CanSkate Beginners Levels 1-3

 What Is It?

CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development.  Whether the focus is figure skating, hockey, speed skating, ringette or just for fun or those wishing to improve their basic skating skills. All you need are skates, a CSA-approved hockey helmet, long pants, mittens, a warm sweater or jacket.  

Who is it for?

For beginners of all ages, as well as for those wishing to improve their basic skating skills regardless of their focus sport (yes, we have hockey and ringette players join!)  

Who teaches it?

Certified Skate Canada professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants. 

What will you learn?

A complete series of balance, control and agility skills taught in six stages of learning that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating as well as general recreational skating.  CanSkate uses nationally tested and proven curriculum.  Within each CanSkate session, the children will be divided into smaller groups according to their skating level. This means that any child can register in a CanSkate session, regardless of level. They will be placed in the group that will allow them to make the best progress during the session. 

What can you expect?

Skaters progress at their own rate with the help of trained coaches.  The coaching staff make our sessions active using teaching aids, upbeat music with a wide variety of activities; creating a motivational environment and promote learning.  Badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters’ progress and reward effort and participation.

A Typical Session

Before the Rink & What Do You Need: 

Make sure your child uses the washroom before going on the ice. All you need are skates, a CSA-approved hockey helmet, long pants, mittens (preferably non-stick), a warm sweater or jacket.  Remember to dress in layers – it will get warmer for some children than others.

 Arrival at Rink:

When you arrive at the arena for a skating session, parents/guardians should pick up the skater’s name tag at the CanSkate table. The name tags are color coded to help with dividing children into groups according. At first, groups are divided according to age.  As season progresses, coaches will assess and make the appropriate changes according to skills.  Your child may change groups during the season.

 During the Session / Getting Child on Ice:

Once your child is on the ice, please find a seat in the stand.  It is very distracting for children when their loved ones are standing next to the rink boards. Parents/guardians must stay at the arena during the session in case of an emergency or if your child needs to get off the ice.

 Coaches Request & Please Remember

If your child is crying on the ice, it sometimes helps if you go watch through the windows in the lobby so that your child can’t see you. It is much like dropping your child at daycare for the first time.  If they don’t see you, they are more apt to focus on developing a trusting relationship with the coaches.

The first few sessions may seem chaotic until coaches can get children up and going.  Your child might get frustrated or even just sit and cry.  Please have patience with your child and our coaching staff.  After about the third week, most skaters are up and moving.  Other may take more time and that is alright!

If you have any questions or concerns, please approach us.  If they don’t have the answer, they will direct you to the appropriate person to ask your question. 

What happens after you reach all goals from CanSkate program?

The session provides an opportunity for advancement into our CanSkate Advanced program. The Advanced program includes skaters working on stages 3 to 6 for achievement badges.