CanSkate Learn-to-Skate Program  Frequently Asked Questions ** click here 

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 (LTD) principles, CanSkate centers on physical literacy and fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity. The program includes specific skills that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating.

All programs are taught by Professional Coaches In-Training or higher through the National Coaching Certification Program and Skate Canada mentor Coaches and assessors. The Coaches are assisted during CanSkate sessions by Trained Program Assistants, many who are senior skaters and some local athletes who assist for community hours. CanSkate is taught in group lessons with a WarmUp, Lesson Time, Group Activity and Cool Down. The skater to coach/program assistant ratio is 5:1. The lesson time is set up in a 3 station rotation where the skaters will receive Lessons in the Fundamentals of skating - Agility, Balance and Control. Lesson stations will be designed for maximum movement using skill progression circuits allowing skaters to continue moving while getting one on one attention at each weeks lesson focus. Included with the Control station is the Challenge Zone used to enhance progress by offering challenging elements in a fun way.

PreCanSkate groups are a component of the CanSkate program and are designed for participants who have no previous experience, regardless of age. PreCanSkate participants work on the essential skills needed to move confidently on the ice. The goal of this group is to prepare skaters to rotate through the Fundamental stations and participate fully in the CanSkate program.

Skaters MUST wear a CSA approved helmet in order to participate. PreCanSkate participants MUST have a face cage.

Skaters must be registered 48 hours prior to the first class in order to ensure time for proper processing.

We do not offer prorated fees for Learn to Skate programs.   

Please Note: Skaters must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet and are encouraged to use a face cage in order to participate. 

Parents can get their skaters ready in an assigned change room.  The change room schedule is posted above the arena admin office.  Skaters will take the ice at the first ice door near dressing room #1.  Parents are not permitted to remain at the boards, parents may watch from the lobby or the stands.

Equipment

Proper equipment is essential to becoming skilled in most sports and skating is no exception! Skaters cannot learn skills unless their skates fit well and support their ankles. If your child cannot walk across the floor holding his/her ankles up it is highly unlikely that he/she will be any better on the ice. 
It is important to remember that learning to skate should be a fun and successful experience. It should not be lessened by poor quality equipment or physical discomfort. A well thought out purchase of good skates will encourage enthusiasm and excitement in anyone learning to skate.  

If at anytime you have questions or concerns regarding your equipment, please consult with any of the Club coaches. 

Skates

SKATES
When looking for skates, whether they are hockey or figure skates, the following tips should be kept in mind:
• Fit well and provide support to the ankle. Have the skater push their toes all the way to the front of the boot. Be sure there is no more than one finger-width
of space behind the heel
• Be sure the fi t around the ankle is snug, and the top is a bit looser to allow the ankle to bend 
• Any extra lace should be tied or tucked in
• Sharpen skates before use and continue to sharpen every few months
• Use guards to protect the sharpening when walking (o the ice)
• Wipe o snow and ice after skating, and store on a soft towel
• Never store skates with guards on as this creates rust

Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire and Sports stores sell skating equipment in a variety of price and quality ranges. 

          DO NOT USE.......

• Skates with Buckles or Velcro
• Plastic Skates
• Bobskates
• Skate Trainers 
• Skates a size larger to "grow into"
• Long laces tied around ankles

Note: For those skaters who move onto the Figure skating program after badge 6 to Juniors please read the Juniors section for Skate equipment to ensure the best experience and advancement for your skater.

How to ensure correct size of skates

1. Wear only one pair of socks or tights (the same pair that will be worn when skating)
2. Partially unlace boot through instep  
3. Slide foot forward so toe can touch the front but not cramped  
4. Stand with weight equally distributed over both feet—bend knees  
5. The space at the back of the heel should be no more than a pencil width  
6. Don't forget to check if the width of the skates fit the foot—they should be snug but comfortable.
7. Walk around in the skates off the ice; they should feel comfortable. 

How to tie skates  

1. Once foot is placed comfortably in the boot.
   Be sure the tongue is centered and pulled all the way up.
2. Start at the toe of the skate and tighten laces comfortably over the toe and front of the boot
3. Before tightening the hooks, wiggle your toes to make sure the skates feel comfortable.
4. Tie laces snugly around the ankle and tie a tight bow or double knot.
5. Make sure extra lace is tucked away

Sharpening your skates 

All new skates and skates that have not been skated on for a month will need to be sharpened before you skate on them.  Re-sharpen skates after approximately 20-30 hours of skating.  More frequent sharpening may be required, if the skater walks on concrete, rubber or carpeted surfaces without guards, if the blades are not wiped dry, or if there are severe nicks and rough surfaces on the edges of the blade.  
Do NOT remove the bottom pick on figure skates.  The pick is part of the design of figure skates and is essential to proper balance. 

Helmets

CSA approved Helmets are mandatory for all skaters in the PreCanSkate and CanSkate programs!  PreCanSkate skaters MUST also wear a face guard attached to their helmet.

Helmets should fit snug and both the helmet and strap should be adjustable.

Care of Equipment

Always wear protective guards when not on the ice. Do NOT walk on concrete surfaces without skate guards. Sharpening and blades will wear much faster, and are damaged severely by the surface.  

After a lesson, dry blades and sole plate completely with a cloth. This will prevent the blades from rusting.  Always remove guards and allow skates to air dry completely after each skate.  

When not in use, remove skates from the skate bag and leave them in the open so that they can air dry thoroughly, allowing the leather to breath.  

Skating Clothing

The rink is cold so remember to bring extra clothing and layer when possible. 

Pants/Jackets - To keep your child warm, snow pants or windbreaker pants over long pants are recommended. Sweaters and turtlenecks or a winter jacket on top should be sufficient. Try to avoid clothing that is too bulky, restrictive or not waterproof. 

Mitts/Gloves – Bring at least 1 pair of warm gloves each day and have a back up pair in case they get wet. Put a few pairs of gloves in the skating bag at the beginning of the season and you won't have to remember to bring them each time. 

Making the first day a success

Our coaches recommend that you have your child put their skates on at home a couple of times and walk around on the carpet with guards on.   

Make sure to also put the helmet on at home a couple of times. Doing this will take some of the anxiety out of the first day as they will at least be familiar with the feeling of the skating equipment. 

Pick up each skater's name tag at the welcome desk. At the end of each night, the name tag will be collected and given out the following week. 

Water bottles are NOT allowed at ice level. Hydrate your skater before the session and have a drink ready for when they finish. 

Have a trip to the bathroom before the session begins.

Another recommendation is to tell your child that you will not be going on the ice with them but will be watching from the stands or lobby.  You will however see everything that they are achieving and you hope that they HAVE FUN!

Communication

Please check your email, the club website, the white announcement board near the board desk at the area during sessions, on a regular basis for information and updates. Please ensure the club has your current email address, you can change this in your account at any time.

Report Cards

Skaters are assessed and receive badges and ribbons throughout the session. At the end of the session skaters will receive a progress report with all achievements checked off and coach comments on the back. Please note you may access your skaters progress through your Uplifter account as well.