Basic Introduction

• CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship program and Canada's only national learn-to-skate program.
• Strong basics for hockey, ringette, speed and figure skating.
• Designed for beginners of all ages.
• Skaters will earn badges and other incentives as they learn fundamental skating skills.
• Lessons are given in a group format and led by an NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) certified coach.
• Coaches are assisted by trained Program Assistants. The coach to student ratio is a maximum of 1:10.

 

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Skate Canada Membership

• Individuals who participate in a Skate Canada program will become Associate members of Skate Canada. All Skate Canada members are assigned a unique membership number that is theirs for life.
• The Associate member fee is an annual fee of $61.70 and is paid directly to the member club or skating school, who will then submit it to Skate Canada. Included in this fee is the mandatory member accident insurance.

 

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CanSkate Program

The CanSkate program consists of:

• Stage 1 to 6 badges
• There are three fundamental areas called Agility, Balance, and Control (the ABCs of skating!)

The three fundamental areas have strong focus on skating for all skating sports (figure/speed skating, hockey and Ringette)

• Agility focuses on jumps and turns
• Balance focuses on forward skating
• Control focuses on backwards skating and stopping

All three fundamental areas begin with the basic skill. As the skater progresses through the elements in each stage, the skater is then challenged to increase the speed and/or difficulty of the element.

Technical focus

• Speed will be more of a focus with features such as the fast track and specific speed- related drills.
• Activities highlighting flexibility will be incorporated into the sessions to ensure appropriate development of this skill.
• Stage 1 - 3 introduce the use of edges, turns and skating basics
• Sport specific skills will be introduced in Stages 4 - 6

Emphasis on skill progression and repetition:

• Better skill progressions will be reinforced as the skaters develop skills.
• Skills will be repeated at various stages throughout the program with gradually increasing the performance requirements.

 

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Awards

Additional awards in the form of ribbons which correspond to the new fundamental areas have been added to provide skill benchmarks and help motivate skaters.

 

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What does the CanSkate session look like?

• Colourful teaching aids
• More Signage
• Circuits
• Station rotation
• Fast Track
• Challenge Zone
• Up Beat music

What to expect when first showing up at the Rink?

1. Pick-up your child’s name tag and make sure it’s securely fastened to an outside layer of clothing. Please do not take the name tags home, your coach will be removing them before the end of the session.
2. Please use the assigned dressing rooms or the rink stands to get your child ready for the session.

 

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Rules for the Ice

1. NO food, drink or gum on the ice
2. NO one is allowed on the ice with-out skates
3. All skaters must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet
4. All skaters must be register with Skate Canada
5. NO un-instructed games, example tag
6. Horseplay will NOT be tolerated and skaters will be asked to leave the ice.

Parents or Guardians

Parents or guardians are required to be present for the duration of the CanSkate session. Skaters are not permitted to leave the ice during a session unless a parent or guardian is at the door to meet them.

 

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