CanSkate

As per Skate Canada, CanSkate offers the best curriculum in Canada. The Skate Canada flagship learn-to-skate program has taught millions of Canadians to reach their recreational and competitive goals on the ice.

CanSkate is a national certified program offered only through sanctioned Skate Canada clubs.  It is a basic 6 stage, learn-to-skate program that serves as an excellent introduction to all ice sports including figure skating and hockey. Children who are 4years old and older or will be turning age 4 by end of March 2024, are eligible to register for our CanSkate program.  Our previous PreCanSkate program goals have been incorporated into our entry level CanSkate Stage 1; and we will not be offering a separate PreCanskate program in the 2023-2024 season.

Whether you are looking to take your first steps on the ice or are wanting to improve basic skating skills for figure skating, hockey, ringette or speed skating, or wish to skate for recreation, fitness or fun, CanSkate will get you there.

Conducted in a fun, friendly environment, the CanSkate program showcases a comprehensive series of balance, control and agility skills, using a nationally-tested and proven curriculum that supports skater success in developing stronger basic skills on the ice.

Millions of Canadians, including World and Olympic figure skating champions and National Hockey League stars, have taken their first steps on the ice with the CanSkate program. Offered at clubs and skating schools across Canada and delivered by NCCP coaches, CanSkate will help you realize your skating goals.

What can you expect?

Action, movement and fun! Lessons are given in a group format with a coach-to-student ratio of approximate 1:10 (not one to one instruction). Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, upbeat music and a wide variety of activities that create a motivational environment and promote learning. Badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters’ progress and reward effort and participation.

Overview

For CanSkate lessons, the club ensures that there are at least two professional coaches on the ice for all sessions and is taught in a group format. These coaches rotate from group to group so that each group receives a lesson each day. The coaches are assisted by Program Assistants who are figure skaters from the club who have been trained by the coaches under Skate Canada guidelines and we maintain a ratio of one coach or program assistant for each 10 skaters on the ice.

All skaters are assigned to a CanSkate stage according to their skating experience and age. During the first few sessions, coaches observe the skaters and may move some to other groups that are more appropriate to their ability.  Skaters progress through the 6 Stage format on an individual basis. Progression is monitored and assessed continuously. CanSkate is the feeder program to the Starskate and CanPower programs that develop figure skating and hockey skills respectively.

Advanced CanSkate is for skaters who have already completed Canskate Stage 4 in the CANSKATE program.  It is a fast track program that leads into the STARSkate program for figure skating, as well as, improves speed and agility for skaters who aspire to move into hockey, ringette or speed skating. It is also a great introduction to CanPower skating for Hockey and Ringette players. This program is geared toward players that are looking for extra ice time to works on their edges, skating skills and backwards skating

Click on the following link for Skate Canada's complete description of the CanSkate Program:  https://skatecanada.ca/skating-lessons/our-programs/canskate/

Equipment

Proper equipment is essential to becoming skilled in most sports and skating is no exception! Skaters cannot learn skills unless their skates fit well and support their ankles. If your child cannot walk across the floor holding his/her ankles up it is highly unlikely that he/she will be any better on the ice. 

If at anytime you have questions or concerns regarding your equipment, please consult with any of the Club coaches. 

Skates

A variety of local stores sell skating equipment in a variety of price and quality ranges. Before buying skates, check carefully for:

• Proper fit
• Firm Ankle support
• Laces and hooks, not buckles
• Good quality leather (no plastic)   

Avoid buying larger size skates for skaters to “grow into”. If you buy children's skates too loose, they will interfere with the skating and may actually be dangerous because of lack of support.

How to ensure correct size of skates

1. Wear only one pair of socks or tights (the same pair that will be worn when skating)
2. Partially unlace boot through instep  
3. Slide foot forward so toe can touch the front but not cramped  
4. Stand with weight equally distributed over both feet—bend knees  
5. The space at the back of the heel should be no more than a pencil width  
6. Don't forget to check if the width of the skates fit the foot—they should be snug but comfortable.
7. Walk around in the skates off the ice; they should feel comfortable. 

How to tie skates  

1. Once foot is placed comfortably in the boot…
   Be sure the tongue is centered and pulled all the way up.
2. Start at the toe of the skate and tighten laces comfortably over the toe and front of the boot
3. Before tightening the hooks, wiggle your toes to make sure the skates feel comfortable.
4. Tie laces snugly around the ankle and tie a tight bow or double knot. Do not wrap laces around the ankle. If you feel you need to do this for more support, you probably need a new pair of skates!
5. Make sure extra lace is tucked away. If the laces are too long, just cut them.

Sharpening your skates 

All new skates and skates that have not been skated on for a month will need to be sharpened before you skate on them.  Re-sharpen skates after approximately 20-30 hours of skating.  More frequent sharpening may be required, if the skater walks on concrete, rubber or carpeted surfaces without guards, if the blades are not wiped dry, or if there are severe nicks and rough surfaces on the edges of the blade.  
Do NOT remove the bottom pick on figure skates.  The pick is part of the design of figure skates and is essential to proper balance. 

Helmets

• Helmets are mandatory for all skaters in the PreCanSkate and CanSkate programs and MUST be CSA approved! Bike Helmets are not permitted.
• Helmets should fit snug and both the helmet and strap should be adjustable.
  

Care of Equipment

• Always wear protective guards when not on the ice. Do NOT walk on concrete surfaces without skate guards. Sharpening and blades will wear much faster, and are damaged severely by the surface.  
• After a lesson, dry blades and sole plate completely with a cloth. This will prevent the blades from rusting.  Always remove guards and allow skates to air dry completely after each skate.  
• When not in use, remove skates from the skate bag and leave them in the open so that they can air dry thoroughly, allowing the leather to breath.  

Skating Clothing

The rink is cold so remember to bring extra clothing and layer when possible. 

• Pants/Jackets - To keep your child warm, snow pants or windbreaker pants over long pants are recommended. Sweaters and turtlenecks or a winter jacket on top should be sufficient. Try to avoid clothing that is too bulky, restrictive or not waterproof. 
• Mitts/Gloves – Bring at least 1 pair of warm gloves each day and have a back up pair in case they get wet. Put a few pairs of gloves in the skating bag at the beginning of the season and you won't have to remember to bring them each time. 
  
  

Policy for Parents and Guardians

• Click this link