INFORMATION
PRE-CANSKATE:
Pre-CanSkate is our entry into the world of skating this is for ages 3-5 years of age. This program is fun based. We play games, carry stuffed animals and even blow bubbles. Having fun is the best way to introduce a new activity you your little ones. As their skills increase we slowly introduce fun circuits into the program so the transfer to CanSkate is easier. All skaters get a certificate with either a ribbon or badge depending on weather they are ready to move up to CanSkate.
CANSKATE:
CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program, CanSkate is geared towards beginner skaters of all ages. Skaters will earn badges and other incentives as they learn fundamental skating skills in Balance, Control, and Agility. Lessons are given in a group format and led by NCCP certified professional coaches and assisted by trained Program Assistants. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, music and a wide variety of activities that create a fun environment and promote learning.
REPORT CARDS & INCENTIVES
All skaters will receive a report card at the end of the fall and winter sessions. Skaters are awarded ribbons upon successful completion of a set of CanSkate skills and will receive badges upon successful completion of a CanSkate level. Report cards are an important communication tool between the coach and the parent/skater. They provide feedback on the progress of the skater—what the skater is doing well and what needs to be improved.CanSkate Badge Chart
Incentives such as stickers, colouring sheets, certificates, etc. are given out to all skaters at the end of each session.
EQUIPMENT
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
Skates: Strong ankle support in skates will help your skater improve in balance. New or used skates are welcome. All skates must be sharpened before lessons and regularly after.
Helmets: CSA approved Hockey helmets are required (no bicycle and ski helmets permitted.) **Face shields not required **
Gloves: Gloves are required as a safety precaution and must be worn at all times.
Clothing: We highly recommend warm layers that are still easy to move in. Snow pants are recommended so long as they are clean and don't drag on the ice. DIRTY SNOW PANTS WILL BE REFUSED
SKATES
SKATE CARE
~After each wearing, blades should be dried with a cloth and stored without guards.
~While removing skates make sure they are sufficiently unlaced so that the back of the boot will not break down.
~Blades are sharpened properly on a regular basis. This is very important as the blade is the contact that makes the edges enabling a skater to skate.
~Plastic skates, buckled skates, or skates that 'grow with your child' are not recommended. These skates don't stay done up, they don't offer ankle support, and can make it harder for your skater to balance
~The bottom pick should not be removed from a beginner’s figure skates.The bottom pick may take a bit of getting used to, but it is important for jumping, footwork, and balance.
TYING SKATES:
~Skates should fit snug. A skate is generally 1-2 sizes smaller than your regular shoe size.
~Skates should have strong ankle support (feels stiff and doesn't bend side-to-side).
~When putting a skate on, make sure your heel is against the back, and that you have socks that are taller than the boot.
~Different skates are tied differently. A well tied skate has little room for ankle movement and only one finger can fit inside.
~Laces should be just long enough to tie the skate without dragging on the ice. If the skate has extra lace, try to tuck it in. Laces tied around the skate, can slip and move around, causing pain.
~Before getting on the ice, have the skater stand up in the skates and make sure they can bend their knees, but their feet are not wobbling side to side.
