CanSkate

What is CanSkate?

CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles, the Learn to Skate Program has an:

  • Emphasis on speed and flexibility - built in components that address the development of speed and flexibility in a concrete way. Speed is more of a focus with features such as the Fast Track and specific speed-related drills. Activities highlighting flexibility are incorporated into the sessions to ensure appropriate development of this skill.

  • Introduction of edges, turns and stroking basics - focus is placed on edges, turns, strong pushes and glides. Sport-specific skills are introduced later in the program.

  • Emphasis on skill progression and repetition – skill progressions are reinforced as the skaters develop skills. Skills are repeated at various stages throughout the program with gradually increasing performance requirements.

Who’s it for?

For beginners of all ages, children or adults, as well as for those wishing to improve their basic skills whether their focus be for figure skating, hockey, speed skating or just skating for fun.

What will you learn? - The ABCs of skating

The Skate Canada Learn to Skate Program is based on fundamental movements plus four components (Speed, Extreme, Spins & Spirals and Hockey/Ringette) that have been reconfigured into three Fundamental Areas called Balance, Control and Agility:

  • Agility: Turn, Jump and turn and jumping skills from Extreme, Spins & Spirals and Hockey/Ringette skills.

  • Balance: Skate Forward and forward moving Extreme, Spins & Spirals and Hockey/Ringette skills.

  • Control: Stop, Skate Backward and backward moving Extreme, Speed, Spins & Spirals and Hockey/Ringette skills.

What can you expect? - Action, movement and fun!

CanSkate uses nationally-tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster. Lessons are given in a group format with a coach-to-student ratio of a maximum 1:10. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using colourful teaching aids, signage, circuits, station rotation, Fast Track, Fun Zone and upbeat music. There is a great deal of movement, action and fun creating a motivational environment that promotes learning. Badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters’ progress and reward effort and participation. Once a skater achieves the Balance, Control and Agility ribbons for a certain stage, they are awarded the badge for that stage.

What do you need to participate?

All you need are skates, a CSA-approved hockey helmet (no bike helmets), long pants, mittens, warm sweater or jacket. Dress in layers – it will get warm! Keep in mind, a cold skater is not a happy skater.

At the rink

Name Tag Table! When you enter the arena, a name tag table will be set up. Name tags can be picked up at the beginning of each skating night, and must be returned each skating night. Name tags must be worn each night.

Dressing Rooms! After picking up name tags, take your first left. The dressing room will be on your left.


Program Assistant Treats

Our CanSkate program relies on a group of very dedicated and supportive volunteer skaters – CanSkate Program Assistants. To express gratitude for their hard work we ask CanSkate families to provide snacks to our volunteer PAs for at least one session. Snacks can include homemade and/or store bought items (muffins, granola bars, cookies, fruit, etc. (Please consider a Gluten free option). Please add your name to the calendar that will be posted at the Name Tag Table at the rink or contact our CanSkate Directors.