ABOUT US

Who We Are

First Strides Speedskating was founded in 2025 with a simple goal: to make short track speed skating more accessible to young skaters. Created by athletes who understand how challenging it can be to enter the sport, the program focuses on providing a welcoming and supportive first experience on the ice. First Strides offers beginner-friendly, coach-led sessions designed to help skaters build confidence, develop fundamental skills, and discover a genuine enjoyment of speed skating.

On the Ice

Our sessions are coach-led, structured, and focused on teaching the basics of short track speed skating. Skaters will work on perfecting their form, balance, stride technique, turning, stopping, and safe skating habits. 

Things to Bring

Safety is a top priority at First Strides. Skaters are expected to follow all coach instructions and safety guidelines during sessions. Basic protective equipment, such as helmets and gloves, is required, and any additional recommendations will be shared separately.

Training Schedule

First Strides sessions are held weekly on Sundays for one hour, running throughout the year. Each season concludes in April. All sessions take place at Cabin John Ice Rink in Potomac, Maryland. Our training schedule with specific dates and times can be accessed below.
Schedule

On the Ice

Our sessions are coach-led, structured, and focused on teaching the basics of short track speed skating. Skaters will work on perfecting their form, balance, stride technique, turning, stopping, and safe skating habits. 

Things to Bring

Safety is a top priority at First Strides. Skaters are expected to follow all coach instructions and safety guidelines during sessions. Basic protective equipment, such as helmets and gloves, is required, and any additional recommendations will be shared separately.

Training

First Strides sessions are held weekly on Sundays for one hour, running throughout the year. Each season concludes in April. All sessions take place at Cabin John Ice Rink in Potomac, Maryland. Our training schedule can be accessed below:

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Head Coach - Founder

Lucas Wu

Lucas Wu began his skating journey in 2016 with United Capital Blades, and currently trains with Potomac Speedskating Club. He is a 3-time medalist at U.S. Short Track Age Group Nationals and is the Age Group National Champion. He has competed at several U.S. Short Track Championships against Olympic skaters. Lucas is a sophomore at Winston Churchill High School with interests in medicine and computer science. He founded First Strides in 2025 to address the lack of accessible learn-to-skate programs in speedskating after coaching beginners at his home club.
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Assistant Coach

Ryan Huang

Ryan Huang has been skating since 2017, starting with United Capital Blade and now trains with Potomac Speedskating Club. He is currently ranked second in the nation for his age group. He has competed in several U.S. Short Track Championships against some of the country’s top short track skaters. Ryan attends Winston Churchill High School and is a freshman who has found an interest in finance and statistics. Through First Strides, he hopes to encourage younger skaters to build confidence and develop newfound interest in speedskating.

First Strides Speedskating was founded in 2026 with a simple goal: make short track speed skating more accessible to young skaters. Created by athletes who understand how challenging it can be to enter the sport, the program focuses on providing a welcoming and supportive first experience on the ice. First Strides offers beginner-friendly, coach-led sessions designed to help skaters build confidence, develop fundamental skills, and discover a genuine enjoyment of speed skating.

  • Our sessions are coach-led, structured, and focused on teaching the basics of short track speed skating. Skaters will work on perfecting their form, balance, stride technique, turning, stopping, and safe skating habits. 
  • Safety is a top priority at First Strides. Skaters are expected to follow all coach instructions and safety guidelines during sessions. Basic protective equipment, such as helmets and gloves, is required, and any additional recommendations will be shared separately.

Head Coach - Founder

Lucas Wu

The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.

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