CanSkate

Best for: Beginner and developing recreational skaters

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Prerequisite: Skaters must have acquired the skills taught in Pre-CanSkate before registering for CanSkate.

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CanSkate is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program. Skaters progress through a series of balance, control and agility skills that build the foundation for figure skating, hockey, ringette and recreational skating.

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Sessions are taught in groups by Skate Canada-trained coaches with support from Program Assistants. Skaters progress at their own pace and may receive ribbons or badges as they complete program requirements.

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Required equipment: Skates, warm flexible clothing, gloves and a CSA-approved hockey helmet until Stage 5 has been fully completed.

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The CanSkate Curriculum​

Skaters rotate through three Fundamental Movement Stations:

• Balance – forward strides, glides, edges, crosscuts

• Control – backward skating skills, stopping

• Agility – turning, spinning, jumping, challenges

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There are 6 Stage Badges and 18 Fundamental Movement Ribbons. Skaters progress at their own pace, moving to the next skill level as soon as they complete the previous one. Each station reinforces known skills, introduces new ones, and challenges skaters with skills above their current level.

A special Challenge Zone station provides opportunities to apply skills in creative ways, practice timed drills, and try exciting new challenges.

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Note to Parents

• Parents must stay in the arena where their child can see them at all times during the session.

• Skaters must never be left at the arena alone.

• Please ensure that your children enter and exit the ice only from their designated gate.

• Parents are encouraged to watch from the stands to allow our coaches to have the children's full attention during the session. Please do not stand by the glass.