The Moment Daphne Fell in Love With the Ice | A Learn to Skate Story

Sometimes It Only Takes One Moment

Some children fall in love with skating the first time they lace up a pair of skates.

For Daphne Nechamkin, it happened before she ever owned a pair.

When Daphne was about 18 months old, she was sitting at the side of the rink watching her older sister’s Learn to Skate lesson at Montclair State University Ice Arena. Like many younger siblings, she was there to cheer on her big sister, not knowing she was about to discover a love of the ice herself.

As part of the Snowplow 1 program, Skating Director Deana Sroka often invites younger siblings onto the ice for a ride in a skating sled. It’s a simple way to help children experience the ice in a safe, fun, and welcoming environment while they wait for their own turn to skate.

For Daphne, that one ride would become the beginning of her skating journey.

A Memory That Lasted

“I remember being amused at how happy she was letting a total stranger skate her around,” recalled Daphne’s dad, Bill Nechamkin.

Although Daphne was too young to describe the experience, it left a lasting impression.

“She didn’t talk about it, but it was another moment in her lifelong trend of seeming to be fearless.”

Over the next two years, Daphne watched her older sister’s lessons and became increasingly excited for the day she could take to the ice herself.

“As the younger sister, she’s been gung ho about trying things she has seen her older sister try, and skating was one she was especially excited about.”

Her First Learn to Skate Lesson

This spring, at just three years old, Daphne finally took her first Learn to Skate class.

She arrived excited, but surprisingly calm.

Now that she’s on the ice, her favorite part of skating is easy to describe.

“Everything.”

Even falling has become part of the fun.

“What surprised me most is that she seems to find it funny when she falls,” Bill said.

For young skaters, that willingness to laugh, get back up, and keep trying is often one of the biggest steps toward building confidence.

A Small Moment That Made a Big Difference

For Deana Sroka, Daphne’s story is a reminder that every skater’s journey starts somewhere.

That positive first experience didn’t just inspire Daphne.

According to Bill, it has also encouraged her older sister to give skating another try and maybe even hockey, a sport he enjoyed growing up.

Every Skater Starts Somewhere

Every skating journey begins with a first step.

For some, like Daphne, it’s a Learn to Skate class after watching an older sibling. Others discover skating later in life, proving it’s never too early or too late to learn.

At Montclair State University Ice Arena, Learn to Skate is the foundation for skaters of all ages. Children, teens, and adults can build confidence, develop new skills, and enjoy the many benefits of being on the ice in a fun, supportive environment.

Where that journey leads is up to you.

Some skaters continue into figure skating, learning spins, jumps, performances, and competitions. Others discover a passion for hockey, building the skating skills needed for Learn to Play Hockey and youth hockey programs. Many simply enjoy skating recreationally with family and friends, creating memories that last a lifetime.

For Bill, the advice to other parents is simple.

“I think it’s a great skill to have and start developing early.”

For Daphne, it all started with one ride around the rink.

Sometimes that’s all it takes.

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Ready to Start Your Own Journey?

Whether you’re looking for your child’s first skating class, returning to the ice as an adult, or hoping to build the skills needed for hockey or figure skating, Montclair State University Ice Arena’s Learn to Skate program offers a welcoming place to begin.

Our experienced instructors help skaters of all ages and abilities develop confidence, learn new skills, and discover where their skating journey can take them.

Explore our Learn to Skate programs and register for an upcoming session today.