Project Description
CanSkate
CanSkate is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program. This nationally-tested and proven curriculum teaches people of all ages the fundamentals of skating and is a great foundation for recreational skating, figure skating, or hockey.
CanSkate Levels 1-6
Ages: 3 – 103
Focus: Balance, control, and agility
Assessments: Continuous assessment through 6 Stages, earning ribbons and badges at each level
Format: Group lessons, rotating through stations
Coaches: Sessions led by professional Skate Canada NCCP-certified coaches. Full list of coaches available on our Coaches page
Program Assistants: Additional on-ice support provided by trained, volunteer Program Assistants, 12 yrs and older, from our StarSkate program
Session schedule: Skaters may skate more than one or more sessions per week. Visit our Schedule page to view the weekly schedule.
Pre-CanSkate
- For 3-4 year olds with no experience
- Focused on learning to stand, balance, and move forwards and backwards.
Pre-Star
- Future figure skaters who have passed CanSkate Stage 3
- Learning skills specific to figure skating
- Group sessions; club-coached (no private coaches required)
- Some skaters may wish to skate more than once a week at this level
Adult CanSkate
- CanSkate curriculum for adults
- Group instruction provided by a certified coach and supervision from program assistants (experienced adult skaters).
Levels & Assessments
- Skaters are grouped together on the ice based on ability and/or badge level
- Skaters are continuously assessed throughout a 10-week session and may be re-grouped if/when appropriate
- All skaters are assessed by NCCP-trained coaches and will receive a progress report at the end of the 10 week session.
Registering A New Skater
- Skaters under 5 with no experience should register for PreCanSkate
- Skaters 5+ with or without skating experience should register for CanSkate
- New skaters (5+) register for CanSkate Stage 1; coaches will assess and move skaters as necessary
Equipment
- CSA-approved hockey helmet – no bicycle helmets
- Sharpened skates – hockey or figure skates, whichever is preferred
- Mittens or gloves
- Warm clothing – long pants and a warm sweater or jacket
- Soft cloth or towel for drying skates and blades to prevent rust
- Skate guards – hard guards are recommended for walking back and forth to the ice surface, as well as soft guards/soakers for keeping blades protected and rust-free between skating sessions