CanSkate/Patinage Plus
The CanSkate program is a learn-to-skate program.
The Learn-to-Skate portion of the CanSkate program is suitable for children who have never been on skates. Through this program, skaters develop balance and confidence while completing the first stage. A great way to prepare a child to begin the Learn-to-Skate program is to have them wear their skates inside the house before getting on the ice and while completing the program in order to develop balance on their blades.
CanSkate teaches skaters of all ages the basics of skating in general. This program has been designed by Skate Canada to focus on fun, participation, and basic skill development. CanSkate provides lessons in a group environment, which are led by certified Skate Canada coaches who are assisted by trained Program Assistants. CanSkate programs are characterized by music, teaching aids, and a wide variety of games and activities.
This program is divided into six levels. Skaters progress through these levels at their own rate and once the skills of a stage are mastered, three ribbons then a badge is awarded.
The Learn-to-Skate portion of the CanSkate program is suitable for children who have never been on skates. Through this program, skaters develop balance and confidence while completing the first stage. A great way to prepare a child to begin the Learn-to-Skate program is to have them wear their skates inside the house before getting on the ice and while completing the program in order to develop balance on their blades.
CanSkate teaches skaters of all ages the basics of skating in general. This program has been designed by Skate Canada to focus on fun, participation, and basic skill development. CanSkate provides lessons in a group environment, which are led by certified Skate Canada coaches who are assisted by trained Program Assistants. CanSkate programs are characterized by music, teaching aids, and a wide variety of games and activities.
This program is divided into six levels. Skaters progress through these levels at their own rate and once the skills of a stage are mastered, three ribbons then a badge is awarded.
Advanced CanSkate/Patinage Plus Avancé
The Advanced CanSkate program has been designed to ease the skaters movement from CanSkate to StarSkate.
This program is for skaters who have completed their Stage 3 badge and would like to continue on in an ice sport while completing the CanSkate badges. In this program, the skills being learned are more focused toward the specific sport of the upcoming athlete than they were in CanSkate.
This program is offered in a group format led by a certified Skate Canada coach. The skaters are introduced to practicing with more independence and the use of the entire ice. The entire sessions are done with the instruction of a coach in order to accelerate progress of the skaters.
This program is for skaters who have completed their Stage 3 badge and would like to continue on in an ice sport while completing the CanSkate badges. In this program, the skills being learned are more focused toward the specific sport of the upcoming athlete than they were in CanSkate.
This program is offered in a group format led by a certified Skate Canada coach. The skaters are introduced to practicing with more independence and the use of the entire ice. The entire sessions are done with the instruction of a coach in order to accelerate progress of the skaters.
Information on what to expect if you are new to CanSkate
CanSkate is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 - 6:50 p.m..
Lessons are taught in groups - We do not offer one on one learning. Each skater will get individual attention, but not for the whole lesson time.
We will have two certified Coaches and many STAR Program Assistants (PAs) who will be working with your children.
The ice will be set up in circuits. Skaters will navigate through the circuits with the help of the PA’s.
Skaters who are new to skating will stay together at one end of the ice in their group until they are able to stand and skate without being supported.
CanSkate has 6 different stages: Skaters will work on three skills in each stage (Balance, Control & Agility). They will receive a ribbon after they have mastered each of these skills, once they get all 3 ribbons, they will receive a badge. This indicates that they passed a level and will move onto the next. Ribbons and badges are costly, so please make sure that your child does not lose them, if they are important to them.
Your child will have a name tag/badge that can be picked up when they arrive. It is important to turn it in after each lesson. The back of the tag has a chart where we keep track of their progress, so we need to be able to update it whenever necessary. This year we are calling each group by animal name, your child will be told their group name the first week!
Once a skater gets to level 4 or 5, they may be eligible to skate an extra hour in our CanSkate Advanced program. You can speak to a coach or member of executive for details.
Helmets are mandatory.
Warm clothing and mittens are a good idea.
Parents are not permitted to be on the ice and we do not use skating bars.
Skating is an individual sport. Skaters will all learn/advance at different rates.
Encourage your child to stay in their group and follow the instructions of the coaches. If they don’t want to stay out the whole time, don’t worry, if they are little, they may only want to stay out for 30 minutes. Try to encourage them to stay out a little longer each time.