recreation Complex or the Greenville Figure Skating Club.

  3. Club Membership
    As skaters progress, Club membership provides access to test sessions, competitions, exhibitions, performances, camps, and a supportive skating community. 

Helpful Links

The Pavilion Recreation Complex
https://pavilion.greenvillerec.com/ice-skating/

Greenville Figure Skating Club
https://www.greenvillefigureskating.com/

US Figure Skating Pathway to Skating
https://members.usfsaonline.org/skating-journey

For more information, explore the links on the Resource page here.