Learn to Skate - CanSkate
CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation, and basic skill development. In CanSkate, you will learn basic skills to prepare you for any ice skating sport or recreational skating. Skaters receive instruction from nationally-certified coaches in a 10:1 coach and program assistant to skater ratio. CanSkate is one of the most sought-after skating programs in Canada as Skate Canada’s flagship program.
You will earn ribbons and badges as skills are mastered. This unique intro-to-ice environment is designed to stimulate and maintain interest and enthusiasm among skaters, allowing you to gain the physical competency and confidence to remain active for life!
The CanSkate stages:
CanSkate Programs:
Pre-CanSkate
Pre-CanSkate is for 3-year-olds who are just learning to skate. The objective of our Pre-CanSkate program is to get the skaters comfortable on the ice.
We recommend that Pre-CanSkaters dress warmly and in layers. We recommend warm pants covered with splash pants to keep the skaters dry and warm. Thicker mittens are also recommended. Helmets are mandatory, and facemasks are recommended at this level. We often draw pictures on the ice with permanent marker, so we recommend dark, older clothing.
Who teaches the program?
The Pre-CanSkate program is taught by Professional Coaches who are assisted by trained Program Assistants (older club skaters).
CanSkate
Program Objectives:- To provide participants and families with a safe, welcoming and inclusive first experience in the sport of skating
- To develop skating and motor skills through natural learning phases (introduction, acquisition, retention/mastery)
- To use skill progression and repetition throughout the stages to introduce physical literacy and establish quality basic skating skills
- To foster personal achievements and satisfaction through skill acquisition, reward and recognition
- To evoke an interest in life-long participation in skating
CSA approved hockey helmets are mandatory for all CanSkaters.
Parents and Tots CanSkate
NSC is excited to reintroduce our Parent & Tot session beginning this fall. Parent & Tot is a unique opportunity to take part in your child’s skating instruction and learn how to motivate your young skater while learning from the best!
This program is designed for skaters who are 3-4 years old and wish to have their parent join them on the ice. Parents will assist their skater while they are instructed by our qualified NCCP Coaches.
To register for our Parent & Tot session, your skater must be registered as a “Child” and the parent must also register as an “Adult” as both parties must purchase a Skate Canada Membership ($58.70). Adults will be charged the Skate Canada Membership fee only.
Children who are 4 years old or older who do not require a parent to be on the ice with them can register under CanSkate or PreCanSkate. They will be instructed independently without the aid of their parent.
- To provide participants and families with a safe, welcoming and inclusive first experience in the sport of skating
- To develop skating and motor skills through natural learning phases (introduction, acquisition, retention/mastery)
- To use skill progression and repetition throughout the stages to introduce physical literacy and establish quality basic skating skills
- To foster personal achievements and satisfaction through skill acquisition, reward and recognition
- To evoke an interest in life-long participation in skating
CSA approved hockey helmets are mandatory for all CanSkaters.
Advanced CanSkate
Program Description:
The Advanced CanSkate session is for skaters who have already completed badge #2 in the CanSkate program.
This is the fast track program that leads into our “Rising Stars” program for figure skating as well as improves speed and agility for skaters who aspire to move into hockey, ringette, or speed skating.
- To provide participants and families with a safe, welcoming and inclusive first experience in the sport of skating
- To develop skating and motor skills through natural learning phases (introduction, acquisition, retention/mastery)
- To use skill progression and repetition throughout the stages to introduce physical literacy and establish quality basic skating skills
- To foster personal achievements and satisfaction through skill acquisition, reward and recognition
- To evoke an interest in life-long participation in skating
CSA approved ice helmets are mandatory.
Additional Information:
What to Expect On Your First Day
How to prepare for your skating lessons:
- Get your skates sharpened
- Make sure your helmet fits
- Pack your mittens or gloves
- Pack an old rag to wipe your blades with after your lesson
- Practice putting on your skates and tying them.
- Please use a hard skate guard when walking around the arena, dull skates will impede your child’s progress
How to dress:
- The arena can be cold for small children, please dress them in a warm jacket and snow pants or splash pants
- All skaters must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet
On the first day:
- Arrive early and check in at the Learn to Skate table, the table is outside the change room area
- Your child will be given a name tag with a class colour on it at the check in table
- Proceed to the dressing rooms to put on your skates. Dressing rooms are assigned to CanSkate. Please check the dressing room assignments and look for NSC CanSkate to get into the proper dressing room
- Clip your name tag onto your zipper pull or pocket
- Skaters then wait at the rink door until they are welcomed onto the ice by a coach or Program Assistant (PA).
- Parents MUST stay in the arena.
- During the first few lessons your child may be moved between groups, we continually assess the skaters so that they are with children of like abilities
- At the end of the lesson, collect your child and return to the dressing room
After the first lesson there will not be a check in table – Please retrieve your child’s name tag at the rink door. The name tag needs to be attached prior to getting on the ice.
What To Expect In Lessons
- During the first couple of lessons, your child will be assessed using the chart at the top of this page. Once assessed, your child will be placed in a class with peers of similar skating ability.
- You will see coaches and Program Assistants (PA) on the ice. The program assistants are skaters from our advanced skating levels who are there to assist the coach. The coaches set up the programs and assess each child.
- There is no set rule for progress, it is unique to each child. During the session the coaches will observe and assess. If your child is progressing quickly or they are having difficulty keeping up they may be moved to a different class. Each child needs to feel challenged without feeling overwhelmed by the sessions.
- On the last session there will be report cards given out to each child. The cards will capture the current skating level and may include a ribbon to indicate that your skater has passed a CanSkate level.
What equipment do you need to skate?
All you need are skates, a CSA-approved hockey helmet, long pants, mittens and a warm sweater or jacket. Dress in layers as some rinks are colder than others.
To ensure the safety of our skaters, coaches, and program assistants, we strongly recommend a full-face-shielded hockey helmet, as seen in the picture below:
These shields can be purchased at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Play It Again Sports, and Pro Hockey Life.
Check out this video for tips on equipping your skater properly for CanSkate.